Nobian on partnering with Normec QS
Unique knowledge
You have spent years working on the production of green hydrogen, and you are now ready for the final important step: obtaining official EU certification. Then you find out that only one party in the Netherlands has the authority and expertise to review, audit and certify the application. Julien Courtois, Nobian's Product Development Manager for Hydrogen, talks about their special collaboration with Normec QS.
‘If you want to be one of the most sustainable companies in your sector, you have to stick your neck out. This is particularly true for chemical companies. We have been involved in salt extraction since 1918. This gives us almost 110 years of experience with a raw material that is indispensable for society and for the energy transition. We convert salt into essential chemicals needed for producing many everyday materials, including soap, cardboard, degreasers, medicines, and solar panels. We also use salt to produce hydrogen via electrolysis. Extracting salt, using electrochemistry and constructing energy storage capacity, is our contribution to the energy transition and, as a result, to a sustainable society.’
Greener together
‘We produce RFNBO-certified hydrogen as part of our green ambitions, as set out in our sustainability programme Grow Greener Together. RFNBO stands for 'Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin'. Official EU certification was necessary to demonstrate compliance to the market. To this end, our application to the ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) scheme had to be verified by a recognised auditor. At the beginning of 2025, Normec QS was the only certification body in the Netherlands authorised to do so. That’s why we joined forces and embarked on a highly interesting journey for both parties. In practice, there is a difference between the certification schemes on paper based on European legislation and the reality of the large-scale installations. For example, part of the certification audit involves checking the calibration of measuring instruments.This demonstrates how our equipment performs against the reference norms. However, we cannot calibrate our electrolyser, which is essential for hydrogen production. It is supplied with a certain level of accuracy, and that is it. How do you deal with that? I found Normec QS’s solution-oriented attitude, our mutual discussions and the consultations that Normec QS held with the ISCC very interesting and constructive. I also appreciated the package that Normec QS offered us. The certification process comprised of a pre-audit, followed by the official audit. Thanks to the frequent and open communication during the pre-audit, during which we were able to address issues such as outlined above in accordance with the certification scheme's wishes and requirements, the official audit was merely a formality. It resulted in our factory in Rotterdam obtaining the desired certification. This makes Nobian the first large-scale European producer of certified green hydrogen with an ISCC EU certification for RFNBOs.’
Frontrunner
‘When we announced our certification, we received positive reactions from all quarters. People were also surprised that a Dutch producer had succeeded in producing sustainable hydrogen that meets the criteria. The next step is to make our RFNBO hydrogen applications known to the market. Although opinions about hydrogen vary, it is a wonderful alternative for industry, heavier logistics equipment and energy storage, provided it is produced sustainably. We owe the progress we have made so far bringing this product to market in part to Normec QS’s support. This demonstrates the importance of having knowledgeable partners. Together with Jorn and his team, we have taken an important step forwards for Nobian and the entire value chain.’
Julien CourtoisManager Product Development Hydrogen Nobian
This demonstrates the importance of having knowledgeable partners. Together with Jorn and his team, we have taken an important step forwards for Nobian and the entire value chain.
The first certificate
Jorn Bronsvoort, Technical Director at Normec QS explains: ‘Normec QS has been actively developing its knowledge of European legislation and certification requirements for green hydrogen and RFNBOs for several years. Recently, we have carried out several pilot projects on behalf of the Dutch government (RvO) to evaluate the practicality of the audit system we have developed for companies. This resulted in the first certificate for large-scale green hydrogen production being issued, establishing Normec QS's leading position in this market. Our collaboration with Nobian during the audit process was excellent. The team involved was highly professional and very knowledgeable about the certification requirements. The result was a pleasant and efficient working experience for everyone involved.’
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