Bureau Veritas and Avance Labs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address hydrogen certification, the I-REC (HX) Hydrogen Code.

Avance Labs are the accredited code manager for the tracking and certification of attributes associated with hydrogen and hydrogen derivative fuels and products.

The MoU will recognise the mutual interest and benefit of establishing a cooperation in the field of attributes verification and certification, with Bureau Veritas acting as the exclusive Assurance Service Provider on the piloting phase of the I-REC (International Renewable Energy Certificate) (HX) Hydrogen Code.

Avance previously announced the I-REC (HX) Product Code for hydrogen, which governs the tracking and certification process for hydrogen and its derivative fuels and products. The code outlines clear governance and quality control requirements that include validation and verification audits throughout the certification process.

The company’s Chief Carbon and Sustainability Officer, Michael Tsang, said, “Piloting the I-REC (HX) Code with support from Bureau Veritas as the Assurance Service Provider marks a significant step in advancing our commitment to establishing robust standards that enhance transparency and legitimacy to certification in the hydrogen industry.

“This collaboration underscores our shared dedication to set new benchmarks for reliability and credibility in the global hydrogen trade, ensuring that industry players can navigate this evolving landscape with confidence and integrity.”

Marcel Hochar, Senior Vice President Middle East and Central Asia at Bureau Veritas, added, “This strategic partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering a sustainable future and signifies a collaborative effort to set industry benchmarks in international hydrogen trade.

“By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to accelerate the hydrogen market with rigorous certification processes that are essential for safety, reliability, and environmental sustainability.”

Bureau Veritas has expertise in supporting hydrogen industry players and is involved in developing and implementing low carbon hydrogen certification plans around the world.

The company is also recognised as a key contributor to hydrogen accelerated development in the major production and off-taker markets, ensuring its clients’ projects gain trust and credibility.