Embedded Carbon Record for CBAM Compliance: Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the most carbon-variable CBAM sector. Grey hydrogen (SMR, no CCS) default: 5.14 tCO₂/t. Green hydrogen (electrolysis, renewable electricity): 0.00–0.50 tCO₂/t. The CBAM saving for green hydrogen exporters is EUR 300+/t — making verified documentation the single most valuable compliance action.
CBAM Default Values for Hydrogen
| Product | CN Code | Default Value (tCO₂/t H₂) | CBAM Cost at EUR 65.42/tCO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen (all types) | 2804 10 | 5.14 | EUR 336.26/t H₂ |
A single default value applies to all hydrogen regardless of production method. This creates the largest spread between default and actual of any CBAM sector — and the largest financial incentive to verify.
Actual Emission Values by Hydrogen Colour
| Hydrogen Type | Production Method | Actual (tCO₂/t H₂) | CBAM Saving vs Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grey hydrogen | SMR, no CCS | 9–12 | Exceeds default — no saving |
| Grey hydrogen (efficient) | SMR, modern plant | 5–7 | Near default |
| Blue hydrogen | SMR + CCS (90% capture) | 0.5–1.5 | EUR 235–285/t |
| Turquoise hydrogen | Methane pyrolysis | 0.5–2.0 | EUR 208–285/t |
| Green hydrogen | Electrolysis, renewable electricity | 0.0–0.5 | EUR 303–336/t |
| Pink hydrogen | Electrolysis, nuclear electricity | 0.1–0.3 | EUR 316–329/t |
Indirect Emissions for Hydrogen
Hydrogen CBAM includes indirect emissions (electricity). For electrolytic hydrogen, the electricity emission factor is the dominant variable. Under CBAM Delegated Regulation 2024/1610, green hydrogen producers can use the actual emission factor of their dedicated renewable electricity source — not the grid average — provided the electricity is:
- From a dedicated renewable installation (no grid mixing)
- Produced in the same bidding zone or directly connected
- Produced within the same hour as the electrolysis (hourly matching)
This is the critical documentation requirement for green hydrogen exporters. The verification report must confirm hourly matching, direct connection or bidding zone compliance, and the renewable installation's emission factor.
Green Hydrogen Exporters and CBAM Opportunity
| Country | Green H₂ Capacity (2026 est.) | CBAM Saving Potential | Key Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 50,000 t/year | EUR 15M+/year | Nour Midelt, IRESEN |
| Saudi Arabia | 650 t/year (NEOM) | EUR 200K/year | NEOM Green Hydrogen |
| Chile | 10,000 t/year | EUR 3M/year | HIF Global, Enaex |
| Australia | 5,000 t/year | EUR 1.5M/year | Fortescue, ATCO |
| South Africa | 2,000 t/year | EUR 600K/year | HySA, Sasol Green |
Store Your Hydrogen Embedded Carbon Record for CBAM Compliance
Green hydrogen producers: your CBAM saving is EUR 300+/t. Verify and store your record permanently.