Product environmental footprint pilot for a set of FCH product categories

While PEFCRs have already been developed for several product categories (e.g. rechargeable batteries, photovoltaic modules, thermal insulation products in buildings, etc.), no PEFCRs are available for FCH product categories. In this context, and given the momentum of FCH systems, the prompt development and application of the first PEFCRs specific to FCH product categories should be conducted.

As regards scope, the proposals should develop PEFCRs for at least 3 FCH product categories and apply them to at least 3 case studies within each product category (i.e. at least three sets of PEFCRs in total and at least nine case studies in total). The hydrogen chain coverage attained by the set of FCH product categories should be as comprehensive as possible, including at least one product category relevant to hydrogen production, one relevant to hydrogen final use, and one relevant to another step (e.g. distribution or storage). The robust measurement and reporting of the environmental performance of FCH products should ultimately contribute to enhanced market penetration of FCH solutions.

Considering the general procedure for the development of PEFCRs, the project should involve:

• Lessons learned from work already conducted on product category rules and sectoral guidance in other fields, to provide grounds for FCH-related PEFCRs;
• Stakeholder consultation, the definition of representative products, and screening (simplified environmental footprint for the representative products);
• Iterative PEFCRs drafting and application to at least three products within each product category. This should additionally involve the provision of the datasets (life cycle inventories) used in the case studies into the hydrogen node of the Life-Cycle Data Network (LCDN) managed by the JRC.

According to the goal and scope of the topic, the expected consortium should involve experts in the field of LCA and PEF, while a significant engagement of industrial stakeholders relevant to the concerned FCH product categories is needed too.

The JU estimates that an EU contribution of maximum EUR 1.50 million would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately.

The conditions related to this topic are provided in the chapter 2.2.3.2 of the Clean Hydrogen JU 2023 Annual Work Plan and in the General Annexes to the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023–2024 which apply mutatis mutandis.