Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) Certification
Certify your renewable fuels to ensure compliance with EU RED criteria and lead the green energy transition
As global efforts towards decarbonisation intensify—particularly within sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as aviation and maritime transport— Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs) are increasingly recognised as critical contributors to a sustainable energy future.
RFNBOs, such as green hydrogen and its derivates, are generated exclusively from renewable energy sources including wind, solar, or hydroelectric power and are distinctly separate from fuels derived from biomass.
Key stakeholders include fuel producers, energy suppliers, regulatory authorities, as well as companies operating in sectors that are especially challenging to decarbonize, who all rely on certified renewable fuels to meet their sustainability targets and regulatory obligations.
Certification for RFNBOs is crucial to prove their sustainability and allow access to energy markets. Certification verifies that fuels meet strict environmental standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring transparency and trust.
RINA support producers of renewable fuels and its derivates in meeting strict sustainability and regulatory standards thorough the certification and audit process.
The ISCC EU certification system formally verifies that Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs) meet stringent sustainability and regulatory requirements. As an officially recognized certification body by ISCC System GmbH, RINA is authorized to deliver ISCC EU certification services—one of the first voluntary schemes approved by the European Commission for verifying RFNBO compliance.
Key benefits
The ISCC EU certification system:
- Guarantees access to the European market: only certified RFNBOs count towards RED targets (such as 42% of hydrogen in industry from RFNBOs by 2030 and 60% by 2035).
- Enables eligibility for incentives and subsidies in many countries, unlocking funding opportunities.
- Assures transparency, traceability , and sustainability—attributes increasingly valued by the market and regulators.
- Expands broader Commercial Viability Across Sectors: certified RFNBOs qualify as eligible fuels under FuelEU Maritime and ReFuelAviation regulations.
How does the certification process work?
After signing the contract with RINA, the organization must register with ISCC by filling out the registration form. Then we will organize independent third-party audits based on documentary review, interviews with the competent staff of the organization and on-site visit.
Our auditors verify:
- Proof of renewable electricity use, including Guarantees of Origin (GoOs) or equivalent certificates.
- Documentation on additionality, temporal and geographical correlation.
- GHG calculations demonstrating at least 70% savings compared to fossil fuels.
- Accurate mass balance records.
If the audit is positive, we issue the certificate which is subject to an annual recertification.
Why choose RINA?
RINA has many years of experience in the field of sustainability, renewable energy certification and regulatory compliance. Moreover, we are accredited and recognized by accreditation bodies or owners of the main certification schemes and by ISCC System GmbH for the ISCC EU certification of RFNBO and its derivates.
Regulatory framework
The regulatory context for RFNBO certification is defined by the EU Renewable Energy Directive (Directive EU 2023/2413) and its supporting Delegated Regulations. These rules are designed to ensure that renewable fuels of non-biological origin—like green hydrogen—genuinely support decarbonization efforts. The framework establishes robust requirements for greenhouse gas savings, the renewable origin of electricity, additionality, power purchase agreements, and both temporal and geographical correlation.
