The global race for green hydrogen has already begun, and with it, new criteria have come. If before it was enough to have sun, wind and water to stand out in the clean energy scene, now more is needed: to prove, with data and international standards, that the hydrogen produced in Brazil is, in fact, sustainable from the beginning to the end of the chain.
A new standard: SBCH2 and the need for credibility
Brazil took an important step with the creation of the Brazilian Hydrogen Certification System (SBCH2), established by Law 2,308/23. The proposal is to create an internationally recognized seal that certifies that hydrogen produced in the country meets the technical and environmental criteria required by international buyers — such as the European Union, Germany and Japan.
Certification will initially be voluntary, but it is likely to become a basic condition for access to strategic markets. Therefore, interoperability with international standards, such as Europe's CertifHy and the Green Hydrogen Standard (GH2), is one of the pillars of the Brazilian proposal.
Europe and the USA: demand is the watchword
To conquer demanding markets such as Europe, Brazilian producers will need to prove that their operations emit no more than 1 kg of CO₂e per kilogram of hydrogen produced (GH2 standard). European certification, in turn, requires an emissions reduction of more than 70% in relation to fossil fuels, in accordance with the criteria of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II).
This means that it is not enough to simply generate energy from clean sources. It will be necessary to monitor and report the entire production life cycle, from electricity generation to hydrogen delivery, with technical rigor and traceability.
Is Brazil ready?
The good news is that Brazil is not starting from scratch. States like Ceará are already ahead, with hubs like the Pecém Industrial and Port Complex being prepared for H₂V exports. Companies like Unigel and partnerships with the Port of Rotterdam show that there is real movement towards internationalization.
Furthermore, the Electric Energy Trading Chamber (CCEE) has already begun structuring voluntary certification models based on RED II, bringing Brazil closer to European criteria.
Why does this matter for business?
International certification of green hydrogen is not just a technical requirement, it is a strategic competitive advantage. Companies that adapt more quickly will be able to access bilateral agreements, energy transition funds and contracts with longer terms and more attractive margins.
Furthermore, demonstrating compliance with international standards helps attract investment, enhance international reputation and consolidate Brazil as a reliable supplier of clean energy in the Global South.
Conclusion: the green seal is worth its weight in gold
Certifying hydrogen as green is not a whim; it is a market requirement. And Brazil, with its renewable energy matrix and production capacity, has everything it needs to become a leader. However, to do so, it will be necessary to invest in traceability, auditing, technology and, above all, international credibility.
Want to understand how your company can position itself to meet international green hydrogen export requirements? Talk to Bring Consulting and find out how to turn this regulatory challenge into a global competitive advantage.
