Delegated Acts on Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs)
Overview Summary
The Delegated Acts on Renewable Fuels of Non‑Biological Origin (RFNBOs) establish the EU‑wide rules that determine when hydrogen and hydrogen‑derived fuels qualify as renewable. These acts define the conditions for classifying renewable liquid and gaseous transport fuels of non‑biological origin, including requirements for additionality, temporal correlation, geographical correlation and lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Together, the acts operationalise Article 27(3) of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) by setting the methodology that producers must follow for their fuels to be eligible under EU renewable energy targets.
Scope of Coverage
The Delegated Acts apply to:
– hydrogen
– E‑fuels
– Other liquid and gaseous fuels produced from renewable electricity
They define technical rules on:
– Electricity sourcing
– Lifecycle emissions accounting
– Conditions under which grid‑connected electrolysers may qualify as producing renewable fuels of non‑biological origin
These rules impact producers located both inside and outside the EU who supply fuels to the EU market.
Affected Entities
The Delegated Acts apply to:
– Hydrogen producers
– Fuel producers
– Electrolyser operators
– Importers
– Companies producing hydrogen‑derived e‑fuels for EU transport and industrial use.
Market platforms and certification bodies must also verify compliance with RFNBO rules before fuels can access support schemes or count toward EU renewable targets.
Applicability & Compliance Timeline
Updated timelines after 2024–2025 postponements:
1 January 2024 → The Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1184 entered into force with transitional flexibility applying until 31 December 2029 for certain correlation requirements.
These rules apply to EU hydrogen production and to international producers exporting fuels into the EU.
What This Means for Companies
Companies planning hydrogen or e‑fuel projects must align their sourcing strategies and operational practices with RFNBO requirements. These rules determine access to renewable energy incentives, the ability to participate in Guarantees of Origin systems and market eligibility for renewable hydrogen. Meo Carbon Solutions provides project pathway assessments, correlation modelling and certification readiness services to support RFNBO compliance.
Status
Adopted and in force
Key Links
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1184: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2023/1184/oj/eng