French hydrogen producer Lhyfe has previously claimed to be Europe’s largest supplier of RFNBO (Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin)–certified green hydrogen. That assertion, however, has quickly come under scrutiny. An investigation by Hydrogen Insight suggests that the claim may be overstated, with other operators or projects potentially leading when capacity or implementation is assessed more comprehensively.
Background: Lhyfe’s Claim and RFNBO Certification
Lhyfe has publicly positioned itself as Europe’s leading RFNBO-certified green hydrogen producer. The claim is based on RFNBO-compliant operational certifications at multiple sites in France and Germany. These certifications confirm that hydrogen is produced using renewable electricity and meets the European Union’s stringent requirements for traceability, emissions accounting, and sustainability.
Lhyfe’s currently certified sites include:
Bouin (1 MW, France), already certified
Buléon (5 MW, France)
Bessières (5 MW, France)
Schwäbisch Gmünd (10 MW, Germany)
Together, these facilities represent a total installed electrolyser capacity of 21 MW, with an estimated combined production of approximately 8.3 tonnes of green hydrogen per day. On this basis, Lhyfe is undeniably a significant player in Europe’s RFNBO landscape.
Sources of Controversy
Despite Lhyfe’s bold assertion, Hydrogen Insight questions whether the company truly leads across all relevant metrics—particularly in terms of installed and operational capacity, contracted volumes, or fully integrated grid-connected systems.
Concerns have been raised that some of Lhyfe’s certified sites may not yet be fully operational or may not be supplying hydrogen at meaningful utilization levels.
The article suggests that other projects—potentially less visible—could already surpass Lhyfe in the effective supply of RFNBO-certified green hydrogen when factors such as operational scale, contractual commitments, or production integration are taken into account.
Why It Matters
Credibility and Investment: For customers and investors across the hydrogen value chain, being labeled “the largest” sends a powerful signal. Contested claims risk undermining confidence and partnerships.
Policy and Incentives: RFNBO certification is critical for eligibility under EU regulatory frameworks, including funding mechanisms, green quotas, and sustainable fuel mandates.
Transparency in Reporting: Distinguishing between certified capacity and actual operational output has become a central issue in hydrogen policy debates, as many announced projects have yet to reach full performance.
Conclusion
While Lhyfe has secured RFNBO certification for multiple sites and operates 21 MW of certified electrolyser capacity—placing it among Europe’s leading certified green hydrogen suppliers—Hydrogen Insight remains skeptical of the company’s claim to undisputed leadership across all practical metrics.