UK Releases Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard Version 4
The UK published Version 4 of its Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard with updated emissions calculators. Post-Brexit framework divergence from the EU continues, adding complexity to multi-market compliance.
The UK released Version 4 of its Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard on January 19, 2026, with updated Hydrogen Emissions Calculator in streamlined and full versions.
Key Changes in Version 4
Updates focus on clarity and practical application under hydrogen production revenue support contracts:
- Expanded eligibility for biomethane supply via gas grid under a mass balance approach
- Simplified material classification for Refinery Off Gas
- New process for evidencing Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs)
- Introduction of asphalt as additional solid carbon permissible end use
- Clarified requirements for gas splitting production pathways
- Updated emissions factors and calculation methodologies in the Data Annex
Framework Divergence Continues
The UK and EU are building separate hydrogen compliance frameworks post-Brexit:
- EU: RFNBO framework (renewable hydrogen, strict additionality rules)
- UK: Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard (multiple pathways including electrolytic, SMR with CCS)
They are not converging. For hydrogen producers in India or other third countries, selling to the EU requires RFNBO compliance while selling to the UK requires LCHS compliance. Managing both simultaneously adds cost and complexity.
The Multi-Framework Landscape
Producers targeting international markets are already navigating:
- GHCI (India)
- RFNBO (EU)
- JCM (Japan)
- Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard (UK)
Each framework differs in system boundaries, emissions accounting, and renewable energy requirements. As Singapore, South Korea, and Australia develop their own standards in 2026-2027, the complexity compounds. Framework proliferation increases the value of multi-framework compliance infrastructure.
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