A new study conducted by Monash engineers in Australia delves into the efficacy of the country's main electricity market in supporting truly green hydrogen. The research utilizes life cycle assessment to scrutinize the alignment of Australia's hydrogen certification schemes with international standards. Key findings of the study point out potential gaps in the current certification framework, especially regarding the need for improved tracking of both operational emissions and the embedded carbon costs of infrastructure development. The study emphasizes the significance of ensuring that renewable-powered 'green hydrogen' meets robust climate standards, highlighting the challenges of aligning certification rules with real-world conditions. While certain principles, like time matching, can effectively reduce grid-related emissions, they may also lead to higher costs and embodied emissions due to increased infrastructure requirements. The study suggests that the exclusion of geographic correlation in certification rules could enhance the benefits of shared electricity flows in the National Electricity Market (NEM). Lead author Dr. Graham Palmer warns that certification gaps might impede Australia's compliance with international standards and the establishment of reliable markets for green hydrogen exports. The study advocates for evidence-based policy design to address the delicate balance between environmental concerns and industry support. It also underlines the importance of further research and policy initiatives to stimulate new renewable investments in the hydrogen sector, beyond the scope of life cycle assessment.