SECI Opens a CO₂ Source EOI for RFNBO Methanol and Green Urea
SECI's EOI asks Indian CO₂ source owners to support future green urea and RFNBO-compliant green methanol schemes, putting carbon-source eligibility, location and traceability into early project screening.
What happened
On 3 August 2026, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) published EOI No. SECI/C&P/EOI/17/0003/26-27. The EOI seeks information on Indian CO₂ sources for two uses: green urea for the domestic market and RFNBO-compliant green methanol for export and shipping. MNRE listed the notice on 7 August 2026.
SECI set a pre-EOI meeting for 18 August and a response deadline of 17 September 2026. It also states that the EOI is a market consultation, not a tender. A response creates no procurement, offtake, funding or award right.
Why it matters
The notice treats CO₂ as a core compliance input for green methanol. Part I asks for sources that could support RFNBO claims. Part II covers a wider set of sources for domestic green urea.
SECI's indicative reading of current EU rules classifies biogenic CO₂ and direct air capture as sources without a stated sunset date. It treats some fossil industrial sources as time-bound and says sources outside a recognised EU ETS or equivalent system generally do not qualify for RFNBO purposes. SECI also warns that this is an indicative view and that EU rules can change.
The EOI asks for the source's quantity, purity, seasonal profile, long-term availability, capture and transport needs, and distance from possible export ports such as Kandla and Tuticorin. This links carbon-source evidence to both compliance and project logistics.
What changes for market participants
- Producers should map the CO₂ source from origin through capture, purification, transport and use. They should keep evidence for source category, availability, emissions and double-counting controls.
- Buyers should test the carbon pathway as well as the hydrogen or ammonia pathway. A green-methanol claim without a clear carbon-source record is not enough for RFNBO diligence.
- Certifiers should keep carbon eligibility, GHG accounting and chain of custody distinct from renewable-electricity and hydrogen-production records.
HyGOAT implication
Screen should add carbon-source readiness to derivative-project reviews. For an export project, the evidence record should link:
- the CO₂ source and its origin;
- capture, purification and measurement records;
- transport and custody data;
- the applicable RFNBO and RED III rules; and
- the GHG calculation and certificate scope.
This gives producers a clear path from a carbon-source claim to certification readiness and export readiness. It also prevents an EOI response from standing in for a verified RFNBO certificate.
Risks and caveats
- The EOI does not select suppliers or confirm future demand.
- SECI's interpretation does not replace EU law, a voluntary certification scheme or an auditor's decision.
- Source eligibility, logistics and EU rules may change before a future procurement round.
Sources
- SECI: EOI tender details - publication date, meeting date and 17 September 2026 response deadline.
- SECI: EOI document - scope, source categories, RFNBO caveats and information requested.
- MNRE: EOI notice - 7 August 2026 notice listing.