The EU has targeted net-zero emissions from transport by 2050 which will require rapid take-up of cleaner, non-fossil fuels such as hydrogen. Electric vehicles using hydrogen are filled at hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) but no standardised measurement methods exist to ensure accurate dispensing of fuel for heavy-duty vehicles that require higher flow rates. Furthermore, there are no reference materials or ratified methodologies for detecting impurities, risking damage to both HRS components and vehicle fuel cells.

Building on EMPIR project MetroHyV, this project will develop a metrological, traceable framework for testing hydrogen dispensing meters at HRS. Effects of long-term usage on HRS sensors and analysers will be examined and the first harmonised hydrogen sampling methodologies and reference materials will be developed and implemented. New field-validated primary standards for type-approval and initial verification of HRS will be made available allowing customers to be charged correctly when refuelling heavy-duty vehicles. These new measurement capabilities are expected to enable fuel quality to comply to legislation and will be critical for unlocking the potential for wider deployment of hydrogen for heavy-duty road transport in Europe.