Metrology for Advanced Hydrogen Storage Solutions

Hydrogen offers the potential to be a major contributor to helping achieve the EU target of deriving 32 % of Europe’s energy usage from renewable sources by 2030, especially as it may impose less disruption to existing supply infrastructures than alternatives. As hydrogen fuels can be stored, it could back up, so support take-up, of other, more fluctuating, renewable energy sources. However, a hydrogen storage market is not yet sustainable as important metrology remains to be defined: energy conversion processes lack traceability to standards for accurate billing and quality control, while potential safety issues remain unaddressed.

The project has developed standards-based solutions to support the development of advanced hydrogen storage technologies. Online gas analysis has been applied to measuring impurities, improved reference equations of state were developed for more accurate metering, and the effects of impurities on fuel cells investigated. Measurement methods suited to hydrogen stored within materials have been devised, as well as for underground tanks and converted natural gas tanks. Following the project, all parties in the hydrogen cycle will be provided new means to select suitable measurement technologies for improved flow measurement and gas network performance. Robust methods for measuring trace components in hydrogen will enable the safe operation of mobile and stationary fuel cells.

The underpinning metrology for hydrogen storage that will be enabled by the project will encourage industry and investor confidence for supporting the roll out the infrastructure required for a transition to large-scale use of hydrogen as an energy source.