The introduction of hydrogen as a universally available energy source is essential for the advancement of the energy transition. But the use of hydrogen poses a challenge for the existing infrastructure and applications. The compatibility with hydrogen must be tested to ensure safe and reliable operation. This also requires the urgent further development of the standardisation landscape, from the level of the materials through to separate components and entire appliances.

The Test Laboratory Gas plays a lead role in the development of certification programmes for hydrogen compatibility. For example, the initial form of the certification programme (ZP) 3100 was developed at the DVGW-EBI and transferred to the European committees. What’s more, numerous projects looking at gas applications are currently in progress with the aim of updating the standardisation for the requirements of hydrogen. These particularly include the THyGA and Roadmap Gas 2050 projects.

In addition, we have worked together with our customers to implement projects in the combustion range up to 30% H₂ in natural gas and 100% H₂. Moreover, test programmes for gas appliance fittings have been developed with several manufacturers and their practicality tested (published in the book “Gasqualitäten im veränderten Energiemarkt”, among other publications). These findings are currently being implemented in certification programmes.