SciTransfer
CANDHy · Project

Hydrogen Compatibility Testing for Non-Steel Gas Distribution Pipe Materials

energyTestedTRL 4

Imagine trying to push a new kind of gas through old pipes made of copper or cast iron. Some gases can make these metals brittle and crack over time, like how some plastics degrade in the sun. This work tests exactly how these different metals handle hydrogen blends to ensure the pipes don't leak or break.

By the numbers
100
Maximum volume percentage of H2 tested in blends
5
Minimum number of material families documented (cast iron, copper, brass, lead, aluminium)
The business problem

What needed solving

Existing gas grids contain non-steel metallic pipes that may become brittle or leak when transporting hydrogen. There is a lack of consolidated scientific data to determine which specific old or new materials are safe for hydrogen blends.

The solution

What was built

A technical database of hydrogen compatibility for metals and a set of harmonized testing guidelines for non-steel materials.

Audience

Who needs this

Gas Distribution System Operators (DSOs)Infrastructure Asset ManagersHydrogen Pipeline EngineersMetal Component Manufacturers
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Energy Distribution
enterprise
Target: Distribution System Operators (DSOs)

If you are a DSO dealing with aging city gas grids — this project developed a technical database and guidelines that identify which non-steel materials can safely handle up to 100 vol% H2. This prevents costly pipe failures during the transition to green energy.

Infrastructure Engineering
mid-size
Target: Gas Grid Consultancy

If you are a consultancy dealing with grid repurposing plans — this project developed harmonized testing protocols for materials like brass and aluminium. You can now use these standards to advise clients on whether to replace or keep existing non-steel assets.

Manufacturing
SME
Target: Pipe and Fitting Manufacturer

If you are a manufacturer dealing with the demand for hydrogen-ready components — this project developed a compatibility assessment for five material families. This allows you to certify that your non-steel products meet the necessary safety requirements for H2/NG blends.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What is the cost or price of the resulting database?

Based on available project data, the results will be publicly available for all stakeholders in a continuously updated database; no specific pricing is mentioned.

Is this technology ready for industrial scale?

The project provides the scientific data and guidelines needed for industrial scale-up, specifically focusing on the readiness of low-pressure gas grids for H2/NG blends.

How is the IP or licensing handled for the testing protocols?

Based on available project data, the project aims to provide input for prenormative actions through European organisations, suggesting a move toward open standards rather than closed licensing.

Which regulations does this project influence?

It provides the necessary input for prenormative actions and the development of guidelines to support future standardization for the qualification of distribution network materials.

What is the timeline for implementing these guidelines?

The project runs from 2023-09-01 to 2026-08-31, meaning the final consolidated data and guidelines will be available by late 2026.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 56% industry ratio, comprising 5 industrial partners and 1 SME across 4 countries (BE, ES, FR, IT). This strong industrial presence, combined with 3 research centers and 1 university, ensures that the resulting material databases and guidelines are grounded in practical operational needs of gas operators rather than just theoretical science.

How to reach the team

Contact Fundacion para el Desarrollo de las Nuevas Tecnologias del Hidrogeno en Aragon

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to get the latest material compatibility data for your gas grid assets.