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.
Hydrogen Compatibility Testing for Non-Steel Gas Distribution Pipe Materials
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.
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.
What was built
A technical database of hydrogen compatibility for metals and a set of harmonized testing guidelines for non-steel materials.
Who needs this
Who can put this to work
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact Fundacion para el Desarrollo de las Nuevas Tecnologias del Hidrogeno en Aragon
Talk to the team behind this work.
Contact us to get the latest material compatibility data for your gas grid assets.