Flow measurement traceability for hydrogen in gas networks

Over 75% of European greenhouse gas emissions come from the European energy system, which supplies energy for industry, transportation and domestic usage across the EU. To meet the EU’s ambition to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050, new energy sources must be established. Hydrogen is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels which can be stored underground, transported through existing gas networks and used to rapidly meet fluctuating energy demands. However, there is still a need for verified metrology for traceable pure hydrogen flow calibration in order to allow for the safe transport and fair custody transfer for hydrogen and hydrogen enriched natural gas (HENG).

This project will establish robust gas flow traceability for hydrogen in gas networks at both high and low pressures and flow rates, primarily focusing on pure hydrogen but also enabling traceability for HENG. It will develop traceable skids for the transfer of pure hydrogen and HENG, carrying out intercomparisons to determine equivalence for different traceability chains based on primary and secondary standards. It will also perform primary calibrations for domestic gas meters, as well as primary and secondary calibration for industrial gas meters, using these results and existing data to determine whether air, natural gas or other fluids can be used to calibrate meters for use with hydrogen.

The project’s work will help to establish a robust metrology infrastructure for the transport, transfer and use of hydrogen and HENG, supporting the transition towards green energy and a carbon neutral future.