VSL develops measurement standard for hydrogen commissioned by Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Change

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VSL develops measurement standard for hydrogen commissioned by Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Change

Measurement standard indispensable to further the Dutch hydrogen transition

Delft, April 18, 2024 — VSL, the Dutch national metrology institute, announces the development of a physical primary measurement standard for hydrogen. This task is subsidized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK) and is crucial for the large-scale deployment of hydrogen in the energy transition.

Hydrogen is seen as a clean and efficient carrier of energy and is deemed an essential alternative to fossil fuels across various sectors, from industry to transportation and even household use. To ensure the safe and fair use of hydrogen, accurate and consistent measurements are necessary. For instance, to confirm you’re getting the right amount of hydrogen for the price you pay, as well as to ensure safety on hydrogen sites according to the applicable laws and regulations.

The creation of a physical primary measurement standard is crucial for these accurate and consistent measurements. Over the coming years, VSL will work on developing this standard, which will meet diverse market needs and serve as a benchmark for the entire hydrogen industry. This project includes comprehensive market consultation, new metrological research, and the metrological design, construction, and calibration of the new facility.

Fabienne van Booma, Managing Director at VSL, highlights the importance of this new standard: “The production and use of hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier come with various technical challenges. There is a strong commitment to innovative solutions to overcome these challenges. Developing physical measurement standards, adapting measurement methods, and developing the necessary installations are critical steps to enabling large-scale hydrogen application. By undertaking these steps together with the market, VSL is pushing the energy transition forward and bringing the large-scale deployment of hydrogen closer to reality every day.”