A Global Mapping of Best Practice Design Standards for Hydrogen Project Developers

In a world that seeks cleaner energy sources, the emerging hydrogen sector remains one Hindenburg Disaster away from losing its social license and the current governmental support it needs for further development. Over the last decade, much progress has been made in relation to the standards that are required for the world to produce, store, transport and distribute hydrogen across the range of differing regulatory regimes and industrial uses. Unfortunately, gaps remain, and differences exist between what is presented as best practice across standards.

The objective of this paper is to allow the reader to understand the gaps and differences between standards in greater detail, whilst presenting a reference study for hydrogen project developers to use as they progress from concept to operations. Where standards lack guidance on project distinctions (e.g., novel pipeline configurations or ambitious operating capacity) this paper will outline what reference resources are available and what global project experience can teach the sector, to ensure a safe design is developed.

The paper will outline the output from a review and mapping of the current available international and national standards. The mapping will show the reader the gaps in coverage and provide insights in standardization approach used, the degree of prescription of use and will apply objective comparison and scoping criteria to inform what can be offered as best practice approach. Standard metadata will be compiled, including the level of prescription, adoption within each jurisdiction, year of issue and planned revisions, with cross-referencing to other standards where appropriate.