Hydrogen Skills and Standards for Heat: summaries of workstreams undertaking technical research and evidence gathering
Updated 24 March 2026
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Seven contracts were awarded to suppliers to undertake technical research and evidence gathering to support drafting of hydrogen gas ancillary device and component standards and hydrogen gas enabling standards that would be needed for managing hydrogen as a domestic and commercial fuel. This consisted of 5 initial research lots followed by 2 further research projects to investigate evidential gaps identified in the first phase of work.
Lot 1: Hydrogen Purging and Tightness
Led by: Steer Energy Solutions Ltd
Description: The aim of the purging work in this project was to ensure that commissioning and decommissioning operations with hydrogen could be carried out as safely as they currently are in domestic and commercial natural gas installations. This included investigating gas exchange efficiency in purges to and from hydrogen compared to methane, flammability during purges, venting of purged gases and tooling modifications for a transition to hydrogen.
The tightness testing part of this project examined the relative leakage with hydrogen and methane for individual fittings and for installations. A data exercise was also carried out to explore any fittings most likely to leak.
Lot 2: Hydrogen Material and Component Suitability
Led by: TWI Ltd
Description: This research aimed to determine materials which are suitable for use with hydrogen, downstream of the ECV in domestic and non-domestic premises. A comprehensive review of existing literature mapped the existing evidence base for the compatibility of relevant pipework materials with hydrogen. This was followed by experimental testing to address evidential gaps identified by the literature review.
Lot 3: Hydrogen Installation Ventilation and Flues
Led by: Kiwa Ltd
Description: The first phase of work in this project aimed to determine whether there should be different ventilation requirements for hydrogen pipework running in voids, such as under floorboards, compared to those already in place for natural gas pipework.
The second phase of work looked at the ventilation and fluing requirements for hydrogen appliances considering the different composition of combustion gases when compared to natural gas. This considered open flued and flueless appliances, such as hydrogen gas fires, water heaters, hobs, and cookers.
Lot 4: Hydrogen Pipe Sizing and Pressure Drop Criteria
Led by: Frazer Nash Consultancy Ltd
Description: This work was undertaken to determine the impact of repurposing natural gas pipework in domestic and non-domestic installations for use with hydrogen, due to the higher flow velocities expected compared with natural gas. This considered the impact on pressure drop inside the pipes, as well as whether pipe vibration would be affected.
Lot 5: Hydrogen Meter (Internal and External) Ventilation Study and Excess Flow Valve (EFV) Installation and Set-Point
Led by: GL Industrial Services Ltd (DNV)
Description: This research was carried out to determine whether there would be any implications of meter housing ventilation requirements when changing from natural gas to hydrogen. The work also considered the technical and installation requirements for Excess Flow Valves (EFVs) in hydrogen installations.
Additional research
Further research was undertaken to address key evidence gaps that were identified during the initial 5 research lots.
Sealant Suitability
Led by: Steer Energy Solutions Ltd
Description: This study examined whether sealants commonly used in low pressure natural gas installations are compatible with hydrogen. A test programme was carried out on a range of sealants selected with consultation from industry experts.
Suitability of Solder and Brazing Alloys for use in Low Pressure Hydrogen Gas Installations
Led by: Frazer Nash Consultancy Ltd
Description: This research was undertaken to determine whether the solders and brazes likely to be found in existing domestic and commercial natural gas installations would be suitable for hydrogen service. An extensive testing programme was undertaken to determine the impact of hydrogen exposure on joint strength compared to tests carried out in air.