Hydrogen has emerged as a required fuel and commodity needed for the decarbonization of the generation, distribution, storage, and energy consumption. Through the EU Hydrogen Strategy, the EC recognised the important role of hydrogen, and the need for the hydrogen market to be significantly scaled up. The boost in hydrogen production and its introduction in the energy market has arised one important issue: leakage of hydrogen during its storage, transportation and distribution. This leakage produces two negative side effects: there is a safety issue derived from the hydrogens broad flammability range (4 to 74% concentration in air) and it contributes to a net emmission of greenhouse gases (GHG) by depleting hydroxyl radicals (OH), thus increasing the atmosperic lifetime of methane and influencing tropospheric ozone formation, with an estimate accumulation effect of 5.8% increase over 100 years. The Green2TSO-OPTHYCS project will aim to develop new sensor technologies for continuous leak detectors based on optical fibre sensors technologies which will lead to an increase in the safety level of hydrogen applications, from production to storage and distribution, both in new infrastructure, working with pure H2, and in natural gas repurposed installations and pipelines, contributing to a safe and economically viable implementation of H2 production, transport, and storage processes. OPHTYCS project is built upon 3 conceptual areas: A) Technology pillars analysis and definition of new sensor technology , B) Validation of key use cases (pipelines, HRS and midstream sites (compression , metering stations, etc.) of the new technologies in 3 different controlled validation sites, and C) Aspects of the technologies derived from the use cases, including the assessment of the security and environmental risks evaluations and regulatory framework, and a scalability and cost efficiency study.

How much hydrogen (H2) is released from the value chain? To answer the question is very challenging since insufficient and, when available, no standardized data can be found in the literature. However, it is essential to cover this knowledge gap to perform any credible and scientifically validated research regarding the H2 value chain impact on the climate change. The literature is full of studies investigating and calculating the risk of H2 leakages in case of failures, accidents, and emergencies. But significant knowledge gaps exist about the amount of anthropogenic H2 (in the atmosphere) from the H2 value chain. The research community needs to address this by improving the capability to quantify small and large releases, delivering validated methodologies and techniques for measuring or calculating them. A universally accepted and open-access inventory is needed as soon as possible. Likewise, an open access and comprehensible tool that is easy to be used is also asked by the stakeholders to better quantify the leaks from the whole in H2 value chain while the momentum is fast gathering to upscale H2 energy applications. The NHyRA project is specifically designed to address these urgent needs. The project will deliver a "H2 releases" inventory to serve as a reference for the scientific and industrial community. New or adequately adapted experimental, theoretical, and simulation methodologies will be validated to perform laboratory or in-field measurements to achieve the ambitious goal. Experimental tests will also be performed on the most critical elements of the H2 value chains by the partners of the Consortium. A complete picture of the H2 releases' scenarios in the middle (2030) and long (2050) term will be developed to enable decision-makers to identify and prioritize effective mitigation actions. And finally, the project will formulate recommendations for Standards and Technical Specifications.

Transporting natural gas through pipelines has been shown to be safe and efficient for decades. However, decarbonizing the European industry and reducing carbon emissions will require a significant portion of the existing pipeline infrastructure to be used for transporting gaseous hydrogen under high pressure across the continent, from production sites to end users. The pipelines, originally designed for natural gas, are not considered H2-ready, and Transmission System Operators must demonstrate their compatibility with hydrogen. The existing standards, such as ASME B31.12, are often viewed as overly conservative and not conducive to the development of pure hydrogen networks. PilgrHYm is an ambitious R&D project that seeks to develop a pre-normative framework to support the development of a European standard. The project aims to conduct a comprehensive testing program on small-scale laboratory specimens, focusing on 8 base materials, 2 welds, and 2 heat-affected zones that are representative of the EU gas grids. These specimens will be selected after a thorough review by TSOs to address safety concerns, lack of regulations, codes, and standards, as well as research gaps related to the compatibility of current pipelines with hydrogen. PilgrHYm's ultimate goal is to provide quantified data on more than 70% of the EU grid and refine existing norms, codes, and standards by reducing over-conservatism and ensuring the safety and reliability of flaw assessment methodologies. The results of PilgrHYm will serve as the baseline for a harmonized European solution. This project represents a significant step forward in the development of a comprehensive European standard for transporting hydrogen through pipelines and will be instrumental in the successful decarbonization of the European industry and reducing carbon emissions.

How maximize hydrogen (H2) blending potential in natural gas (NG) networks, supporting European energy system decarbonisation? The answer lies in the need of a systemic, multi-disciplinary approach to make NG infrastructure resilient to the challenges of tomorrow. Industrial and research players’ competences are required. In this framework, THOTH2 consortium focuses on energy measurement value chain and instruments’ ability to accurately measure physical parameters of H2NG mixtures with increasing H2 percentages, up to 100%. Including gas TSOs, DSOs, metrological and research institutes and academia, THOTH2 consortium has all competences and skills to reach the goals of i) define standards to evaluate the metrological performances of measuring devices at different H2 blending rates (up to 100%), ii) verify safety and durability of the same devices, and iii) suggest future needs to overcome the observed barriers and limitations. SNAM competences in managing NG assets are essential for the coordination and synergic integration of the 14 partners, recognized as experts in NG and H2 industry (GRTGAZ, GAZ-SYSTEM, Enagás, INRETE), metrology (CESAME, INRIM, METAS), H2 blending technologies and measuring devices design, engineering, and R&D activities (UNIBO, INIG, FBK, ENEA, CSIRO). The communication and dissemination strategy by GERG will give visibility to project’s results, including contributions to Mission Innovation 2.0 and EURAMET projects. THOTH2 vision will lead to an acceleration towards H2 economy, contributing to REPowerEU and NextGeneration EU objectives. The project impact potential includes the establishment of a R&D Hub center, including THOTH2 partners and Advisory Board members, to translate into valuable results achieved by the project, aiming to i) the development/update of international standards, ii) foster innovation in the field of H2NG blending measuring devices, and iii) supporting H2 value chain development leveraging on the EU gas infrastructure

To accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy while exploiting existing infrastructure, hydrogen can be injected to the natural gas network. However, the there are many technical and regulatory gaps that should be closed and adaptations and investments to be made to assure that multi-gas networks across Europe will be able to operate in a reliable and safe way while providing a highly controllable gas quality and required energy demand. Recently, the European Committee for Standardization concluded the impossibility of setting a common limiting value for hydrogen into the European gas infrastructure recommending a case-by-case analysis. In addition to this, there are still uncertainties related to material integrity on pipelines and networks components with regards to a reduced lifetime in presence of hydrogen. Existent results from previous and ongoing projects on the hydrogen readiness of grid components should be summarized in a systematic manner together with the assessment of the existent T&D infrastructure components at European level to provide stakeholders with decision support and risk reduction information to drive future investments and the development of regulations and standards. The SHIMMER project aims to enable a higher integration and safer hydrogen injection management in multi-gas networks by contributing to the knowledge and better understanding of hydrogen projects, their risks, and opportunities. - To map and address European gas T&D infrastructure in relation to materials, components, technology, and their readiness for hydrogen blends - To define methods, tools and technologies for multi-gas network management and quality tracking, including simulation, prediction, and safe management of transients, in view of widespread hydrogen injection in a context of European-wide context -To propose best practice guidelines for handling the safety of hydrogen in the natural gas infrastructure, managing the risks