DNV releases new certification for safer, scalable hydrogen production

Hydrogen production carries specific risks requiring robust safety measures. DNV-ST-J301 addresses these challenges with a comprehensive, risk-based approach covering the entire lifecycle of electrolyser systems. The standard consolidates all technical safety requirements into a single, clear document, simplifying compliance while providing the hydrogen industry with a definitive benchmark for safe, reliable, and scalable operations. Its release aligns with the recently announced EU Innovation Fund hydrogen auction, where certifications are expected to play a crucial role in project success.

Key features of the new standard

The new standard, DNV-ST-J301, provides a comprehensive framework to address the unique risks of hydrogen production through electrolysers. It establishes detailed safety requirements for the design, construction, and operation of these systems, by defining proportionate actions based on risk severity to ensure both effective and cost-efficient compliance.

DNV-ST-J301 not only focuses on the equipment itself, but further onto the integration at plant level, thereby supporting early risk reduction for projects and stakeholders, saving money for developers in the long run.

This standard builds on insights from a joint industry project (JIP) involving 30 global partners, establishing a fully integrated standard for electrolyser systems. It is tailored to address hazards unique to hydrogen technologies and offers solutions that align with industry best practices and emerging global regulations.

DNV’s new standard is part of a broader framework that includes service specifications, such as:

• DNV’s Verification and certification of power-to-x equipment and Verification of power-to-x facilities service specifications (DNV-SE-0674 and DNV-SE-0656), which offer flexible, risk-based verification and certification for power-to-x equipment and facilities, certifying also compliance with ISO 22734 and regional regulatory frameworks globally (e.g. EU CE compliance).
• DNV-SE-0654, designed to verify the environmental sustainability of hydrogen production.

In addition, DNV-RP-J302, a recommended practice for evaluating and testing electrolyser performance is scheduled for external hearing in Q125, and DNV-ST-J30x, a product standard, will soon be released. These complementary documents align with the forthcoming revision of ISO 22734.

Hydrogen as a decarbonisation solution

Hydrogen and its derivatives are crucial for decarbonising hard-to-electrify sectors, replacing emissions-intensive gases and producing sustainable fuels, chemicals, and fertilizers. Electrolysers designed, constructed, and certified to rigorous standards ensure the safe production of these clean molecules for industries with the highest decarbonisation challenges.

“To boost market confidence and trust amongst industry participants, we need to standardise large-scale electrolyser systems. This helps to reduce uncertainties and risks when integrating new assets with existing refineries or in greenfield renewable energy projects. This ensures safety, quality, reliability, and affordability of these projects,” said Prajeev Rasiah, Executive Vice President and Regional Director, Northern Europe, Energy Systems at DNV.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/10122024/dnv-releases-new-certification-for-safer-scalable-hydrogen-production/