MEETH2: a unique measurement programme for Insight into hydrogen emissions

Insight is required into how soon the existing natural gas distribution network can safely be used for hydrogen before scaling up the production, importation and transport of green hydrogen. Moreover, if hydrogen is introduced, it will be important to know whether any leakage into the atmosphere occurs, as hydrogen is an indirect greenhouse gas. After all, that would obviate the whole point of hydrogen’s introduction to help alleviate climate change. The MEETH2 project aims to provide insight into possible leakage-based emissions throughout the value chain.

Method: measurement protocol and unique measuring tool

TNO is developing a measurement programme for hydrogen leaks using mobile measuring equipment. The focus is on existing (potential) leaks, but also on installations for the future hydrogen economy which are set to grow in number and size. TNO will use the results to quantify future H2 emissions and assess how these can be integrated into the permit issuing procedure.

To this end, the project will start by developing a primary measurement protocol for a uniform approach to emissions confirmation. This will be relevant for the enforcement of any possible future permit requirements.

TNO has purchased an – as yet commercially unavailable, state-of-the-art H2 measurement tool – to accomplish the above. It measures in a unique way as it is capable of rapidly conducting a large number of measurements without requiring physical access to the potential sources of emissions, as it can be used to measure emissions from public roads.

MEETH2: actions

MEETH2 is developing new knowledge for:

• The assessment and further development of an innovative measurement method including a measurement protocol proposal
• The creation of actual emission factors for the determination of H2 leaks using measurements as well as the quantification of H2 leaks
• Analysis of the results and recommendations for permit issuing for future systems and the identification of enforcement aspects.

MEETH2: results

The measurement programme’s results will provide insight into any possible differences in emissions between various technologies or methods that are part of hydrogen processes. This is essential to identifying, preventing or minimising emissions at new initiatives thanks to optimum process or work procedure design. Moreover, this knowledge will allow the determination of whether any possible emissions standards will be required for hydrogen in permits. Finally, the measurements will provide an objective assessment of the environmental safety of hydrogen operations.

The MEETH2 consortium consists of TNO supported by a variety of industry parties for measurements.

Read more about the MEETH2 project on TNO’s website

Want to contribute to the H2 emissions measurements?

Undertaking joint action is crucial to the MEETH2 project furthering the interests of all stakeholders in the hydrogen domain as a whole. Insight into H2 emissions is necessary to determine whether new or additional policies will be required. TNO therefore invites stakeholders to enter into dialogue concerning the MEETH2 measurement programme’s approach and to help harmonise a collaborative initiative. If you would like to contribute, please complete the form accessed by clicking the button below.

I would like to contribute to the MEETH2 project