Hydrogen programme

NPL is supporting the Government’s national ambition to achieve 10 GW of low carbon hydrogen production in the UK by 2030 and its wider aims which are detailed in the UK’s Net Zero Hydrogen Strategy.  Achieving these ambitions requires the development of electrochemical technologies, including fuel cells and electrolysers (along with supply chains), and providing support around the deployment of hydrogen as an alternative fuel.  

We are also supporting the acceleration of world-leading electrochemical technologies, as well as ensuring a safe and sustainable transition to hydrogen. Alongside this we are also assessing the suitability of existing gas infrastructure and materials for hydrogen transportation and validating techniques for hydrogen storage. We conducted critical research with key industry stakeholders to identify and prioritise the measurement challenges, as outlined in the Energy transition: Measurement needs within the hydrogen industry report.  

To boost international collaboration in cryogenic and hydrogen materials and to identify knowledge gaps in the UK, The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) collaborated with the Hydrogen Capability Network (HCN) at the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) to complete a series of visits to European and American laboratories.

Find out more in our International landscape on cryogenic and hydrogen materials testing report.

We are developing measurement and modelling techniques, tools and standard test methods in collaboration with key stakeholders to maximise the performance, durability and safety of hydrogen electrochemical technologies, including fuel cells and water electrolysers. 

Examples of collaborative research and development include:

• Developing and standardising new fuel cell and electrolyser test methods
• Assessing the impact of hydrogen and air impurities on the performance of hydrogen technologies as part of EU projects Metrology for Hydrogen Vehicles 2 and Metrology for Hydrogen Storage
• Reducing material conservatism by developing techniques to measure and model the conditions inside operating fuel cells and electrolysers
• Developing quality control techniques for the manufacture of fuel cell and electrode components
• Providing thought-leadership through critical reviews and opinions
• Multi-physics modelling of novel electrochemical hydrogen technologies
• Development and validation of electrochemical measurement technologies

Hydrogen fuel cell for alternative fuel vehicles

Commercial products and services available:

• Fuel cell single cell and short stack testing (PEM, AEM)
• Single cell electrolyser testing (PEM, AEM, Alkaline) and device validation
• Bespoke hydrogen technology component and device measurements
• General electrochemical technology consultancy – including electrochemistry and modelling

 Find out more about Hydrogen technologies. 

We are carrying out research and development on metallic, polymer and composite components and structures which are exposed to various hydrogen environments. This includes the transmission and distribution networks, the use of hydrogen within the aerospace sector and the materials used in electrochemical technologies.

Examples of collaborative research and development includes:

• Impact of odorants on embrittlement and fuel cell performance

• Hydrogen embrittlement of aerospace components

Consultancy and commercial services available:

• Hydrogen gas permeation testing through polymer materials
• Mechanical properties at near cryogenic hydrogen temperatures
• Hydrogen charging of materials