CSIRO, in collaboration with Standards Australia, has released HyStandards, a new tool which is set to help Australia’s prospective hydrogen industry keep track of relevant national and international standards.
Australia is expected to become the second largest net-exporter of low-emissions hydrogen by 2030 and the largest by 2050. In light of this expected growth there is a need for robust standards providing quality, safety, and compatibility.
Dr Patrick Hartley, Leader of the Hydrogen Industry Mission at CSIRO, said that the highly visual and interactive tool allows users to choose from five different scenarios that reveal a comprehensive list of applicable standards.
“One of the challenges for the burgeoning Australian hydrogen industry is navigating regulations and standards for new builds,” Dr Hartley said.
“For example, when we were building our hydrogen refuelling station, an important step in the acceptance and handover from the developer was to assure ourselves that the technology complies with relevant regulations and standards.
“Having a resource like HyStandards would have helped us to quickly identify which standards were relevant.
“With the interest in using hydrogen to decarbonise the energy, mining and manufacturing sectors, we often hear questions from industry about standards. This collaboration with Standards Australia makes relevant standards easier to find.”
Standards Australia General Manager of Engagement and Communications, Adam Stingemore, said that hydrogen is a major focus area for the organisation.
“Standards Australia continues to champion the need for hydrogen standards development to ensure consistent and safe working practices,” Mr Stingemore said.
“We’re delighted to see HyStandards come to life. This tool will be paramount to ensuring the industry can develop and operate safely and sustainably.”
The development of HyStandards was overseen by a steering committee formed by industry and government.
HyStandards is part of CSIRO’s Hydrogen Knowledge Centre, an online resource for Australians which includes a database of hydrogen industry projects, a database of hydrogen research projects, FAQs and other useful information about hydrogen in Australia.
Featured image: A vehicle being refuelled with hydrogen gas. Image credit: CSIRO.
