IEA Hydrogen Task MMV: Subsurface Measurement, Monitoring and Verification Programs for Underground Hydrogen Storage and Transmission Infrastructure

The project develops harmonized MMV strategies for underground hydrogen storage and distribution within the IEA Hydrogen TCP framework. It aims to ensure safe, monitored, and socially accepted H₂ infrastructure. The national contribution integrates international knowledge into Austrian standards, strengthens expert committees, and supports industry, research, and authorities through targeted knowledge transfer and dissemination.

Short Description

Objectives

The Austrian contribution aims to develop and test scientifically grounded, harmonized Measurement, Monitoring, and Verification (MMV) strategies for underground hydrogen storage and distribution. These strategies will form the basis for future technical standards and regulations, strengthening the safety, environmental compatibility, and social acceptance of hydrogen infrastructure in Austria.

Specifically, the project seeks to integrate international insights from the IEA Hydrogen TCP into Austrian standardization processes and guidelines (e.g., ÖVGW H-guidelines). In doing so, Austria provides a key contribution to the standardization and scaling of safe hydrogen technologies in the European context.

Content and Subtask Activities

The Austrian contribution focuses on three core areas:

1. Leakage Behavior and Detection Methods

Investigation of physical and geochemical processes related to hydrogen releases in subsurface environments (pore space, caverns, pipelines).
Evaluation and comparison of existing detection methods (sensor-based, geophysical, geochemical).
Development of assessment parameters for the classification of leakage scenarios.

2. Monitoring and Verification Strategies (MMV)

Development of a methodological framework for monitoring concepts, including sensor integration, data management, and evaluation procedures.
Coordination with international partners to establish harmonized approaches (e.g., shared data formats, measurement protocols).
Preparation of guidelines for the safe application of MMV technologies in real storage and pipeline projects.

3. Integration, Dissemination, and Regulatory Development

Translation of scientific findings into practical recommendations for industry and public authorities.
Support of ÖVGW expert committees in further developing the H-guidelines and technical regulations.
Organization of stakeholder workshops and participation in professional events
Ensuring effective knowledge transfer between research, industry, and regulatory bodies.

Expected Results

The results will include a harmonized MMV concept for underground H₂ infrastructures that combines international best practices with Austrian implementation experiences. Technically validated approaches for leakage detection and assessment under realistic conditions will be developed and recommendations for integration into national standards and guidelines (ÖVGW H guidelines, TRAS, OVE/ÖNORM) will be provided. The findings will be processed as scientifically sound decision support for authorities, operators, and planners for risk minimization. This should strengthen Austrian expert committees in the international standardization discourse. The project ensures enhanced knowledge transfer and visibility of Austrian expertise in the IEA Hydrogen TCP network.

Participants

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Morocco, Netherlands (Operating Agent), New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA, European Union

Contact Address

Project leader

Dr. Thomas Stöhr
HyCentA Research GmbH
Inffeldgasse 15, A-8010 Graz
E-Mail: stoehr@hycenta.at

Project partners

Dipl. Ing. Michael Obermann PhD
Österreichische Vereinigung für das Gas- und Wasserfach – ÖVGW
Schubertring 14, A-1010 Wien
E-Mail: obermann@ovgw.at