H2Safety@BAM Opens a Real-World Laboratory for Hydrogen Grids

At the beginning of July, H2Safety@BAM opened its new real-world laboratory, ModuH2Pipe. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) with €3.8 million, this test platform enables the systematic testing and further development of hydrogen pipelines and their components under realistic operating conditions.

The facility simulates the operation of hydrogen pipelines at pressures between 10 and 85 bar and can subject components to pressures of up to 900 bar to analyze their behavior in the event of a malfunction. Furthermore, impurities can be deliberately added to investigate material aging processes and the functionality of fittings and other components. The findings are intended to contribute to improving safety concepts and supporting the reliable operation of future hydrogen grids.

Dr. Kai Holtappels, spokesperson for the hydrogen competence center H2Safety@BAM, described the real-world laboratory as an important building block for innovation in the hydrogen economy. Companies, grid operators and research institutions could test new materials, components, and maintenance and monitoring concepts there under practical conditions, thus accelerating the safe introduction of hydrogen technologies.