MULTI-FUEL HYDROGEN REFUELLING STATIONS (HRS): A CO-CREATION STUDY AND EXPERIMENTATION TO OVERCOME TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE BARRIERS

Project Information

MultHyFuel

Grant agreement ID: 101006794

DOI

10.3030/101006794

Project closed

EC signature date 10 December 2020

Start date 1 January 2021

End date 30 September 2024

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport

Total cost

€ 2 121 906,25

EU contribution

€ 1 997 406,25

Coordinated by

HYDROGEN EUROPE
Belgium

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - MultHyFuel (MULTI-FUEL HYDROGEN REFUELLING STATIONS (HRS): A CO-CREATION STUDY AND EXPERIMENTATION TO OVERCOME TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE BARRIERS)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2024-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The MultHyFuel project addressed the challenge of safely integrating hydrogen refueling stations (HRS) within multi-fuel service stations across Europe. As H2 becomes critical to decarbonizing transport, its infrastructure must grow. However, permitting practices differ widely across EU member states, with some treating H2 as an industrial hazard and enforcing strict or unclear rules. This inconsistency hampers the deployment of HRS alongside other fuels like diesel or electric. The project’s aim was to develop a common strategy and harmonised best practices for permitting and designing multi-fuel HRS. This was achieved through stakeholder engagement, experimental research, and regulatory analysis.

MultHyFuel’s final objectives included producing best-practice guidelines for HRS design and operation, identifying regulatory gaps and formulating safety recommendations to inform European standards. By project’s end, these goals were realized through Deliverable D3.7/D3.8 (guidelines and recommendations), which underwent expert and stakeholder review. The project concluded by reinforcing the need for harmonised approaches across EU nations to facilitate H2 deployment and reduce administrative barriers.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The project was structured across 6 work packages. In WP1, a cross-country review of HRS permitting frameworks in 14 EU countries revealed inconsistent or absent H2-specific rules. Key findings included disparities in safety distances (e.g. 15m in Germany vs. 3m in Italy) and a general lack of public authority experience in assessing HRS safety. These insights were captured in Deliverables D1.2 and the final D1.4.
In WP2, experimental testing addressed knowledge gaps on H2 leaks and fire/explosion risks. Controlled tests simulated H2 releases from dispenser components and hoses at pressures up to 700 bar. Results showed jet flames up to 5 meters and confirmed that features like emergency shut-off valves and top vents significantly reduce risks. A diesel pool fire test showed no cascading hazard to a nearby H2 dispenser. This empirical data filled key gaps and supported quantitative risk modelling.
WP3 applied these results to risk assessments of three HRS configurations (ready-to-deploy, on-site production and high-capacity industrial). Scenarios included internal leaks, external hose ruptures and multi-fuel interactions. Risk modelling led to practical design recommendations: top vents, explosion panels, leak detectors, flow restrictors and emergency shutoffs. Minimum safe distances (e.g. 6m between H2 and other dispensers) were validated through experiments. These findings formed the basis of D3.6 and D3.7./3.8 (guidelines and recommendations for standards).
WP4 focused on stakeholder engagement. Over 129 stakeholders, including authorities and HRS operators, were involved through four workshops. Input gathered throughout the project helped refine the guidelines. Notably, regulators in countries with limited H2 experience welcomed guidance, while others highlighted the need for cautious alignment with existing frameworks.
WP5 handled communication and dissemination. The project reached over 5,000 website visitors and shared findings at industry events and through stakeholder networks. WP6 ensured coordination, reporting and data management.
By the end of the project, the main deliverables were finalized. The experimental data (D2.4) risk findings (D3.6) and comprehensive best-practice guidelines (D3.7/D3.8) were validated and prepared for long-term use. A final stakeholder endorsement (D4.6) is planned to support uptake across Europe.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

MultHyFuel delivered advances across technical, regulatory and socio-economic domains. Technically, it generated new empirical data on H2 leakage and ignition not previously available. This supports more accurate risk assessments and safer, more efficient HRS designs. Methodologically, the co-creation approach—with stakeholders involved from concept to validation—ensures practical, actionable results.
Regulatorily, the project produced the first EU-wide comparative study of permitting rules for H2 in multi-fuel stations, exposing legal fragmentation and informing calls for harmonisation. This knowledge base empowers national regulators to revise or create evidence-based guidelines.
Socio-economically, the project’s outputs are expected to streamline HRS permitting, reduce administrative uncertainty and accelerate infrastructure rollout. This supports H2 market development, lowers investment barriers and encourages widespread adoption of fuel-cell electric vehicles. It also enhances public safety by defining robust engineering controls, safety zones and mitigation strategies, helping avoid accidents and build public confidence.
Environmentally, the integration of H2 into existing refueling infrastructure enables a faster transition to low-emission transport. By embedding H2 safely alongside other fuels, MultHyFuel supports Europe’s Green Deal goals and the deployment of clean mobility systems.
In summary, MultHyFuel has delivered the tools, data and consensus necessary to standardize H2 safety practices across the EU. Its outputs are poised to shape regulations, influence standards, and facilitate the safe, large-scale adoption of H2 as a key transport fuel.

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