Standards, which define requirements for products, services, or processes, are critical for the successful implementation of hydrogen technologies. Adherence to these standards ensures the safe handling of hydrogen, establishes reliable and reproducible measurement methods, and specifies materials suitable for hydrogen use.

Under the leadership of the national standardization organizations and technical rule setters DIN, DKE, DVGW, NWB, VDA, VDI, and VDMA, a strategic roadmap for the rapid and targeted expansion and adaptation of standards for hydrogen technologies has been developed. Initiated on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, a collaborative platform was created, attracting over 1,000 experts to contribute their insights and recommendations to effectively bridge existing gaps.

The results are impressive: A publicly accessible, free-of-charge database has been established, featuring over 950 entries that list applicable standards for handling hydrogen technologies. Additionally, more than 250 recommendations for specific standards projects across the entire hydrogen value chain have been proposed. Financial support has been mobilized to accelerate 56 high-priority projects, efficiently addressing existing gaps.

Due to these concerted efforts, a robust standards framework for gaseous hydrogen exists, covering the whole value chain, including hydrogen production, infrastructure, applications, materials, components, safety, etc. Remaining gaps, particularly in underground storage, mobility, and hydrogen derivatives, are being systematically tackled.

In October 2025, the Standardization Roadmap Hydrogen Technologies will be published, providing a comprehensive overview of the standards landscape for hydrogen technologies, along with a detailed action plan for future developments.