DNV pioneers certification for safer, scalable hydrogen production

The recently released standard sets requirements and establishes an industry benchmark for the safe design, construction, and operation of electrolyser systems and components. Seamlessly integrated with other DNV recommended practices and international regulatory regimes, it aims to support the safe and efficient development of the hydrogen industry.

DNV has released a new standard, DNV-ST-J301 Electrolyser systems, embedded in DNV’s certification framework for the equipment and facilities used in producing hydrogen and its derivatives through water electrolysis. This standard integrates seamlessly with ISO 22734 Hydrogen generators using water electrolysis, which it complements to offer an unparalleled framework for safety and compliance.

Hydrogen production carries specific risks requiring robust safety measures. DNV-ST-J301 addresses these challenges with a comprehensive, risk-based approach covering the entire lifecycle of electrolyser systems. The standard consolidates all technical safety requirements into a single, clear document, simplifying compliance while providing the hydrogen industry with a definitive benchmark for safe, reliable, and scalable operations. Its release aligns with the recently announced EU Innovation Fund hydrogen auction, where certifications are expected to play a crucial role in project success.

Key features of the new standard

The new standard, DNV-ST-J301, provides a comprehensive framework to address the unique risks of hydrogen production through electrolysers. It establishes detailed safety requirements for the design, construction, and operation of these systems, by defining proportionate actions based on risk severity to ensure both effective and cost-efficient compliance.

DNV-ST-J301 not only focuses on the equipment itself, but further onto the integration at plant level, thereby supporting early risk reduction for projects and stakeholders, saving money for developers in the long run. 

This standard builds on insights from a joint industry project (JIP) involving 30 global partners, establishing a fully integrated standard for electrolyser systems. It is tailored to address hazards unique to hydrogen technologies and offers solutions that align with industry best practices and emerging global regulations.

Complementary guidance and certifications 

DNV’s new standard is part of a broader framework that includes service specifications, such as:

• DNV’s Verification and certification of power-to-x equipment and Verification of power-to-x facilities service specifications (DNV-SE-0674 and DNV-SE-0656), which offer flexible, risk-based verification and certification for power-to-x equipment and facilities, certifying also compliance with ISO 22734 and regional regulatory frameworks globally (e.g. EU CE compliance).
• DNV-SE-0654, designed to verify the environmental sustainability of hydrogen production.

In addition, DNV-RP-J302, a recommended practice for evaluating and testing electrolyser performance is scheduled for external hearing in Q1, 2025, and DNV-ST-J30x, a product standard, will soon be released. These complementary documents align with the forthcoming revision of ISO 22734, reinforcing DNV’s leadership in advancing the hydrogen industry.

Hydrogen as a decarbonization solution

Hydrogen and its derivatives are crucial for decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors, replacing emissions-intensive gases and producing sustainable fuels, chemicals, and fertilizers. Electrolysers designed, constructed, and certified to rigorous standards ensure the safe production of these clean molecules for industries with the highest decarbonization challenges.

Expert insights on hydrogen’s future

“To boost market confidence and trust amongst industry participants, we need to standardize large-scale electrolyser systems. This helps to reduce uncertainties and risks when integrating new assets with existing refineries or in greenfield renewable energy projects. This ensures safety, quality, reliability, and affordability of these projects,” said Prajeev Rasiah, Executive Vice President and Regional Director, Northern Europe, Energy Systems at DNV.

“About 30 years ago, we applied a similar approach in the wind energy industry. Now, we are collaborating with industry partners to develop cross-sector standards that ensure the safe scaling of renewable hydrogen.”

“This new standard provides a comprehensive validation framework, crucial for establishing a global electrolyser industry for renewable hydrogen,” added Magnus Killingland, Global Segment Lead for Hydrogen and Ammonia, Energy Systems at DNV. “By enabling cost reductions through standardization, it ensures hydrogen’s viability as a clean molecule for the hardest-to-abate sectors.”

DNV’s certification and verification services, accredited under ISO 17020/ISO 17065, provide stakeholders—investors, regulators, and end-users—with confidence in the quality and safety of hydrogen systems. These services ensure compliance with regulations such as the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU) and standards like ISO 22734.

“DNV is at the forefront of creating standards and certification schemes for renewable hydrogen production. These efforts are critical for enabling global decarbonization,” said Peter Paschke, Global Lead – Power-to-X, Energy Systems at DNV. “For companies participating in the recently announced EU Innovation Fund hydrogen auction, where the ISO 22734 standard is to be complied with, such certifications will be pivotal for success.” 

Fostering a safe and sustainable hydrogen market

With the introduction of DNV-ST-J301 and its complementary service specifications, DNV offers the industry a cohesive framework to evaluate electrolysers and power-to-x facilities comprehensively. This approach ensures safety, supports cost efficiency, and builds transparency and accountability in the rapidly evolving hydrogen sector.