A consortium of twelve European institutions, including the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), has recently launched the EU project SHIMMER. The aim of this initiative is to create a comprehensive database that will provide detailed information on European gas infrastructure and the hydrogen compatibility of materials and components.
The Challenge of Hydrogen Integration
The integration of hydrogen into existing gas networks presents the industry with complex technical and regulatory challenges, particularly regarding the material integrity of pipelines and the harmonization of legal requirements. To overcome these hurdles, SHIMMER (Safe Hydrogen Injection Modelling and Management for European Gas Network Resilience) was brought to life.
This EU-funded project aims to deepen the understanding of hydrogen integration into existing gas infrastructure, thereby promoting the market ramp-up of safe hydrogen technologies. In collaboration with European transmission and distribution network operators, the participating institutions plan to comprehensively document the existing European gas infrastructure for the first time.
Project Goals and BAM's Role
As part of SHIMMER, experts will evaluate the suitability of materials, components, and technologies for hydrogen mixtures. Additionally, methods and tools for managing a European "multi-gas network" with large-scale hydrogen injection will be developed. Further objectives include establishing standards for quality monitoring and developing best practice guidelines for risk management.
Within the project, BAM is coordinating the development of an extensive database containing information on typical components of European gas networks. This database will serve as a foundation for developing standards for testing and qualifying materials and components for hydrogen operation.
SINTEF, an independent Norwegian research organization focusing on technology, natural sciences, and society, is leading the overall project. Alongside BAM, eleven other European partners, including government institutions and gas network operators, are involved in the project. Funding is provided through the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.
The Clean Hydrogen Partnership, a collaboration between the European Commission, the fuel cell and hydrogen industry (represented by Hydrogen Europe), and the research community (represented by Hydrogen Europe Research), supports research and innovation activities in hydrogen technologies in Europe. The goal is to accelerate the development of advanced, market-ready applications for green hydrogen in various consumer sectors while strengthening competitiveness."
