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