Technical Assessment of Components, Systems, Plants, and Processes
The transition to hydrogen places specific requirements on components, systems, plants, and processes. TÜV NORD assesses their suitability for hydrogen applications independently and transparently based on clearly defined criteria catalogues. This enables you to identify potential needs for action at an early stage and obtain reliable evidence of H2-Ready capability.
Contact Us
The transformation towards a hydrogen-based energy and industrial supply poses new technical challenges for operators, manufacturers, and investors. Hydrogen has specific physical and chemical properties that must be taken into account in the planning, manufacturing, retrofitting, and operation of components, systems, and plants. At the same time, the demands for reliable proof of hydrogen suitability are increasing, for example in the context of investment decisions, approval procedures, or regulatory requirements.
Under the term H2-Ready, TÜV NORD combines various services for assessing the hydrogen suitability of products, systems, plants, and processes. These assessments are based on specially developed criteria catalogues that take into account the specific physical and chemical properties of hydrogen.
The independent assessments provide transparency regarding the current status of hydrogen suitability, identify necessary modifications, and deliver reliable evidence for customers, investors, authorities, and other stakeholders.
Thanks to the modular assessment concept, evaluations can be carried out according to specific needs at different project and lifecycle stages, ranging from individual components and complete plants to manufacturing processes.
The H2-Ready modules enable a needs-based assessment of components, products, plants, and processes at different project and lifecycle stages. Depending on the specific application, dedicated criteria catalogues are applied that take into account the respective technical and organizational requirements.
Assessment of the technical suitability of a component for hydrogen service. The evaluation examines whether materials, design, and engineering specifications are suitable for the intended hydrogen concentration. The hydrogen concentration considered is documented as part of the assessment. The results are recorded in an assessment report and may serve as the basis for a subsequent certification process.
Assessment of the technical suitability of systems or plants for operation with hydrogen. In addition to the technical requirements of the individual components, relevant organizational and regulatory boundary conditions are taken into account, for example hazard assessments or explosion protection documents. The intended hydrogen share is documented as part of the assessment. The results are documented in an inspection report and may serve as the basis for subsequent certification.
Assessment of the technical feasibility of converting a plant to operation with 100% hydrogen. The assessment identifies the modifications required and evaluates the overall feasibility of a future conversion. It also supports operators in addressing specific requirements, for example in connection with the German Combined Heat and Power Act (KWKG). The results are documented in an assessment report and may serve as the basis for a subsequent certification process.
Assessment of manufacturing processes for components with regard to compliance with hydrogen-specific requirements. The assessment examines whether suitable processes have been implemented to ensure compliance with defined requirements for hydrogen-suitable products. A prerequisite for the assessment is an established quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001. The results are documented in an inspection report and may serve as the basis for subsequent certification.
The H2-Ready assessment exclusively evaluates the hydrogen suitability of components, systems, installations or processes. It does not assess the actual function or performance of a product. Furthermore, the H2-Ready assessment is not a statutory requirement. It neither replaces nor covers legally required inspections or assessments, such as those required under the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED).
With our modular H2-Ready concept, you decide when and to what extent an assessment is carried out. Whether for individual components, systems, complete plants, or manufacturing processes, each assessment is performed on the basis of defined criteria catalogues and provides transparent, traceable, and independent results.
The results of the H2-Ready assessment are documented in an assessment report. Based on this report, certification by TÜV NORD CERT may be carried out in a subsequent process. To ensure independence and impartiality, assessment and certification are provided as two separate services. This separation is required by legal and accreditation-related requirements and safeguards the integrity, neutrality, and credibility of the certification process.
TÜV NORD is an internationally recognized testing, inspection, and certification service provider. We assess and certify compliance with legal requirements and voluntary standards worldwide. Our experts have extensive experience in hydrogen technologies, energy systems, and industrial infrastructure. Through a consistent methodology, strong technical expertise, and independent assessments, we build trust and support our clients on their path toward a hydrogen-based economy.
H2-Ready refers to the verified technical suitability of a component, system, plant, or manufacturing process for the use of hydrogen. TÜV NORD assesses this suitability with a focus on the specific physical and chemical properties of hydrogen, based on a transparent and specially developed catalogue of assessment criteria.
Capability confirms the technical suitability of an individual component for hydrogen service.
Conformity confirms the technical suitability of a system or plant for hydrogen service. In addition, organizational and regulatory requirements are taken into account, such as hazard assessments and explosion protection documentation.
Feasibility confirms the technical feasibility of converting a plant to operate with 100% hydrogen, particularly in line with the requirements of the German Combined Heat and Power Act (KWKG).
Processibility confirms that a manufacturer has implemented appropriate manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with defined hydrogen-specific requirements. A valid ISO 9001 certification is generally required as a prerequisite.
The H2-Ready assessment considers the intended hydrogen concentration within the process medium. Depending on the selected module, the assessed hydrogen concentration is documented and may be stated on the certificate, for example, “H2-Ready Capability-30” for 30% hydrogen by volume. For the Feasibility module, the assessment focuses on the feasibility of conversion to operation with 100% hydrogen.
No. The H2-Ready assessment is not a legally required inspection. It does not replace mandatory statutory inspections, approvals, or certification procedures. Required assessments, such as those under the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), remain unaffected.
The assessment results are documented in an assessment report. This report serves as a basis for further decision-making and may subsequently be used as the foundation for certification by TÜV NORD CERT. Certification is carried out in a separate process.
TÜV NORD EnSys is the TÜV NORD GROUP’s expert organisation for the energy sector. With expertise in conventional and renewable energy, hydrogen and energy storage, the company provides technical support to customers throughout the energy transition.