Title:
Project Start-H2: Advancing Standardization, Safety, and Analytical Protocols for Biomass-derived Hydrogen
Author(s):
Cerone, N., Contuzzi, L., Florio, C., Santilli, G., Milanese, R., Agostini, R., Morgana, M., De Marco, A., Cosentino, F., Calice, U., Zito, G.D., Zimbardi, F.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Hydrogen is widely recognized as a strategic energy vector for the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors and for the transition toward low-carbon energy systems. Despite the significant technological progress achieved in recent years, the development of a reliable and economically sustainable hydrogen value chain is still hindered by major technical, regulatory, and safety-related barriers. In particular, the absence of harmonized standards and validated analytical methodologies for hydrogen produced from biomass conversion processes represents a critical limitation for large-scale industrial deployment. This work presents the activities carried out within the START-H2 project, aimed at supporting the development of pre-normative methodologies, safety protocols, and analytical procedures for hydrogen technologies, with specific focus on hydrogen generated through thermochemical and electrochemical biomass conversion pathways. Experimental activities were performed using both pilot-scale and laboratory-scale facilities, including the PRAGA updraft gasification plant and biomass-assisted electrolysis systems. The study addressed the definition of procedures for online and offline gas analysis, syngas quality assessment, impurity monitoring, and safety-related operational parameters. Particular attention was devoted to the characterization of hydrogen-rich gas mixtures derived from lignocellulosic biomass gasification and to the development of harmonized analytical protocols compatible with future certification procedures. The results highlight the importance of standardized approaches for gas quality measurement, process monitoring, and safety assessment. The proposed methodologies contribute to filling existing legislative and technical gaps related to biomass-to-hydrogen technologies and provide a scientific basis for future standards, regulations, and certification schemes supporting the deployment of sustainable hydrogen systems.
Keywords:
gasification, hydrogen, pre-normative methodologies
Topic:
Biomass, Bio-based Products and Bioenergy Integration
Subtopic:
Biomass integration into energy systems
Event:
34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
3AV.6.19
Pages:
458 - 460
ISBN:
978-88-89407-27-1
Paper DOI:
10.5071/34thEUBCE2026-3AV.6.19
Price:
FREE
