
Last week, the European Gas Research Group (GERG) showcased its hydrogen research and innovation activities at the World Hydrogen Energy Conference 2026 (WHEC 2026), held in Singapore. From 22 to 25 June, Robert Judd, GERG’s Secretary General; Miguel Ballesteros, Programme Delivery Manager at GERG; and Haryani Mohamed, Finance and Administration Officer at GERG, presented GERG's wide-ranging portfolio of hydrogen initiatives, demonstrating the organisation's commitment to supporting hydrogen as a key pillar of Europe's energy transition.
On 23 June, Robert Judd presented GERG's Hydrogen Research Roadmap, a report identifying the remaining knowledge gaps across the hydrogen sector. The roadmap covers 172 research topics across the entire hydrogen value chain and reflects the expertise of the GERG Hydrogen Working Group, a network of more than 130 experts from over 35 organisations collaborating to identify and prioritise research to address current challenges. During his presentation, Dr Judd highlighted the importance of collaboration to ensure the safe and effective deployment of hydrogen. He stressed that infrastructure operators, researchers, manufacturers, standards bodies and technical experts must work together to develop the knowledge, evidence and practical solutions required to accelerate implementation.
"No single organisation can solve the hydrogen challenge alone. Progress depends on operators, researchers and technical experts working together to develop the understanding and solutions needed to accelerate implementation and commercial viability," said Dr Judd.
Dr Judd also presented the 11 hydrogen-related projects in which GERG participates as a partner, funded through the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and EURAMET - The European Association of National Metrology Institutes, programmes supported by the European Commission: OPTHYCS, THOTH2, CANDHy, SHIMMER, PilgrHYm, NHyRA, MetHyTrucks, H2FlowTrace, SmartGasNet, CryoMet, and MetNH3Energy. Together, these projects address key research areas including metrology, gas quality, emissions, infrastructure integrity, traceability and pre-normative research, contributing to the development of the knowledge required for the large-scale deployment of hydrogen. Dr Judd also highlighted GERG's Joint Industry Projects (JIPs), which bridge the gap between research, industry needs and standardisation, supporting the development of future standards and operational practices.
Throughout the following days, GERG representatives provided dedicated presentations on several European Commission-supported projects, offering attendees a detailed overview of their objectives, latest developments and preliminary findings. Miguel Ballesteros and Robert Judd led the presentations during sessions, allowing them to outline the projects’ objectives, their progress, and findings.
GERG outlined the H2FlowTrace project, which aims to establish direct SI traceability for hydrogen gas grid flow-rate measurements. The presentation also highlighted the project's work to develop calibration services for hydrogen and hydrogen-enriched natural gas using both small- and large-scale mobile transfer skids.
Our representatives also presented a poster on MetNH3Energy, explaining how the project will establish reliable measurement techniques and standards across the entire ammonia value chain. By addressing existing measurement gaps and infrastructure challenges, the project will support the wider adoption of ammonia in both current and emerging energy applications.
Regarding THOTH2, GERG Secretariat highlighted how the project investigating the hydrogen tolerance of measurement devices already installed in gas distribution networks for monitoring the physical parameters of hydrogen-natural gas (H₂NG) blends. The presentation included an overview of the project's progress and ongoing testing campaigns involving gas meters, pressure sensors, leak detectors and other critical measurement devices.
Finally, GERG joined the Polish Gas and Oil Institute to present NHyRA, a project focused on developing protocols for hydrogen leak detection and hydrogen emissions quantification. The partners shared the first preliminary results of the project, highlighting the technologies and equipment selected to develop robust methods for assessing hydrogen leak detection.
Through its participation at WHEC 2026, GERG not only reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the energy transition but also demonstrated that collaboration remains essential for the safe and successful deployment of hydrogen. Across multiple research areas—including gas quality, metering, emissions, storage, asset integrity and operational practices—GERG continues to generate the science-based knowledge and technical evidence needed to integrate hydrogen safely and efficiently into existing gas infrastructure.

















