A new international research initiative will measure H₂ emissions from operating infrastructure in North America and Europe, filling a gap where little empirical data exist today. With commercial H₂ operations poised for global expansion, the new information will help producers, regulators, investors and others understand potential emission sources and how to address them.

The study brings together four global industry leaders: Air Products, Air Liquide, Shell and TotalEnergies; global not-for-profit, Environmental Defense Fund; academic scientists from Utrecht University, University of Rhode Island, West Virginia University and Cornell University; and applied research and technology development firms, Aerodyne Research, TNO and Transport Energy Strategies. 

The study seeks to quantify H₂ emission rates from facilities in the H₂ value chain, including steam methane reformers, pipelines and compressors, liquefaction facilities, oil refineries, fueling stations, H₂-powered vehicles and other H₂ infrastructure. 

Researchers are using the first commercial high-precision, fast H₂ analyzers and mobile/portable sensing platforms to detect and characterize site-level and component-level H₂ emissions with accuracy and speed not seen before.

“This study is unparalleled in its scope and approach to achieve truly representative data,” said Dr. Thomas Röckmann, Professor of Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry, Utrecht University. “By combining data gathered directly from operating facilities with expertise shared by operators, our aim is to contribute rigorous, scientific evidence to an environmental issue that remains insufficiently explored and understood.”

H₂, which today is used primarily for refining and chemical production, has seen significant momentum in recent years with potential new applications linked to the energy transition and decarbonization. Over 60 countries have adopted national H₂ strategies, according to the International Energy Agency, with targets and substantial investments being made to scale up production and develop supporting infrastructure. 

While H₂ holds important potential to contribute to deep decarbonization – particularly in sectors that are difficult to electrify, including heavy industry and long-distance transport – it presents its own emissions challenges that need to be understood and carefully managed to optimize this potential. Studies indicate that H₂ released into the atmosphere indirectly causes warming through chemical reactions, which can reduce the intended climate benefits of H₂ deployment if not addressed. Accurate emissions data can better inform sound policies and practices to prevent leaks and other emissions from both existing and emerging H₂ systems.

“This study will for the first time bring together academia and industry in a collaborative effort to directly measure H₂ emissions from a range of operational facilities. As H₂ becomes an increasingly important part of the energy system, developing a robust, data-driven understanding of its emissions is essential to supporting informed decisions and guiding future investments in the sector,” said Steven Hamburg, Chief Scientist and Senior Vice President, Environmental Defense Fund. 

In support of advancing the science related to H₂ emissions, the four industry partners are providing access to their facilities for university researchers to gather data. They will also provide operational context to derive high-quality insights from the data. All study participants share in the objectives of representative data and scientifically rigorous interpretation of results.  

Field measurements for the study began in March this year and will continue through early 2026. Data will be aggregated, anonymized, published in peer-reviewed journals and made publicly available. 

The study is fully funded by philanthropic contributions to the Environmental Defense Fund.