DNV has introduced a new standard, titled DNV-ST-J301 Electrolyser systems, as part of their certification framework for equipment and facilities involved in hydrogen production through water electrolysis.
This standard is designed to work in harmony with ISO 22734, which deals with hydrogen generators using water electrolysis, creating a comprehensive and robust safety and compliance framework.
Hydrogen production is inherently risky and requires stringent safety protocols. DNV-ST-J301 tackles these risks with a holistic, risk-based approach that spans the entire lifecycle of electrolyser systems. It consolidates all the necessary technical safety requirements into one document, simplifying compliance and establishing a benchmark for safe and scalable hydrogen production. The timing of this release is aligned with the EU Innovation Fund’s hydrogen auction, emphasizing the significance of certifications in ensuring project success.
DNV-ST-J301 sets a detailed framework that caters to the specific risks associated with hydrogen production using electrolysers. It outlines safety requirements for the design, construction, and operation of these systems, tailoring actions based on the severity of risks to maintain effective and cost-efficient compliance.
The standard doesn’t just cover the equipment; it also looks at integration at the plant level. This approach helps reduce early-stage risks for projects and stakeholders and saves costs for developers over time. The standard emerges from a collaborative effort with 30 global partners, ensuring it is comprehensive and aligned with best practices and evolving global regulations.
DNV’s new standard is part of a larger framework that includes other service specifications like Verification and certification of power-to-x equipment and Verification of power-to-x facilities. These services offer flexible, risk-based verification and certification, ensuring compliance with ISO 22734 and various regional regulatory frameworks.
Additionally, DNV has developed DNV-SE-0654 to verify the environmental sustainability of hydrogen production. In early 2025, DNV will conduct an external hearing for DNV-RP-J302, a recommended practice for assessing electrolyser performance. A new product standard, DNV-ST-J30x, is also set to be released soon.
