Hydrogen Sensor Accelerator Programme

Digital Catapult’s Hydrogen Sensor Accelerator is a pioneering eight-week programme translating the UK strategy for hydrogen technology developed with industry-wide input and partners including the Catapult Network, the Aerospace Technology Institute, the Net Zero Technology Centre and the National Physical Laboratory.

This programme is part of the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative (HII). HII is a transformative initiative, supported by Innovate UK and the Industrial Advisory Board, with a vision to propel hydrogen technology into a cornerstone of the UK’s industrial landscape. 

Effective hydrogen utilisation encounters challenges due to insufficient sensor deployment and inherent accuracy limitations. The complex task of identifying hydrogen classes (green, blue, or grey) and understanding their applications adds challenges in securing insurance for impure hydrogen and addressing potential impacts on equipment and users.

A notable gap exists in establishing standardised protocols, with a lack of consensus on parameters like hydrogen purity, measurement criteria, and assessment timings, resulting in the creation of voluntary standards. Uncertainty surrounds the allocation of liability for ensuring hydrogen purity in pre-mix and post-mix scenarios, particularly in mixed gas mains and vessels transporting various hydrogen purities.

The imperative to address these challenges stems from the necessity for comprehensive solutions.

Navigating these complexities has informed the development of the Hydrogen Sensor Accelerator, to contribute to a more secure and standardised hydrogen infrastructure.

Our partners include: the Catapult Network, the Aerospace Technology Institute, the Net Zero Technology Centre and the National Physical Laboratory.