How much hydrogen (H2) is released from the value chain? To answer the question is very challenging since insufficient and, when available, no standardized data can be found in the literature. However, it is essential to cover this knowledge gap to perform any credible and scientifically validated research regarding the H2 value chain impact on the climate change. The literature is full of studies investigating and calculating the risk of H2 leakages in case of failures, accidents, and emergencies. But significant knowledge gaps exist about the amount of anthropogenic H2 (in the atmosphere) from the H2 value chain. The research community needs to address this by improving the capability to quantify small and large releases, delivering validated methodologies and techniques for measuring or calculating them. A universally accepted and open-access inventory is needed as soon as possible. Likewise, an open access and comprehensible tool that is easy to be used is also asked by the stakeholders to better quantify the leaks from the whole in H2 value chain while the momentum is fast gathering to upscale H2 energy applications. The NHyRA project is specifically designed to address these urgent needs. The project will deliver a "H2 releases" inventory to serve as a reference for the scientific and industrial community. New or adequately adapted experimental, theoretical, and simulation methodologies will be validated to perform laboratory or in-field measurements to achieve the ambitious goal. Experimental tests will also be performed on the most critical elements of the H2 value chains by the partners of the Consortium. A complete picture of the H2 releases' scenarios in the middle (2030) and long (2050) term will be developed to enable decision-makers to identify and prioritize effective mitigation actions. And finally, the project will formulate recommendations for Standards and Technical Specifications.

How maximize hydrogen (H2) blending potential in natural gas (NG) networks, supporting European energy system decarbonisation? The answer lies in the need of a systemic, multi-disciplinary approach to make NG infrastructure resilient to the challenges of tomorrow. Industrial and research players’ competences are required. In this framework, THOTH2 consortium focuses on energy measurement value chain and instruments’ ability to accurately measure physical parameters of H2NG mixtures with increasing H2 percentages, up to 100%. Including gas TSOs, DSOs, metrological and research institutes and academia, THOTH2 consortium has all competences and skills to reach the goals of i) define standards to evaluate the metrological performances of measuring devices at different H2 blending rates (up to 100%), ii) verify safety and durability of the same devices, and iii) suggest future needs to overcome the observed barriers and limitations. SNAM competences in managing NG assets are essential for the coordination and synergic integration of the 14 partners, recognized as experts in NG and H2 industry (GRTGAZ, GAZ-SYSTEM, Enagás, INRETE), metrology (CESAME, INRIM, METAS), H2 blending technologies and measuring devices design, engineering, and R&D activities (UNIBO, INIG, FBK, ENEA, CSIRO). The communication and dissemination strategy by GERG will give visibility to project’s results, including contributions to Mission Innovation 2.0 and EURAMET projects. THOTH2 vision will lead to an acceleration towards H2 economy, contributing to REPowerEU and NextGeneration EU objectives. The project impact potential includes the establishment of a R&D Hub center, including THOTH2 partners and Advisory Board members, to translate into valuable results achieved by the project, aiming to i) the development/update of international standards, ii) foster innovation in the field of H2NG blending measuring devices, and iii) supporting H2 value chain development leveraging on the EU gas infrastructure

To accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy while exploiting existing infrastructure, hydrogen can be injected to the natural gas network. However, the there are many technical and regulatory gaps that should be closed and adaptations and investments to be made to assure that multi-gas networks across Europe will be able to operate in a reliable and safe way while providing a highly controllable gas quality and required energy demand. Recently, the European Committee for Standardization concluded the impossibility of setting a common limiting value for hydrogen into the European gas infrastructure recommending a case-by-case analysis. In addition to this, there are still uncertainties related to material integrity on pipelines and networks components with regards to a reduced lifetime in presence of hydrogen. Existent results from previous and ongoing projects on the hydrogen readiness of grid components should be summarized in a systematic manner together with the assessment of the existent T&D infrastructure components at European level to provide stakeholders with decision support and risk reduction information to drive future investments and the development of regulations and standards. The SHIMMER project aims to enable a higher integration and safer hydrogen injection management in multi-gas networks by contributing to the knowledge and better understanding of hydrogen projects, their risks, and opportunities. - To map and address European gas T&D infrastructure in relation to materials, components, technology, and their readiness for hydrogen blends - To define methods, tools and technologies for multi-gas network management and quality tracking, including simulation, prediction, and safe management of transients, in view of widespread hydrogen injection in a context of European-wide context -To propose best practice guidelines for handling the safety of hydrogen in the natural gas infrastructure, managing the risks

Subsurface Evaluation of CCS and Unconventional Risks (SECURe) will gather unbiased, impartial scientific evidence for risk mitigation and monitoring for environmental protection to underpin subsurface geoenergy development. The main outputs of SECURe will comprise recommendations for best practice for unconventional hydrocarbon production and geological CO2 storage. The project will develop monitoring and mitigation strategies for the full geoenergy project lifecycle; by assessing plausible hazards and monitoring associated environmental risks. This will be achieved through a program of experimental research and advanced technology development that will be demonstrated at commercial and research facilities to formulate best practice. We will meet stakeholder needs; from the design of monitoring and mitigation strategies relevant to operators and regulators, to developing communication strategies to provide a greater level of understanding of the potential impacts. The SECURe partnership comprises major research and commercial organisations from countries that host shale gas and CCS industries at different stages of operation (from permitted to closed). We will form a durable international partnership with non-European groups; providing international access to study sites, creating links between projects and increasing our collective capability through exchange of scientific staff. SECURe will provide a legacy of: 1. A network of experimental and industrial field sites as a proving ground for cutting edge technologies and to enable knowledge transfer between sectors; 2. A platform for international cooperation; 3. A scientifically sound, unbiased and independent best practice for baselining, monitoring, mitigation and remediation – within a risk-assessment framework; 4. Models and best practice guidelines for engaging different stakeholders including citizens through participatory monitoring; 5. A formal continuous training programme for researchers and students.

The accelerated development of shale gas is accompanied by growing public concern regarding the safety of shale gas extraction and its impact on human health and the environment. For the US, shale gas exploitation proved very successful in changing the energy landscape in terms of security of domestic supply and increased contribution of gas in the energy mix. For Europe, shale gas exploitation could increase our resources and production of natural gas; a critical fuel for the transition to a low carbon energy system. However, there are a number of important gaps in our present understanding of shale gas exploration and exploitation, and a strong need for independent, science-based knowledge of its potential impacts in a European context. The M4ShaleGas program focuses on reviewing and improving existing best practices and innovative technologies for measuring, monitoring, mitigating and managing the environmental impact of shale gas exploration and exploitation in Europe. The technical and social research activities will yield integrated scientific recommendations for 1) how to minimize environmental risks to the subsurface, surface and atmosphere, 2) propose risk reduction and mitigation measures and 3) how to address the public attitude towards shale gas development. The 18 research institutes from 10 European Union Member States that collaborate in the M4ShaleGas consortium cover different geopolitical regions in Europe, including Member States that are at the forefront regarding shale gas exploration and exploitation in Europe as well as Member States where shale gas exploitation is not yet being actively pursued. The project governance ensures proper integration of all research activities. Knowledge and experience on best practices is imbedded by direct collaboration with US and Canadian research partners and input from representatives from the industry. During the project, results will be public and actively disseminated to all stakeholders.