Connor, A; Medland, D; Stratford, E; Yarrow, N; Barros, H; Robinson, R (2026) Hydrogen monitoring and measurement: Evidence report to support the development of LDAR and MCERTS standards. NPL Report. ENV 65

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Abstract

Hydrogen is expected to play a central role in decarbonising industry and energy systems as a low‑carbon fuel and energy carrier. While hydrogen is not a direct greenhouse gas, emissions can have an indirect climate impact by influencing atmospheric chemistry and increasing the persistence of greenhouse gases in the upper atmosphere. As hydrogen deployment scales up across industrial settings, minimising emissions is critical for climate protection, safety and system efficiency, yet there are no standard methods for the monitoring and measuring fugitive hydrogen emissions for industry and regulators.

This report assessed the evidence needed to support the development of Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) and Environment’s Agency Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS) standards for fugitive hydrogen emissions within the UK permitting framework. It identified significant gaps in measurement evidence, capability and standardisation, particularly for component‑level quantification and wider‑area monitoring. Drawing on field trials, stakeholder engagement and international research, the report sets out key findings and recommendations to expand measurement campaigns, develop guidance and standards, and support the staged development of hydrogen‑specific LDAR and MCERTS frameworks.

Item Type:	Report/Guide (NPL Report)
NPL Report No.:	ENV 65
Subjects:	Environmental Measurement > Atmospheric Science, Emission and Security
Divisions:	Atmospheric Environmental Sciences
Identification number/DOI:	10.47120/npl.ENV65
Last Modified:	22 May 2026 08:46
URI:	https://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/id/eprint/10418