Integrated Hydrogen Laboratory (H2Lab)

The ultimate goal of the Integrated Hydrogen Laboratory (H2Lab) is the development of a Center of Research, Technological & Scientific Excellence in the field of Hydrogen and Alternative Fuel Technologies. H2Lab is a satellite member of the Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) H2Excellence, a European skills ecosystem that supports the development of transnational cooperation platforms, leveraging technical support and mutual learning opportunities in the field of green hydrogen.

The successful transition to a hydrogen economy will provide significant economic benefits at the national level, as it will allow the country to enter a pioneering research and technology sector that includes the production and storage of clean (green) energy and the necessary infrastructure, thus competing on better terms for a share of the market that has already opened up in these sectors. At the same time, hydrogen technologies have the potential to be used in different sectors, creating innovative solutions that can contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for energy and the environment, as well as addressing humanitarian and environmental crises. The increasing frequency of natural disasters due to climate change, for example, has made it necessary to develop resilient and environmentally friendly energy systems. Hydrogen technology, especially when combined with renewable energy sources, offers a sustainable and effective solution.

The laboratory’s research focuses on the following areas:

• research, design, development, and operation of integrated RES/hydrogen energy systems,
• natural hydrogen extraction and geological storage of H2
• hydrogen production/storage/compression
• hydrogen transport/injection/blending into the natural gas network
• end use of hydrogen either through fuel cells for electricity generation or as a fuel for decarbonisation of industry and transport.
• Research & development of alternative fuels (ammonia, methanol, synthetic fuels, etc.)

Laboratory objectives/goals:

An integrated hydrogen laboratory serves as a central hub for research, development, testing, and demonstration of hydrogen-related technologies.

The goal of the Integrated Hydrogen Laboratory (H2Lab) of NCSR DEMOKRITOS is to accelerate the transition to a hydrogen-based economy by providing the necessary infrastructure and expertise to address the challenges associated with hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and use.

The specific objectives of H2Lab are as follows:

• acquisition of know-how in the application of hydrogen technology covering the entire production cycle (extraction/production, storage, distribution, and consumption of hydrogen),
• expertise in the design, installation, control, and management of integrated RES/hydrogen systems,
• development of prototypes
• dissemination and promotion of H2 technology to citizens and participation of local and regional stakeholders
• creation of a roadmap for the development of hydrogen technologies on a real scale
• supporting education and research in H2 applications through collaborations within the Institutes of NCSRD, with the rest of the Scientific & Academic Community, Industry, and SMEs