HyTROS – Hydrogen Transport, Offshore, and Storage

The HyTROS project (Hydrogen Transport, Offshore, and Storage) is a pioneering research initiative dedicated to advancing hydrogen logistics and infrastructure, part of the GroenvermogenNL R&D programme . The project plays a key role in accelerating the energy transition by ensuring the safe, efficient, and large-scale deployment of hydrogen technologies.

Bridging academia, industry, and policymakers, HyTROS unites 32 parties from research and industry to develop cutting-edge solutions for hydrogen transport, storage, and offshore integration. With a total budget of €18 million—€14 million from NWO and €4 million from industry partners—the project is set to shape the future of sustainable energy.

Project objectives

The HyTROS project is dedicated to advancing hydrogen technology by addressing key challenges in transport, storage, safety, integration, and scalability. Through collaborative research and innovation, the project aims to establish a robust hydrogen infrastructure that supports the energy transition and enables widespread adoption of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.

HyTROS aims to:

• Develop safe and efficient hydrogen transport infrastructure, both onshore and offshore.
• Investigate hydrogen storage solutions, with a focus on subsurface hydrogen storage in depleted reservoirs and tanks storage of hydrogen carriers or liquefied hydrogen.
• Enhance hydrogen safety protocols, regulations, and public acceptance.
• Support the integration of hydrogen with existing energy systems.
• Facilitate the upscaling of hydrogen technology for industrial and consumer applications.

Societal & industrial impact

By developing key technologies and regulatory frameworks, HyTROS is driving the Netherlands toward its goal of becoming a European leader in hydrogen energy. The project plays a crucial role in reducing CO₂ emissions by enabling the transition from fossil fuel-based hydrogen to cleaner alternatives. By advancing hydrogen storage and transport solutions, HyTROS enhances energy security, ensuring a reliable and resilient energy system for the future.

Expected outcomes of HyTROS:

• Knowledge and tooling for warranting infrastructure integrity and precise monitoring of gas hydrogen flow and leakage.
• Standards, protocols, guidelines to engage the public, ensure, regulate safety and embed hydrogen transport and storage developments in the social, environmental and regulatory context.
• Scenarios, roadmaps, market models and decision support tools to support optimizing scale-up of hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure.
• Knowledge, information and innovative solutions to unlock the offshore infrastructure for safe reuse and integration in the hydrogen ecosystem.
• Assessments, models and innovative solutions to enable safe demonstration and development of underground hydrogen storage, hydrogen purification, suitable hydrogen carriers and liquid hydrogen terminals.

The role of the University of Groningen

The University of Groningen plays a pivotal role in two key research areas within the HyTROS project, leading efforts in Hydrogen Infrastructure and Safety, Standards, and Regulations. These research domains are essential for establishing a reliable and regulatory-compliant hydrogen economy.

• Hydrogen Infrastructure (Task 1)
  Led by Dr. Francesco Maresca this task investigates the long-term effects of hydrogen exposure on pipeline materials. Researchers are analyzing material degradation, developing advanced sensors for hydrogen quality monitoring, and enhancing flow measurement technologies. Their expertise in material science and fluid dynamics is critical for ensuring pipeline integrity, minimizing hydrogen leakage, and optimizing infrastructure reliability.
• Safety, Standards, and Regulations (Task 2)
  Under the leadership of Prof. Lorenzo Squintani from the University of Groningen this task focuses on establishing a clear regulatory framework for hydrogen transport and storage. Experts at the University of Groningen are assessing the environmental impact of hydrogen leakage, analyzing existing and emerging legal frameworks, and studying public perception of hydrogen-related risks. Their contributions aim to develop effective safety standards, policy recommendations, and communication strategies that facilitate public understanding and regulatory clarity for hydrogen deployment.

Through these research efforts, the University of Groningen plays a crucial role in shaping the technical and regulatory landscape for hydrogen infrastructure, ensuring a safe and scalable transition to a hydrogen-based energy system.

Contact & more information

HyTROS is led by TNO (Coordination, main contact: Dr. René Peters ) and Eindhoven University of Technology (Technical management, main contact: Prof. David Smeulders ), with contributions from leading research institutions and industry partners ensuring a strong link between academic research and practical application. For more details about the contribution to HyTROS of Wubbo Ockels School, contact Prof. Lorenzo Squintani, University of Groningen.