The MultHyFuel project has successfully wrapped up with the release of a pioneering set of good practice guidelines, designed to support the safe and efficient rollout of hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) co-located with other fuel types across Europe. This achievement marks a major step forward in accelerating the shift toward clean hydrogen mobility while safeguarding public safety and promoting regulatory alignment.
Project Purpose and Vision
Funded under the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme and coordinated by Hydrogen Europe, MultHyFuel united leading research bodies and industrial partners from across the continent to tackle a key challenge in hydrogen mobility: how to safely integrate hydrogen refuelling at multifuel stations.
As hydrogen-powered transport continues to grow, developing infrastructure that is not only safe and efficient but also publicly trusted is essential. MultHyFuel addressed this by crafting a unified strategy for implementing HRS at shared refuelling sites—grounded in practical research, experimental data, and cross-sector collaboration.
Key Deliverables and Impact
The project’s final output is a comprehensive set of preliminary Good Practice Guidelines, which include:
- Risk Assessment Methodologies
Practical tools for identifying and mitigating the unique safety risks associated with hydrogen refuelling in multifuel environments. - Design and Operational Best Practices
Illustrated examples of safe layouts, protective barriers, and technical risk mitigation strategies for hydrogen and other fuels. - Hydrogen Safety Evidence
Real-world findings on hydrogen leaks and potential hazards, informing both safety modelling and evidence-based policy decisions. - Stakeholder Involvement
Direct input from regulators, standardization bodies, and industry partners, ensuring that the guidelines are both practical and ready for implementation. - Recommendations for iprovement of Standards
Technical insights to inform the evolution of European codes and standards, helping lay the foundation for widespread hydrogen adoption.
Who Stands to Benefit – And Why It Matters
Policymakers and Regulators
The guidelines provide a science-based foundation for updating safety regulations at both national and EU levels, supporting the safe expansion of hydrogen infrastructure.
Industry Players and Station Operators
Fuel providers, engineers, and equipment manufacturers now have access to up-to-date, validated practices—reducing uncertainty and expediting deployment.
The Public and End Users
By proactively addressing safety concerns, MultHyFuel helps build trust in hydrogen as a clean, reliable alternative—crucial for Europe’s transition to a net-zero future.
Researchers and Standards Organisations
The project identifies key knowledge gaps and future research needs, ensuring continued improvement and consistency across the sector.
Looking Forward
The publication of these guidelines represents a vital milestone in making hydrogen refuelling as safe and accessible as conventional fuels. Already influencing conversations around European standards and regulations, MultHyFuel’s evidence-based approach sets the stage for a future-ready hydrogen ecosystem.
As hydrogen vehicles become more common, the legacy of this project will help ensure infrastructure keeps pace—reliably, safely, and in line with Europe’s clean energy goals.
To access the full guidelines and technical documentation, visit the websites of the project partners or the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.
About the Project
MultHyFuel received funding from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership under the EU Horizon 2020 programme. Key partners included INERIS (FR), ENGIE (FR), ITM Power (UK), HSE (GB), Shell (NL), SNAM (IT), KIWA (NL), and ZSW (DE).
