MetroHyVe3 is a 36-month European metrology research project starting August 1, 2025, coordinated by NPL. It builds on the previous MetroHyVe and MetroHyVe2 projects and supports the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and Green Deal goals for hydrogen mobility.

The initiative connects leading metrology institutions with applied research centers and industrial stakeholders to build a pan-European innovation ecosystem. Through coordinated work packages, MetroHyVe3 develops mobile verification units, validates online sensors, and investigates contaminants from emerging hydrogen sources like underground storage and hydrogen carriers.

Aims of the project are to establish a resilient, standardized metrology framework for hydrogen refueling infrastructure across Europe. By engaging stakeholders from the hydrogen value chain—including manufacturers, notified bodies, and public authorities—the project will deliver validated methods, contribute to ISO and OIML standards, and support investment-ready solutions. MetroHyVe3 is funded under the European Partnership on Metrology (EURAMET) and aligns with programs such as Horizon Europe and the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. It strengthens capacities in both advanced and emerging regions by fostering cross-border collaboration and driving industrial modernization through hydrogen.

The main objective is to develop metrology infrastructure for hydrogen refueling stations (HRS), focusing on both quantity (flow) and quality (composition) of hydrogen fuel.

Specific Objectives are:

• High-Flow Hydrogen Measurement
  Extend traceability for flow meters to high flow rates (up to 18 kg/min) for heavy-duty vehicles and larger applications (ships, trains, planes). Validate surrogate fluid calibration methods and assess uncertainty
• Mobile Verification Units
  Develop two mobile integrated HRS verification units to assess dispenser accuracy and hydrogen quality in a single site visit. These units will meet OIML R139 and EN 17124 standards
• Online Monitoring and Sensor Calibration
  Create traceable methods for validating sensors used in hydrogen leak detection and online quality monitoring. Develop calibration protocols and reference standards
• Contaminant Identification in New Supply Chains
  Investigate impurities from emerging hydrogen sources (e.g., alkaline electrolysis, hydrogen carriers, underground storage) using >45 real-world samples. Extend knowledge beyond current standards (EN 17124, ISO 14687)
• Standardization and Uptake
  Facilitate adoption of project outputs by manufacturers, notified bodies, standards organizations (ISO, CEN, OIML), and end users (HRS operators, vehicle OEMs)

Challenges and needs

• Quantity measurement: Traceability for high flow rates (up to 18 kg/min) is currently lacking.
• Calibration: The use of master meters and surrogate liquids (e.g. water, nitrogen) should simplify type approval.
• Quality measurement: Online sensors for safety and quality must be validated and calibrated.
• New contaminants: New supply chains may introduce new contaminants, the effects of which must be assessed.

To achieve these objectives, the project  is divided into six work packages.

Learn more about the project in the projectsummary and find here our partners engaging in the project.