PRESS RELEASE
Tracing the origin of hydrogen through isotopic analysis, distinguishing green hydrogen produced from renewable sources from fossil-based hydrogen.
This is the goal of the HyTra project, coordinated by the Fondazione Edmund Mach in collaboration with the Interuniversity Research Centre on Pollution and the Environment (CIRIA) in Perugia. The research initiative is funded under the RepowerEU programme, within Investment 3.5 “Research and development on hydrogen” of Mission 2, Component 2 of the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
HyTra is coordinated by the Traceability and Bioeconomy research units of the Research and Innovation Centre, which bring long-standing and internationally recognised expertise in isotopic analysis, product traceability, and the study of opportunities for valorising by-products and supply chain residues.
Objectives
Hydrogen is considered a key element for the energy transition and the decarbonisation of the European economy by 2050. The EU hydrogen strategy foresees a growing role for this energy carrier, especially in sectors where low-carbon alternatives are still limited. However, to ensure the success of this transition, it is crucial to certify the renewable origin of the hydrogen used. At present, most of the hydrogen produced worldwide is fossil-based, with a significant environmental impact. Ensuring the traceability of green hydrogen is therefore essential to prevent greenwashing, promote market transparency, and support sustainable policies and investments.
HyTra’s innovative approach
The project adopts an advanced analytical method based on isotopic ratio analysis of hydrogen, aiming to lay the foundations for a transparent and reliable market for green hydrogen. This is an initial phase of preliminary assessment, which, once validated, could be used to certify the renewable origin of hydrogen, providing consumers and companies with guarantees of its sustainability.
Project phases
- Sample collection and analysis: hydrogen samples from various sources, both renewable (water electrolysis, biomass, biogas) and fossil (natural gas), will be collected and analysed to build a reference isotopic database.
- Statistical model development: the data obtained will be used to develop a statistical model capable of distinguishing green hydrogen from fossil hydrogen with high accuracy and reliability.
- Validation and application: the analytical method will be validated and applied in different contexts to demonstrate its effectiveness and practical applicability.
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