TÜV SÜD to showcase expanded hydrogen testing capabilities at Expo 2026

The event will take place at Hamburg Messe in Germany from 20 to 22 October. TÜV SÜD will exhibit in Hall B7 at Stand 7E45, according to the official exhibitor listing.

A central focus will be the organisation’s new hydrogen testing laboratory in Garching, near Munich. The facility supports testing of materials, individual components and complete hydrogen systems under demanding operating conditions.

Garching laboratory expands hydrogen testing capacity

The Garching hydrogen laboratory can perform pressure cycles of at least 150 MPa and tests across temperatures ranging from -40°C to +180°C.

Its equipment includes a hydrogen pressure cycler with a multistage booster compressor. Automatic leakage and cycle monitoring enables accelerated service-life testing under controlled conditions.

The laboratory is designed to reproduce pressures, temperatures and loads that components could experience during practical operation. This allows manufacturers to identify performance or durability issues during product development and before equipment is placed on the market.

Testing services include functional and endurance assessments, hydraulic burst tests, gas-flow testing and leakage and permeation measurements. Tests can be conducted using hydrogen, helium and different gas mixtures.

Material compatibility remains a safety priority

Hydrogen can affect metals, plastics, seals and other materials differently from conventional industrial gases. Potential issues include hydrogen embrittlement, cracking, permeation and changes in material properties.

TÜV SÜD tests metallic and non-metallic materials to evaluate their compatibility with hydrogen applications. The resulting evidence can support material selection, component design and estimates of operational life.

This work is relevant to pressure vessels, valves, pipework, refuelling equipment and other hydrogen-carrying components. It also supports the development of electrolysers and fuel-cell systems, where reliable containment and controlled operation are essential.

H2 Readiness certification supports early qualification

TÜV SÜD’s H2 Readiness programme is intended to help manufacturers and operators assess whether products, components and plants are suitable for current or future hydrogen operation.

The organisation’s P003 test specification addresses the resistance of materials to compressed hydrogen. P005 extends the assessment to the resistance and functional performance of components operating under hydrogen conditions.

Guidelines are also available for gas and steam turbine power stations and engine-based generating plants. These provide a framework for assessing the technical changes required when planning a gradual transition from conventional fuels to hydrogen.

Early qualification can allow manufacturers to address applicable requirements during design instead of waiting until a product reaches its final approval stage. For plant operators, it can also provide technical evidence for investment and conversion planning.

International standards support market access

TÜV SÜD’s certification services cover individual components as well as complete hydrogen systems. Assessments may be based on international standards including IEC 62282 for fuel-cell technologies and ISO 22734 for hydrogen generators using water electrolysis.

Other standards cited by the organisation include the ISO 19880 series for hydrogen refuelling stations, ISO 19887 for vehicle fuel-system components and ISO 17268 for refuelling connectors. Applicable standards depend on the product, intended use and target market.

Testing and certification can also support CE marking and type-approval processes. TÜV SÜD said its international network helps manufacturers understand differences between regulatory requirements in individual markets.

H2O Global News has previously reported on TÜV SÜD’s certification of COSBER Technology’s Hydrogen Power Cubes, which combine electrolysis, hydrogen storage and fuel-cell power generation within an integrated system.

Training covers the hydrogen value chain

Alongside testing and certification, TÜV SÜD will present professional training delivered through the TÜV SÜD Academy. The programme is intended for personnel involved in the development, operation and maintenance of hydrogen equipment.

Topics include electrolysis, hydrogen storage and transport, fuel cells, material compatibility and technical safety. Courses also address regulatory subjects such as declarations of conformity and green hydrogen certification.

Training can be provided through standard seminars or programmes tailored to individual organisations. The objective is to ensure that staff understand both the operational risks and the regulatory requirements associated with their roles.

Hydrogen Technology Expo returns to Hamburg

The Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe 2026 will bring together technology developers, equipment manufacturers, system integrators and industrial users.

The exhibition will cover hydrogen production, storage, distribution and use alongside fuel cells, infrastructure, mobility and safety. TÜV SÜD’s participation will focus on how testing and certification can support the development and commercial deployment of hydrogen technologies.

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