LAUSR

The efficient and cost-effective realization and implementation of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in the existing energy and transport systems require appropriate laws (regulations), standards and processes (“Regulations, Codes and Standards”—RCS). Almost all relevant regulations that are applicable to hydrogen and fuel cells in Germany today are based on, or must be adapted in, European legislation (directives or regulations). Likewise, the essential part of the standards used today is, or will be, harmonized with international (ISO, IEC) or European (EN) standards. New standards are essentially developed only within the framework of ISO, IEC or CEN, CENELEC. For example, in 2017, approximately 75% of the new standards relevant for Europe were international and only 20% European standards. Hydrogen (H2) and Fuel Cell (FC) technologies are developed worldwide, especially in Asia, Europe and North America. This influence is also reflected in important regulations and standards for hydrogen (H2 RCS). Due to the path of regulatory development via the New Legislative Framework adopted by the European Commission, the relevant actors have to anticipate, synchronize and harmonize the development of standards and regulations. Hence, an increased representation of German experts is required in all relevant international standardization committees. Consequently—in order to ensure the representation of Germany's interests in the future—a more active participation in committee work is required, particularly within the EU, UNECE, ISO, IEC, CEN and CENELEC. The development of standards and regulations and, in particular, the coordination between the two is complex and requires a concerted approach and substantial efforts. For this reason, the development of a roadmap strategy paper [1] was commissioned by NOW GmbH and hence prepared by LBST GmbH, in order to identify potentials and obstacles in a hydrogen RCS context. Furthermore, expedient measures and instruments have been identified,