Hydrogen production

Hydrogen production refers to industrial processes that generate hydrogen gas by splitting water or methane into hydrogen and by-products. It is central to the hydrogen value chain, particularly in power-to-X applications using electrolysis and in blue hydrogen production. 

Electrolysers use electricity—ideally from renewable sources—to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Blue hydrogen is produced from natural gas via steam methane reforming, with the resulting CO₂ emissions captured and stored. 

Safety, efficiency, and compliance are critical concerns for hydrogen production facilities, making regulatory certifications and due diligence essential to safe and reliable operation.

The hydrogen production project development typically follows these steps:

• Design and planning – Companies design the hydrogen production facility and select the appropriate electrolyser technology (power-to-X or blue hydrogen production). TÜV SÜD supports the electrolyzer manufacturers and project operators in this process with design reviews and standards assessment, to ensure safety and compliance from the start.
• Regulatory compliance and certification – TÜV SÜD ensures that the projects obtains all necessary certifications, such as CE marking and ISO 22734 compliance, during the planning to the operation stage.
• Safety and risk management – TÜV SÜD’s HAZOP studies and PED certifications for pressure equipment verify a facility's safety. We also provide ongoing support for global market access by guiding companies through relevant regional certifications (e.g., DVGW or BetrSichV in Germany).
• Operations and maintenance – TÜV SÜD continues to support plant operators with periodic assessments, technical due diligence, and training, after the facility is operational.

Electrolyser manufacturers and hydrogen plant operators are key players in developing clean energy infrastructure. Hydrogen production offers you a way to contribute to the decarbonisation of energy and industrial processes. The safety and regulatory compliance of your production processes is vital for global market access and business expansion.

While individuals may not directly interact with hydrogen production facilities, their technologies have a significant impact on sustainable energy availability. Hydrogen is a clean alternative to fossil fuels and can lead to cleaner energy sources for homes, transportation, and industries.

Regulatory compliance is central to hydrogen production, with standards like ISO 22734 for electrolysers and other certification requirements confirming plant safety. Countries are developing stricter frameworks around hydrogen production so that facilities are safe, environmentally sound, and capable of supporting widespread hydrogen adoption.

TÜV SÜD offers complete support across the hydrogen value chain, from technical due diligence to safety assessments and global market access. Our comprehensive understanding of international and local regulations allows you to navigate complex certification processes with confidence, while our global presence ensures you can access new markets with ease.

With a focus on electrolysers and hydrogen production plant safety, we offer highly specialised services tailored to the hydrogen industry. Our track record of successful projects is evidence of our capabilities and reliability. You can trust us to deliver results, mitigate risks, and drive project success.

TÜV SÜD offers a wide range of hydrogen production services:

• CE marking – We support electrolyser manufacturers to meet the necessary European safety, health, and environmental protection standards required for market access.
• Global market access – We help hydrogen production companies to navigate the international regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance with local standards and certifications required for global operations.
• Technical due diligence – Our detailed risk assessments and technical evaluations confirm that hydrogen production facilities are safe, efficient, and compliant with industry standards.
• ISO 22734 certification – We assist electrolyser manufacturers to comply with ISO 22734 standard, which define the safety requirements for hydrogen generators using electrolysis.
• HAZOP and Pressure Equipment Directive Certification – We conduct HAZOP studies and support plant manufacturer to obtain PED certifications for pressure equipment, so they can maintain safety and operational reliability.
• Approval for explosion protection, emission regulation and national authorities (e.g. BetrSichV, BImSchG, DVGW certification in Germany) – To ensure comprehensive regulatory compliance, we guide companies through certifications, processes at local, regional and national level (e.g Betriebssicherheitsverordnung (BetrSichV)  the German requirements for Operation of systems requiring monitoring.)     
• Training – Our training programmes for hydrogen plant operators focus on safety, regulatory standards, and operational best practices. This empowers plant operators to maintain high safety standards and regulatory compliance throughout a hydrogen plant’s planning construction and operational life.