The Japan Petroleum Energy Center (JPEC) commissioned TÜV SÜD to map the state of the art in hydrogen refuelling stations in Germany and Europe. The results of this study will be incorporated into the revision of Japan's legal regulations for hydrogen refuelling stations.

By revising the legal regulations for hydrogen refuelling stations, the Japanese government aims to advance the establishment of a national network of 70-MPa (700 bar) hydrogen refuelling stations. For this purpose, the Japan Petroleum Energy Center (JPEC) was commissioned by the Japanese Research Association of Hydrogen Supply / Utilization Technology (HySUT) and the News Energy and Industrial Development Organisation (NEDO) to develop a proposal for the revision of the existing technical standards and regulations. The new standards and regulations are planned to pave the way for constructing and operating hydrogen refuelling stations in Japan and ensure a high level of safety.

On behalf of the JPEC, TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH reviewed the technical requirements and the relevant German and European regulations and standards that must be fulfilled for licensing, constructing and operating hydrogen refuelling stations in Germany. Markus Born, expert for gas refuelling stations at TÜV SÜD Industrie Service, presented the results in Tokyo in front of over 50 experts from the industry and professional associations. These results might contribute to Japan's revised technical standards and regulations.

"We are very pleased to have been awarded this contract by the Japan Petroleum Energy Center", says Tom Elliger, Head of Gas Systems – Hydrogen Technology at TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH in Munich. "This contract acknowledges our comprehensive know-how in the area of hydrogen and fuel-cell technology and our in-depth familiarity with national and international codes and standards."

"Another reason for the award of the contract by JPEC was TÜV SÜD's international network", explains Dr Andreas Stange, CEO TÜV SÜD Japan Ltd. in Tokyo. "Cooperation between our Japanese experts on site in Japan and the experts from TÜV SÜD Industrie Service in Munich was excellent and produced a very convincing result."