07/04/26
Key technologies for hydrogen storage and transport
Project
The ONTZHI-II project builds on the achievements of the first ONTZHI phase, driving new technological solutions that enable the safe, sustainable, and competitive handling of hydrogen.
Through the development of advanced coatings, sustainable materials, optimized welding techniques, and predictive modelling, ONTZHI-II aims to overcome the main barriers currently limiting the deployment of hydrogen as a key energy vector for decarbonization.
This second phase reinforces Euskadi's commitment to the energy transition, positioning its scientific, technological, and industrial ecosystem as a benchmark in hydrogen-related innovation.
Context
Hydrogen is emerging as an essential energy vector for decarbonizing sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy industry, long-haul transport, and energy network management. Its ability to store renewable energy and facilitate the integration of intermittent sources makes it a key element in national and regional energy transition strategies.
At a global level, meeting climate neutrality (Net Zero) goals will require a substantial increase in the production and use of low-carbon hydrogen. However, its large-scale deployment remains constrained by high costs, storage and transport challenges, and the lack of fully mature technical solutions. In regions such as Europe and Asia, efficient hydrogen import and distribution are becoming critical, underscoring the need to develop new material and coating technologies that enhance safety and competitiveness.
Nevertheless, the massive deployment of hydrogen poses technical and operational challenges that demand fundamental research and scientific development to generate the knowledge base required for future industrial solutions.
The main challenges include:
Hydrogen embrittlement
Loss of ductility and strength in metals exposed to hydrogen, leading to potential structural failure in tanks, pipelines, and welded joints.
Permeation and leakage
Diffusion of H₂ through materials and seals, causing losses, safety risks, and lower efficiency.
Material and welding compatibility
Need to certify materials and joining processes for service in hydrogen environments.
Sustainability and circularity of components
Design tanks and solutions that minimize environmental impact, encourage recycling, and remain economically competitive.
Modelling and prediction
Lack of robust predictive tools to anticipate degradation under real conditions and optimize design and maintenance.
The first ONTZHI phase helped to advance fundamental knowledge on the interaction between hydrogen and materials, establishing the necessary experimental and methodological foundations.
Building on these results, ONTZHI-II focuses on deepening the scientific understanding of the observed phenomena and developing new conceptual solutions related to protective coatings, sustainable composite materials, and advanced digital methodologies for predictive modelling.
ONTZHI-II is also aligned with the Basque Hydrogen Strategy and the priorities of the Elkartek Programme (SPRI). Running from 2025 to 2027, the project combines scientific, industrial, and cluster capabilities to accelerate the adoption of safe, efficient, and sustainable solutions that enable the transition towards decarbonized energy systems.
Objectives and results
Following the progress achieved in the first phase, which established the scientific and methodological foundations for understanding the interaction between hydrogen and materials, this second stage focuses on deepening the study of fundamental mechanisms, developing new protective coatings and sustainable composite materials, and conducting laboratory-scale experimental tests to assess their behaviour and potential applicability in hydrogen storage and transport environments.
ONTZHI-II aims to advance the scientific knowledge that will support the future development of safer, more sustainable, and more competitive technologies, strengthening the scientific and technological capabilities of the Basque hydrogen ecosystem.
General objective
To research and develop technologies that ensure safer, more efficient, and more sustainable hydrogen storage and transport through innovation in materials, protective coatings, advanced modelling, and manufacturing processes, generating scientific and experimental knowledge that will serve as the basis for future industrial applications.
Specific objectives
- Develop barrier coatings that minimize hydrogen embrittlement and permeation in metallic materials.
- Create sustainable and recyclable composite materials for Type IV tanks intended for mobility applications.
- Develop predictive computational models that describe the interaction between hydrogen and materials and support the design of safer solutions.
- Design and produce laboratory-scale experimental demonstrators that enable the transfer of scientific results to the industrial sector.
- Promote technology transfer towards companies and industries engaged in the hydrogen economy.
Expected results
- Barrier coatings that reduce hydrogen permeation and embrittlement.
- Sustainable Type IV tanks manufactured with recyclable composites.
- Simulation models capable of predicting the behaviour of materials in hydrogen environments.
- Optimized manufacturing processes for hydrogen-related components.
Work lines
ONTZHI-II is structured into four main research lines to address the most relevant technological challenges associated with hydrogen storage and transport.
The project includes experimental, modelling, and advanced characterization activities to deepen the understanding of the materials, coatings, and processes involved, laying the scientific foundations for the future development of industrially scalable solutions.
Research lines
1
Solutions for metallic tanks and components
Development of advanced coatings that act as barriers against hydrogen embrittlement and permeation in steels and alloys. Includes experimental research and non-destructive detection methodologies.
2
Solutions for composite material tanks
Design and laboratory-scale manufacturing of Type IV tanks based on sustainable and recyclable composite materials, prioritizing weight reduction and circularity.
3
Solutions for gaseous hydrogen transport through pipelines
Research on the behaviour of metallic materials and welds under hydrogen exposure, analysing the effects of corrosion, microcracking, and coating compatibility.
4
Advanced modelling and characterization
Development of predictive models based on artificial intelligence to understand embrittlement mechanisms, accelerating the design of new materials and coatings.
Impacts
ONTZHI-II will deliver knowledge and technologies that facilitate the deployment of hydrogen in real applications:
- Barrier coating to prevent hydrogen permeation, designed for metallic storage components.
- Type IV tank made from sustainable and recyclable composites, intended for mobility applications.
- Predictive models to analyse hydrogen embrittlement and permeation in materials.
- Computational simulation tools to better understand the interaction between hydrogen and materials, contributing to safer storage and transport solutions.
Consortium
The ONTZHI-II consortium is formed by six complementary entities with extensive experience in scientific research, technological development, industrial innovation, and communication.
Their combined expertise in advanced manufacturing, simulation, materials science, artificial intelligence, and technology transfer enables a comprehensive approach to the project, ensuring the generation of valuable knowledge and its alignment with the needs of the industrial and energy sectors.
Advisory Committee
During the first phase, the committee played a key role in identifying industrial challenges and validating the technological approach. In this second stage, its involvement is strengthened to guide the development of demonstrators, provide technical feedback, and facilitate the transfer of results to the industrial sector.
The ONTZHI-II Advisory Committee is made up of companies and institutions that represent different links in the hydrogen value chain, contributing a strategic and practical perspective that ensures the applicability of the results.
Members:
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