The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) has unveiled a new hydrogen testing facility capable of operating in 100 per cent hydrogen environments at temperatures up to 1650°C, marking a notable step forward for industrial decarbonisation research in the UK.

Designed, upgraded and commissioned in-house, the facility centres on a high-temperature test rig developed through the repurposing of existing infrastructure. The programme included a full Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) study and the implementation of stringent operational and safety controls, enabling high-integrity testing under demanding hydrogen conditions.

The development responds to a growing industry need: understanding how materials behave in hydrogen-rich environments. As sectors move towards hydrogen as a low-carbon energy source, material performance under real operating conditions has become a critical barrier to adoption.

The new capability allows MPI to carry out detailed studies into material compatibility and degradation, including hydrogen embrittlement and oxidation, alongside validation and qualification of components for hydrogen service. It also opens up opportunities for wider research, development and industrial trials linked to hydrogen-based processes.

By enabling testing under 100 per cent hydrogen conditions, the facility is expected to support compliance with emerging standards, reduce deployment risk and accelerate the development of hydrogen-ready technologies. It also strengthens MPI’s position within national and international decarbonisation programmes, while creating opportunities for new commercial projects and collaborative research.

Dr Hichem Hakka, Head of Energy and Process Decarbonisation at MPI, said: “Achieving net zero in industry requires proven, scalable solutions. This new hydrogen testing capability allows us to generate the critical evidence needed by asset owners, OEMs, equipment manufacturers, and materials developers to confidently transition to hydrogen-based processes.

“With our ability to test under 100 per cent hydrogen at high temperatures we are addressing one of the key barriers to adoption which is understanding how materials and components behave in real operating conditions.

“This facility enhances our activities to support industrial decarbonisation by providing partners across multiple sectors with a unique platform to validate, de-risk, and scale hydrogen solutions.”

The facility has been developed in line with established process safety methodologies and aligns with UK and international standards, including DSEAR and ATEX principles. All testing is conducted within a controlled environment supported by robust risk mitigation procedures.

The project forms part of the PRISM programme of research and innovation, funded by Innovate UK, and reflects MPI’s continued focus on enabling practical pathways to low-carbon industrial systems.