SGS expands hydrogen testing operations in France

SGS has expanded its hydrogen testing capabilities in France with the opening of a larger laboratory facility in Normandy, strengthening support for the growing hydrogen, biofuels and petrochemical sectors.

The company said its operations have been relocated to a new site in Oudalle near Le Havre, allowing it to expand analytical and inspection services as demand increases for hydrogen purity testing and low-carbon fuel certification across Europe.

The expansion builds on earlier investments made in 2022, when SGS introduced advanced hydrogen testing technologies at its French laboratory network to support compliance with hydrogen fuel quality standards.

According to SGS, the upgraded facility is equipped to perform hydrogen purity and contaminant analysis in line with ISO 14687 and EN 17124 Grade D/F specifications, standards that are considered essential for hydrogen mobility and industrial applications.

The laboratory is certified under COFRAC ISO/CEI 17025 requirements and will also provide analytical services for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), reflecting broader demand for testing infrastructure linked to low-carbon fuels.

Arjan Praat, Vice President of Oil, Gas and Chemical Analytics at SGS, said the expansion strengthens the company’s regional capabilities while supporting future growth in emerging energy sectors including hydrogen and renewable fuels.

The company added that it is actively involved in international hydrogen standard-setting through participation in ISO technical committees covering hydrogen fuel quality and sampling procedures, helping shape global certification and testing practices for the hydrogen economy.

As hydrogen production and transport projects continue to expand across Europe, demand is rising for independent testing, inspection and certification services capable of verifying fuel quality, safety and regulatory compliance throughout the hydrogen value chain.

SGS said the Oudalle facility positions the company to support industrial customers navigating increasingly complex technical and regulatory requirements as the global hydrogen market scales up.