VEGA: Precision measurement for the hydrogen economy
THE hydrogen economy is shifting from concept to reality as industries pursue lower-carbon energy, energy security and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. Safe hydrogen use in hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry, long-haul transport and chemical processing depends on precise control across production, storage, distribution and end use.
Hydrogen production is typically grouped into grey, blue and green pathways. Grey hydrogen is made from natural gas via steam methane reforming and produces significant carbon emissions.
Blue hydrogen uses the same process with carbon capture and storage, while green hydrogen uses renewable-powered electrolysis for a near-zero-emissions route as renewable costs fall.
Despite its promise, hydrogen brings demanding technical and safety challenges. Its small, light molecules leak and diffuse easily, and its wide flammability range requires strict control. Accurate pressure, temperature, level and flow measurement are essential to protect people and assets, maintain efficiency and support compliance.
Storage and transport add complexity. Hydrogen can be compressed, liquefied or moved via carriers such as ammonia or liquid organic hydrogen carriers. Each route needs measurement technology matched to its conditions, from cryogenic sensors and high-pressure monitoring to compatible instruments for safe chemical-carrier handling.
VEGA’s measurement portfolio addresses these requirements across the hydrogen value chain. For gaseous hydrogen tanks, VEGABAR 83 measures pressure using a hydrogen-compatible stainless-steel, oil-free thin-film cell for stable, reliable performance. An optional gold-coated diaphragm helps reduce diffusion, supporting dependable measurement in critical storage applications.
In green hydrogen production, electrolysers depend on precise control of water purity, temperature, current density, level and pressure.
Even small deviations can reduce efficiency or shorten stack life. VEGA solutions support these processes with real-time, reliable field data. VEGABAR 28 measures PEM electrolyser inlet and outlet pressure for hydrogen and oxygen, offering Bluetooth setup and BAM-assessed oxygen ignition resistance. For water control, VEGAPULS 6X provides non-contact radar level measurement, while VEGAFLEX 81 offers guided-radar level measurement for small ranges or vessels with internal installations.
Distribution networks require the same level of measurement confidence. As gas networks are assessed for hydrogen blending or conversion, operators must manage pipeline integrity, leakage, metering accuracy, gas composition and low-density flows. VEGABAR 82 provides long-term stable pressure monitoring in hydrogen pipelines up to 100 bar, using an oil-free ceramic measuring cell for reliable performance in demanding applications.
As hydrogen infrastructure scales, digitalisation and automation will become increasingly important. Smart sensors, predictive maintenance and cloud monitoring rely on accurate field data, reinforcing the role of robust measurement technology.
For technology providers such as VEGA, the priority is clear: deliver instruments that withstand extreme conditions, support safety requirements and perform consistently across electrolysis, storage and distribution.
The hydrogen economy will depend not only on advances in production, but also on the reliability of the infrastructure that moves, stores and controls it. VEGA’s precision pressure and level measurement solutions help form this backbone, enabling hydrogen to become a cleaner, safer and more scalable part of the future energy landscape.
Contact: Miguel Petersen, Marketing Manager, VEGA Instruments & VEGA Controls
