The NICKEFFECT project announces a major milestone in the European hydrogen landscape: the official publication of CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA) 18302:2026, titled “Electrochemical characterisation at laboratory scale of non-noble porous metal-based electrodes for hydrogen generation in acidic medium.”
This document is more than just a technical guide; it is the culmination of a dedicated collaboration between the NICKEFFECT consortium and CEN-CENELEC, marking a significant step toward harmonizing how we validate the next generation of clean energy materials.
The Challenge: Bridging the “Comparison Gap”
Europe’s move toward net-zero by 2050 hinges on sustainable hydrogen production. While water electrolysis is a key solution, current technologies rely heavily on expensive platinum-group metals (PGMs). NICKEFFECT is pioneering the transition to non-noble metal alternatives, such as nickel and iron-group alloys.
However, a critical bottleneck has long hindered progress: the lack of standardized laboratory testing protocols. Without a common rulebook, comparing catalytic activity and durability across different research groups was nearly impossible. Variations in experimental conditions led to inconsistent data, slowing the innovation cycle from the lab to the factory floor.
The Roadmap to Success: A Collaborative Process
The journey to CWA 18302:2026 was a meticulous process of consensus-building and technical excellence, following the CEN/CENELEC Guide 29 for rapid standardization.
1. The Genesis (April 2025)
The process began with a public call for participation in April 2025, inviting stakeholders from across Europe to contribute their expertise.
2. The Kick-Off (June 2025)
The official launch took place on June 18, 2025. During this session, the leadership roles were established to ensure a smooth transition from research to standard:
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Chairperson & CWA Leader: Aliona Nicolenco (NICKEFFECT Project Coordinator, CIDETEC).
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Secretariat: Esther Bermejo Nuñez (UNE).
3. Technical Refinement & Consensus
Over several months, the workshop participants engaged in deep technical debates. Key issues were addressed to ensure the protocol was both rigorous and practical, including:
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Standardizing cell sizes and electrolyte ratios to ensure scalability.
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Defining potential ranges for testing to accommodate both high- and low-activity electrodes.
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Establishing guidelines for counter electrode selection to prevent cross-contamination in acidic media.
4. Approval and Publication (October 2025 – January 2026)
Following a period of review and public transparency, the CWA was officially approved by the Workshop on October 29, 2025. The final text was delivered to CEN in early 2026, leading to its official publication as a reference document for the European scientific community.
What Does CWA 18302:2026 Cover?
This agreement provides a clear methodology for researchers and laboratories focusing on:
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Electrochemical Cell Design: Recommendations for the physical setup of catalyst testing.
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Performance Parameters: Standardized definitions for assessing catalytic activity and long-term durability.
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Data Representation: Guidelines on how to analyze and report results to ensure reproducibility across different labs.
By providing these ground rules, NICKEFFECT is helping to ensure that a promising material discovered in one lab can be reliably validated in another, accelerating the path to PGM-free hydrogen production.
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This achievement would not have been possible without the collective effort of the European hydrogen community.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the participants of the CEN Workshop for their invaluable involvement, insights, and contributions throughout the drafting process.
A very special thanks goes to Esther Bermejo Nuñez from UNE for her tireless work in the Secretariat, ensuring the process met the highest standards of the CEN-CENELEC system. We also recognize Aliona Nicolenco (NICKEFFECT Project Coordinator) for her leadership as Workshop Chairperson and CWA Leader, and the entire CIDETEC team for their pivotal role in leading the technical development of this CWA.
Together, we are setting the standards for a more sustainable, hydrogen-powered future.
View the published CWA here: CWA 18302:2026 PDF