Hydrogen and solar standards update

Steady progress has continued throughout the quarter on key projects sponsored by EECA and WorkSafe New Zealand-Energy Safety, relating to New Zealand’s transition to more renewable and sustainable energy-sources, with a particular focus on hydrogen and solar energy. Update by Chris Forsman, Principal Project Manager.

WorkSafe New Zealand-Energy Safety and hydrogen standards

We have two projects of significance currently under development with WorkSafe New Zealand - Energy Safety. The first is the revision of an interim standard - previously revised in 2024 to enable biomethane blending into the reticulated natural agas network. This second revision of NZS 5442 (Int):2024 - Specification for reticulated natural gas, will now enable the safe blending of hydrogen >10% within the distribution leg of the reticulated natural gas network. The P4206 Reticulated Gas Committee is now at the ‘Balloting’ stage of the project, prior to seeking Standards Approval Board approval to publish.  We expect to publish the revised standard by the end of September 2025.

The second project relates to the modified-adoption of a suite of hydrogen-related equipment related standards (11 x in total) designed to underpin the needs of the supply chain, from production of hydrogen through to distribution/transportation and safe-storage hubs. The standards also support the need for onsite-containerised production and refuelling, with a particular focus on the decarbonisation heavy transport. This suite of standards are primarily ISO/IEC to align our energy transition with our international trading partners, thereby reducing any barriers to trade for suppliers of such equipment technology. The P3652 Hydrogen Standards Committee is now at the ‘Public Consultation’ stage of the project. The committee then review and consider public comments and move to the Balloting phase, prior to seeking Standards Approval Board approval to publish. We expect to also publish these new standards by the end of September 2025.

Regulatory Settings Working Group

In addition to the above projects, Standards New Zealand remains a key participant in the Hydrogen Regulatory Settings Working Group (a government cross-agency working group), who are working towards the advancement of the Hydrogen Action Plan.

Following on from the recent H2 2H Zero Summit in early June 2025, MBIE commenced consultation on proposed changes to safety regulations to enable hydrogen in Aotearoa New Zealand. This is a major step forward, with advancing the Government’s Hydrogen Action Plan(external link) , which includes creating an enabling regulatory environment for hydrogen as a key priority.  

As a first step towards addressing this priority, MBIE is consulting on a package of targeted changes to the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations, Electricity (Safety) Regulations and Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations. The consultation document sets out the proposed changes to energy safety and hazardous substances regulations, including:

• Hydrogen appliances and fittings
• Hydrogen refuelling stations
• Odorisation requirements
• Cryogenic liquid hydrogen
• Multiple element gas containers
• MEGC’s meeting ADR standards
• Safe work instruments
• Referencing standards
• Gas Safety Instruments
• Electricity Safety Instruments.

Consultation on Natural and Orange Hydrogen Regulatory Framework

Aotearoa New Zealand is a prospective destination for the potential development of natural and orange hydrogen.  While the technologies to enable this are still emerging, global interest in exporting the potential for natural and orange hydrogen in New Zealand as both a new resource and an energy source is growing. To realise this opportunity, New Zealand needs a clear and certain regulatory framework to enable success.

The Government is consulting on the regulatory options for the development of natural and orange hydrogen in New Zealand.  Read more and have your say on the hydrogen regulatory framework options here.(external link)

Submissions Close: 4 July 2025.

EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) and SNZ PAS 6014 - Residential solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems guideline.

The key project for FY 2024/25 sponsored by EECA , relates to the development of a publicly available specification (PAS) identified as SNZ PAS 6014 - Residential solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems guideline.  The purpose of this PAS is to provide sound, independent and professional advice on choosing an appropriate solar and/or battery-storage system, that is aligned to the home owner’s specific lifestyle needs. Furthermore, it explains the regulatory requirements for installing or connecting a solar system to the electricity grid and what the homeowner needs to know to sell surplus electricity back into the electrical system – should they choose to do so. 

The P4790 Technical Advisory Group (TAG) working on the PAS is now at the ‘Balloting’ stage of the project, prior to seeking Standards New Zealand Executive approval to publish. We expect to publish the revised standard by the end of July 2025.