Nacap, an energy infrastructure contractor headquartered in Victoria, has achieved NATA accreditation for the evaluation of the mechanical performance of high and low-pressure hydrogen pipelines, in line with the Hydrogen Pipeline Systems Design, Construction and Operation – A Code of Practice for the Australian Pipeline Industry.
As hydrogen fuel pipelines are widely viewed as a key enabler in the decarbonisation of multiple sectors, and the transition to a sustainable energy future, this accreditation represents a significant milestone for both NATA and Nacap. Not only is it the first time NATA has accredited a laboratory for hydrotesting hydrogen pipelines, Nacap is also the first and only laboratory to receive this accreditation.
No accredited pathway
Given that hydrogen fuel technology is still an emerging field in Australia, Nacap anticipated that one of the main challenges of being accredited for this emerging standard would be the lack of an established certification framework for the hydrotesting of hydrogen pipelines.
While the Hydrogen Pipeline Systems Design, Construction and Operation – A Code of Practice for the Australian Pipeline Industry provides guidance, Nacap found there was no existing accredited pathway to certify laboratories for this specific type of pressure testing. Therefore, it recognised early on that the safe and reliable pressure testing of these assets must be risk-controlled and independently verified by a certified laboratory.
However, the absence of an established accreditation pathway meant it would be navigating new ground. Fortunately, it would not be doing it alone but in collaboration with NATA.
Pathway to accreditation
Nacap first undertook a comprehensive review of the Code of Practice led by its Technical Manager and Quality Assurance Manager to ensure full alignment with its requirements. It then leveraged its extensive experience and technical capability in hydrostatic testing for the oil and gas pipeline industry, adapting and enhancing its systems to meet the specific demands of hydrogen pipeline performance.
This initiative directly aligned with Nacap’s ESG (environmental, social, and governance) strategy and commitment to supporting the renewable energy transition, specifically in support of UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 with the 2030 objective to support access to affordable, reliable sustainable and modern energy for all.
Having gained accreditation, Nacap has now turned its attention to maintaining it. It is already updating its management system, procedures, plans and operational processes to fully integrate the specific requirements for hydrogen pipeline testing. This includes ongoing training, continuous improvement, and regular internal audits to ensure it consistently meets and exceeds NATA’s standards.
Towards renewable energy
Looking ahead, Nacap views this new accreditation as an important stepping stone towards expanding its accredited capabilities further in line with Australia’s climate and decarbonisation goals. In particular, it looks forward to exploring the progression towards accreditation for testing carbon dioxide transmission pipelines associated with emerging carbon capture and storage (CCS) pipeline projects.
Nacap recognises that there are unique risks and environmental considerations involved in CO₂ transmission pipelines. By proactively addressing these technical and safety challenges within a certified and risk-controlled framework, it aims to play a leading role in supporting safe and effective CCS solutions as part of broader climate change objectives.
By proactively engaging with NATA, Nacap is looking forward to growing this new accreditation category to enable the transition to more sustainable and affordable renewable energy. It is an undertaking it will do in collaboration with NATA on the development of this accreditation framework, which it hopes will drive awareness, confidence, and best practice across the sector.