The “NormAKraft” project was carried out to investigate the system compatibility of alternative fuels that are currently under development. Its primary aim was to assess whether these fuels meet existing regulatory requirements, particularly fuel regulations and standard conformity, and to evaluate their material compatibility with the existing vehicle fleet, refueling infrastructure and distribution network. By ensuring that new fuel specifications align with current norms and material‑compatibility requirements, the project sought to enable market entry of alternative fuels without incurring additional technical or economic burdens, thereby supporting the energy transition in the transport sector.
The German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (DBFZ) led the evaluation of the three main gaseous fuels examined: methane, hydrogen and Hythan, a mixture of methane and hydrogen. The assessment framework was divided into several categories. First, REACH registration was considered; the European REACH regulation requires registration of new substances and mixtures with the European Chemicals Agency, demanding extensive physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological data. The project produced an initial assessment of the registration status of each fuel, identifying gaps that would need to be addressed before market introduction.
Second, the status of fuel standards was examined. Fuel standards provide a uniform basis for vehicle, ship and aircraft propulsion development. The project classified each fuel variant as “standardised”, “in development” or “not standardised”, thereby clarifying the regulatory hurdles each fuel faces. Third, the project reviewed national and European regulations that govern the use of renewable fuels in transport, including incentives for production and distribution, quality standards and infrastructure development. This regulatory mapping highlighted the legal framework that must be satisfied for each fuel to be commercially viable.
Fourth, emissions were evaluated. Renewable fuels can substantially reduce CO₂ and other harmful emissions compared with fossil fuels. The project performed a baseline comparison of expected emission profiles for methane, hydrogen and Hythan against conventional fuels, noting that the lower carbon content of hydrogen and the reduced particulate emissions of methane could offer significant environmental benefits. While the report does not provide specific numerical emission reductions, it emphasizes that the fuels meet or exceed current emission limits for the transport sector.
Fifth, performance, or “fit for purpose”, was assessed. The energy content of each fuel was a key performance indicator, as it determines the achievable vehicle range and engine efficiency. The project confirmed that hydrogen and methane possess sufficient energy densities for automotive use, and that Hythan offers a compromise between the high energy density of hydrogen and the lower infrastructure costs of methane. The analysis also considered the impact of fuel composition on engine wear and fuel system integrity, concluding that all three fuels can be integrated into existing systems with only minor modifications.
The project was conducted over a period that culminated in the final report dated 26 June 2023. It was funded under the project number 03EIV241C, indicating support from a German federal funding body, likely the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The DBFZ acted as the lead partner, coordinating the evaluation and compiling the results. While the report does not list additional partners explicitly, it references collaboration with other institutions for data collection and regulatory analysis. The final deliverable includes a detailed comparison of the fuels against regulatory and performance criteria, providing a roadmap for stakeholders to advance the deployment of renewable gaseous fuels in the German transport market.