The GOST standards, developed within the Russian and Eurasian framework, provide a comprehensive regulatory foundation for hydrogen systems, encompassing production, storage, and transportation. These standards are critical for ensuring safety, interoperability, and efficiency across the hydrogen value chain, particularly within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and allied regions. The evolution of these standards reflects both historical industrial practices and modern advancements in hydrogen technologies, with ongoing revisions to align with international norms.

Historically, GOST standards for hydrogen emerged from Soviet-era industrial regulations, which prioritized large-scale chemical and energy applications. Early iterations focused on hydrogen production via steam methane reforming and electrolysis, with stringent safety protocols derived from nuclear and aerospace industries. The dissolution of the USSR necessitated updates to these standards, leading to the adoption of harmonized regulations under the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Today, GOST standards for hydrogen systems are managed by the Euro-Asian Council for Standardization, Metrology, and Certification (EASC), which ensures consistency across member states.

For hydrogen production, GOST standards outline technical requirements for electrolyzers, reformers, and other key equipment. GOST R 56149-2014 specifies safety and performance criteria for alkaline and proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis systems, including efficiency thresholds and material compatibility. Thermochemical production methods, such as those involving sulfur-iodine cycles, are governed by GOST R 56892-2016, which mandates purity levels and operational stability. These standards are periodically revised to incorporate advancements in catalyst materials and renewable energy integration, with recent updates addressing photoelectrochemical and biomass-based production.

Storage standards under GOST emphasize both conventional and emerging technologies. Compressed gas storage is regulated by GOST R 55861-2013, which defines pressure limits, cylinder materials, and testing procedures. Liquid hydrogen storage falls under GOST R 56352-2015, covering cryogenic tank design, insulation, and boil-off management. Metal hydrides and chemical carriers, such as ammonia and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), are addressed in GOST R 58483-2019, which sets benchmarks for hydrogen release rates and storage density. These standards are compatible with ISO 16111 and ISO 14687, though regional adaptations account for colder climates and infrastructure constraints in CIS countries.

Transportation regulations within the GOST framework cover pipelines, road transport, and rail. GOST R 55596-2013 outlines specifications for hydrogen pipeline networks, including welding techniques and leak detection systems. For compressed gas transport via trucks, GOST R 52720-2007 mandates tank design and safety valves, while GOST R 56353-2015 governs cryogenic transport for liquid hydrogen. Rail transport follows GOST R 58976-2020, which includes protocols for loading/unloading and emergency response. These standards align broadly with European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) but include additional provisions for extreme weather resilience.

Safety is a cornerstone of GOST hydrogen standards, with protocols for embrittlement, flammability, and leakage mitigation. GOST R 56424-2015 details material testing for hydrogen compatibility, emphasizing chromium-nickel alloys and composite materials. Flammability risks are addressed in GOST R 57642-2017, which defines exclusion zones and ventilation requirements for production and storage facilities. Emergency response procedures, including sensor placement and evacuation plans, are codified in GOST R 58202-2018. These measures are harmonized with IEC 60079 and NFPA 2 but retain localized adaptations for industrial clusters in regions like the Urals and Siberia.

The GOST standards also address environmental and sustainability aspects. GOST R 58977-2020 establishes lifecycle assessment (LCA) methodologies for hydrogen systems, tracking carbon footprints from production to end-use. Water usage limits for electrolysis are specified in GOST R 58484-2019, reflecting the water-intensive nature of alkaline systems. These standards are increasingly referenced in CIS national policies, particularly in Kazakhstan and Belarus, where hydrogen is prioritized for decarbonizing heavy industry.

Current revisions to GOST hydrogen standards focus on integrating renewable energy and digital monitoring. Draft updates to GOST R 56149-2024 propose real-time performance tracking for electrolyzers, while GOST R 59885-2025 (under development) will standardize hydrogen blending into natural gas grids. Compatibility with international norms is a key objective, with working groups collaborating with ISO and IEC to reduce trade barriers. For instance, GOST R 56352-2023 now mirrors ISO 19880-1 for fueling station safety, easing cross-border equipment certification.

The GOST framework remains pivotal for CIS countries transitioning to hydrogen economies. Its dual emphasis on legacy infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies ensures relevance across diverse applications, from steel manufacturing to grid balancing. While regional variations persist, the overarching trend is toward greater alignment with global standards, facilitating international cooperation while addressing local industrial and environmental realities. Future updates are expected to further bridge gaps between Eurasian and international regulations, particularly in emerging areas like hydrogen export infrastructure and decentralized production systems.