EN 16726:2025
(Main)Gas infrastructure - Quality of gas - Group H
General Information
- Abstract
This European standard specifies gas quality characteristics, parameters and their limits, for gases classified as group H that are to be transmitted, injected into and from storages, distributed and utilized.
NOTE For information on gas families and gas groups see EN 437.
This European standard does not cover gases conveyed on isolated networks.
For biomethane, additional requirements indicated in prEN 16723 1 apply.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 09-Sep-2025
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 234 - Gas infrastructure
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 234/WG 11 - Gas Quality
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 10-Sep-2025
- Due Date
- 01-Apr-2025
- Completion Date
- 10-Sep-2025
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EN 16726:2025 - BARVE
Overview
EN 16726:2025 - Gas infrastructure - Quality of gas - Group H is a European standard from CEN that defines gas quality characteristics, parameters and their limits for Group H gases used in transmission, storage injection/extraction, distribution and end‑use. It aims to enable free cross‑border gas flow, security of supply and safe, efficient operation of the gas value chain. The standard excludes isolated networks and refers to specific biomethane rules in EN 16723‑1.
Key topics
- Scope & applicability: Specification of gas quality parameters and limits for Group H gases (transmission/distribution/storage/exit points); does not apply to isolated networks.
- Reference conditions & units: Uses standard gas reference conditions and pressure units (EN ISO 13443).
- Gas composition limits: Parameters addressed include hydrogen admixture, oxygen, sulfur, relative density, and methane number (with calculation methods in annexes).
- Wobbe Index: Entry‑point recommendation and mandatory exit‑point Wobbe Index classification (gross WI used); includes classes, acceptable deviation, rate of change and transition measures.
- Hydrogen & biomethane: Admissible hydrogen concentrations and related informative guidance (Annex E); biomethane subject to additional requirements (EN 16723‑1).
- Sampling & measurement: Requirements and guidance on sampling, oxygen and sulfur measurement and dew point (water and hydrocarbon).
- End‑use considerations: Informative annexes on appliance compatibility, methane number, on‑site adjustment and mitigation measures for Wobbe Index changes.
- Normative references: EN ISO 14532 (vocabulary), ISO 14912 (gas analysis conversion), among others.
Applications
EN 16726:2025 is practical for organizations involved in the gas value chain:
- Gas transmission and distribution system operators (TSOs/DSOs) - for specifying allowable gas quality at entry/exit points and managing interchangeability.
- Gas producers and suppliers - to meet quality requirements for pipeline injection and cross‑border shipments.
- Storage operators - for injection and withdrawal specifications.
- Biomethane/renewable gas injectors - to align with Group H rules and EN 16723‑1.
- Appliance and engine manufacturers - to assess compatibility with Wobbe Index, methane number and composition limits.
- Test laboratories, certification bodies and regulators - for conformity assessment, sampling and enforcement.
Related standards
- EN 16723‑1 (biomethane requirements)
- EN 16726:2015+A1:2018 (previous edition - superseded)
- EN 437 (gas families/groups)
- EN ISO 13443, EN ISO 14532, ISO 14912
EN 16726:2025 is essential for harmonizing gas quality across Europe, supporting interoperability, safety and market integration while providing technical guidance on gas interchangeability, hydrogen blending and renewable gas injection.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 19-Jan-2023
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
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EN 16726:2025 - BARVE
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 16726:2025 is a standard + national annex and/or foreword published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Gas infrastructure - Quality of gas - Group H". This standard covers: This European standard specifies gas quality characteristics, parameters and their limits, for gases classified as group H that are to be transmitted, injected into and from storages, distributed and utilized. NOTE For information on gas families and gas groups see EN 437. This European standard does not cover gases conveyed on isolated networks. For biomethane, additional requirements indicated in prEN 16723 1 apply.
This European standard specifies gas quality characteristics, parameters and their limits, for gases classified as group H that are to be transmitted, injected into and from storages, distributed and utilized. NOTE For information on gas families and gas groups see EN 437. This European standard does not cover gases conveyed on isolated networks. For biomethane, additional requirements indicated in prEN 16723 1 apply.
EN 16726:2025 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 75.060 - Natural gas. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 16726:2025 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 16726:2015+A1:2018, ISO 14912:2025, EN ISO 13443:2005, EN ISO 14532:2017, EN 17928-1:2024, EN 17928-3:2024, EN ISO 23306:2020. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 16726:2025 is associated with the following European legislation: Standardization Mandates: M/400. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN 16726:2025 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.