The OVERLEAF project is reaching its conclusion, and all the pieces of the puzzle are finally coming together. As we approach this final stage, we’ve shared some of our most significant innovations and results through a series of three webinars, which we now summarize and highlight in this newsletter.
We explored Life Cycle Assessment methodology with Professor Angela Daniela La Rosa from NTNU, delved into optical hydrogen sensor solutions developed by the TU Delft team, and concluded with an in-depth presentation of OVERLEAF's innovations in cryogenic-ready 3D printing and materials for the Inner Tank, presented by partners CANOE, AIMEN, the University of Girona, and ICSI.
1st Webinar – Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainable Development
The first webinar addressed the essential methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for evaluating the environmental impacts of products, processes, and services across their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life (“cradle to grave”). It demonstrated how LCA supports the identification of sustainable strategies by assessing environmental benefits and trade-offs in material selection and processing.
Basic principles of LCA were introduced, supported by practical examples from OVERLEAF project activities. Lab-scale LCA was showcased as a powerful tool for the eco-design of innovative products, especially for guiding improvements in early-stage technology development. The collaborative efforts among our consortium partners have pushed the boundaries of sustainability assessment.
2nd Webinar – Optical Hydrogen Sensor Technology
The second webinar focused on optical sensor technologies that offer inherent safety advantages for hydrogen detection in potentially explosive environments. While hydrogen is a clean and efficient energy carrier, it becomes highly explosive at concentrations above 4% in air, posing critical safety challenges in storage systems.
The TU Delft team presented their innovative development and application of optical hydrogen sensors within the OVERLEAF hydrogen storage tank. The webinar covered topics such as hydrogen-sensing material selection, the impact of reactive gases on sensor performance, integration with optical transducers, and performance optimization. This achievement was made possible by combining advanced photonics, specialized materials, and microfabrication expertise, resulting in a lightweight, highly sensitive solution for safe hydrogen detection.
3rd Webinar – Innovations in Cryogenic-Ready 3D Printing and Materials for the Liquid Hydrogen Storage Inner Tank
The third webinar delved into the Inner Tank of a novel low-pressure liquid hydrogen (LH₂) storage system. Featuring four expert partners, the session presented key innovations in materials, manufacturing processes, and testing methodologies required for high-performance, cryogenic-resistant components.
Presenters also addressed the economic viability and industrial scalability of these technologies, outlining a clear pathway to commercialization. Case studies demonstrated how these advances significantly lower operational costs and enhance safety in critical applications. The session explored integration opportunities across aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors, opening new frontiers for hydrogen deployment in previously challenging environments.
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The success of the OVERLEAF project is rooted in the unique collaboration between leading academic and industrial partners, forming a multidisciplinary ecosystem that has turned cutting-edge scientific knowledge into tangible technological breakthroughs.
We invite you to dive deeper into these innovations by exploring the full webinar recordings available on our project website and linked below.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all our speakers. This series would not have been possible without your insights and contributions!
The OVERLEAF Project Team
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