INSPIRE: AR-Enhanced Competences for Hydrogen Pipeline Inspection at the 33rd International Welding Conference
On 18 June 2026, the INSPIRE project was presented at the 33rd International Welding Conference, organised by the
Hungarian Welding Association – MAHEG and hosted by the Budapest University of
Technology and Economics in Budapest, Hungary.
The contribution, entitled "AR-Enhanced Modular Competences for Welding
Inspection Supporting Safe Hydrogen Pipeline Transport and Storage", was
authored by Ana Luísa Marques, Ana Q. Barbosa and Georgia Kolyva and delivered
during the session "New Trends in Welding I".
The presentation introduced INSPIRE's approach to preparing welding inspection
professionals for the specific technical and safety requirements of hydrogen
pipeline infrastructure. Rather than creating an entirely new qualification, the
project has developed a complementary modular training pathway that can be
integrated into existing welding inspection and related professional training
programmes.
Two dedicated Competence Units were highlighted:
🔹 H₂ Material Integrity and Safety, addressing hydrogen's effects on
pipeline materials, hydrogen-related health, safety and environmental risks, and
the role of protective coatings;
🔹 Inspection and Testing for Hydrogen Pipelines, covering non-destructive
testing techniques, hydrogen-specific welding documentation and the assessment of
weld imperfections against applicable requirements.
These Competence Units are supported by technical learning resources, industrial
case studies and Augmented Reality exercises designed to
connect theoretical knowledge with realistic inspection situations. Through this
combination of modular learning and immersive digital resources, INSPIRE seeks to
make specialised training more flexible, practical and responsive to industry
needs.
The conference brought together welding professionals, researchers, training
specialists and industry representatives to discuss developments including
digitalisation, hydrogen transport and storage, material testing, structural
integrity and modern welding technologies. INSPIRE's participation contributed to
this wider discussion by showing how vocational education and training can
support the safe deployment of Europe's emerging hydrogen infrastructure.
Want to know more?
🔹 Explore the INSPIRE presentation delivered at the 33rd International Welding
Conference below.
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