Published on / 09.07.2025
Contact / Mark Smith
As hydrogen plays an increasingly important role in the energy transition, new safety concerns are beginning to emerge. One of the most pressing is leak detection. United Fiber Sensing, a startup founded in 2022, has developed a patented coating that transforms standard fibre optics into hydrogen leak detector sensors. CEO Jan-Peter Adriaanse explains how the technology works and what it will take to bring it to market.
Using hydrogen is not without risks. It’s extremely flammable, has a very low ignition energy and readily forms volatile mixtures with air. Because hydrogen molecules are so small, even the tiniest gaps can lead to leaks. This makes storing, transporting and using hydrogen in industrial settings more hazardous than, for instance, natural gas. Conventional hydrogen detection systems are expensive to buy, install and maintain. As a result, only a limited number of sensors are typically installed, even in large-scale facilities. This is exactly the issue United Fiber Sensing aims to solve.
A new use for proven technology
The company builds on existing fibre optic technology that has been used in the telecoms sector for decades. “Fibre optics are not naturally sensitive to gases, but they provide the foundation for our measurements. We have developed a patented coating that makes the fibre responsive to hydrogen”, explains Jan-Peter. This turns a standard fibre optic cable into a safe and reliable fibre optic sensor that can detect hydrogen leaks without the need for electricity: “We have made clever use of proven technology to make large-scale leak detection possible.”
Electric-free large-scale leak detection
Large-scale deployment is particularly important in this context. Pipelines and industrial sites can stretch for miles, and power supply isn’t always available. In such cases, electric sensors are not a practical solution. They are also very costly. “With our technology, you can install a large number of sensors at a reasonable cost”, says Jan-Peter. The system is not only scalable and affordable but also versatile. Fibre optics are well suited to hybrid applications, where the likes of temperature, humidity or vibrations can also be monitored. This makes the technology ideal for a wide range of sectors and environments in which reliable, large-scale monitoring is critical.
Collaboration with Gasunie
Following successful laboratory tests, the next step is to trial the technology under real conditions. Field testing is essential to further refine the coating, improve reliability and work towards certification. A first partnership has been established with Gasunie, where the technology is currently undergoing trials in a real-world environment. “But it isn’t easy to find companies willing to test experimental technology,” Jan-Peter admits.
Despite strong interest, many potential partners prefer to wait until the product is fully developed and certified. Yet test partners are crucial for optimising and scaling the technology for commercial use. It takes time, commitment and resources — not only from United Fiber Sensing but also from the partners involved. Jan-Peter notes, “And that tends to be the point where companies step away. We are looking for lead customers who recognise the value of investing in new and promising technology and understand the vital importance of getting involved early.”
“It’s solid, addresses a clear societal need and offers a scalable, cost-effective way to use hydrogen safely”
Jan-Peter Adriaanse, CEO United Fiber Sensing
Building for tomorrow
With that in mind, the team is preparing for the next phase. Plans are in place to further develop the data monitoring software and to invest in marketing and sales. As hydrogen is expected to become a critical enabler of the transition to sustainable energy, the demand for reliable detection technology is likely to grow as well. “That’s exactly why we are building today: so that we are ready for tomorrow.”
About this series
United Fiber Sensing was part of the InnovationQuarter pavilion at ZIE 2025. For this interview series, we spoke with seven innovative companies about their journey, key partnerships and the growth opportunities they are looking to seize. Each company highlights how regional strength can help tackle global challenges. Watch the video featuring United Fiber Sensing.
Previous episode: Nautilus Cybersecurity: securing what you cannot see – Innovationquarter
