A new hydrogen autoclave was inaugurated at the Swerim Metallurgical Research Institute in Luleå, Sweden, on March 22, 2026. The autoclave allows researchers to test how metals react in contact with hydrogen by placing a test bar in a rig, lowering a large bell over it to create a seal, and pumping up hydrogen pressure. During testing, the equipment in the autoclave pulls on the test bar until it breaks or loads it in cycles to see how much it can withstand, as demonstrated by Pontus Rydgren.
Swerim's CEO Pontus Sjöberg reportedly stated that the hydrogen autoclave is an important piece in the green transition. Approximately 200 people work at Swerim on more or less top-secret projects, and a strict photo ban is normally in place, but an exception was made for media during the inauguration.
the hydrogen autoclave is an important piece in the green transition