Green Hydrogen Safety: Addressing Concerns and Best Practices 

In recent years, hydrogen has gained significant attention as a promising energy carrier in pursuing a sustainable and clean energy future. Its potential to decarbonize various sectors, from transportation to industry, has increased focus on hydrogen production and storage. However, as the hydrogen economy continues to expand, so do concerns about green hydrogen safety have become apparent.  

Green hydrogen production is at the forefront of the transition to a more sustainable energy landscape. Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, or hydropower, and is considered one of the cleanest forms of energy available. Unlike grey hydrogen, which is produced from natural gas or other sources with significant carbon emissions, green hydrogen production does not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the key advantages of green hydrogen production is its potential to store excess renewable energy. In periods of low energy demand, surplus electricity can be used to electrolyze water, separating it into hydrogen and oxygen. This hydrogen can then be stored for later use in various applications, such as fuel cells or industrial processes, effectively acting as an energy carrier and grid-balancing tool. 

In this article, we will discuss the intricacies of hydrogen safety, debunk industry myths and misconceptions, explore green hydrogen safety codes and standards, and emphasize the importance of alkaline electrolysis in green hydrogen production.

Debunking Green Hydrogen Safety Myths and Misconceptions  

Myth 1: Hydrogen is Highly Explosive 

One of the most common misconceptions about hydrogen is that it's highly explosive. While hydrogen is flammable, its explosive properties are often exaggerated. Hydrogen has a wide flammability range, meaning it can ignite and burn in a broader range of air-to-hydrogen mixtures compared to other fuels. However, for a hydrogen-air mixture to explode, specific conditions must be present, such as a confined space and an ignition source.

In industrial applications, rigorous green hydrogen safety measures are in place to prevent such incidents. In Stargate Hydrogen’s projects, ventilation systems, gas detection sensors, and explosion-resistant equipment are used to mitigate the risks associated with hydrogen handling. Additionally, hydrogen storage facilities are designed with safety as a top priority, using materials and technologies that minimize the likelihood of leaks or explosions. 

Myth 2: Hydrogen Storage is Unreliable 

Another misconception is that hydrogen storage is unreliable and prone to leakage. In reality, hydrogen storage technologies have come a long way in terms of safety and efficiency. Common methods of hydrogen storage include compressed gas cylinders, liquid hydrogen, and solid-state materials like metal hydrides. Modern storage systems guarantee green hydrogen safety for both storage and transportation. Read more about hydrogen storage here.

Compressed gas cylinders are rigorously tested and designed to withstand high pressures, minimizing the risk of rupture. Meanwhile, liquid hydrogen storage is highly energy-dense and with proper insulation offers excellent long-term stability. Solid-state hydrogen storage materials are engineered to release hydrogen at controlled rates, making them suitable for various applications. 

Furthermore, research continues to advance the development of innovative and safe hydrogen storage solutions. These efforts include the development of lightweight composite materials, which can improve the safety and practicality of hydrogen storage for mobile applications, such as fuel cell vehicles. 

Myth 3: Hydrogen Leaks are Impossible to Detect 

There are false claims that detecting hydrogen leaks is impossible. However, hydrogen sensors, which are often deployed in facilities and vehicles, can quickly identify leaks. Advances in sensor technology make it possible to detect even minor leaks promptly. Regular inspections and maintenance further enhance green hydrogen safety. 

Myth 4: Hydrogen Production Always Results in Harmful Byproducts 

The byproducts of hydrogen production depend on the method used. For example, green hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable energy sources generates only water vapor as a byproduct. It's important to distinguish between different production pathways and their environmental impacts. The belief that hydrogen production always results in harmful byproducts likely overlooks cleaner production methods. Read more about green hydrogen production here.

Myth 5: Hydrogen Pipelines Pose a Greater Risk Than Other Gas Pipelines 

Hydrogen pipelines are subject to stringent safety regulations and standards. While hydrogen can permeate some materials more easily than other gases, pipeline materials and construction are designed to mitigate this risk. Ongoing research into pipeline materials and monitoring technologies ensures that green hydrogen maintains high safety standards. 

Safety Codes and Standards in EU 

To ensure green hydrogen safety in production, storage, and transportation, various international and national safety codes and standards have been established. These guidelines provide a framework for the design, operation, and maintenance of hydrogen facilities, ensuring that risks are minimised, and safety is prioritised.

The European Union issues directives and regulations that member states must implement to ensure green hydrogen safety. The relevant directives for green hydrogen safety are related to industrial safety, environmental protection, and transportation of dangerous goods. Some of the key EU directives regarding safety are:

ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU addresses equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Hydrogen facilities, especially those involving production and storage, may fall under the scope of this directive. Directive 2014/68/EU establishes the essential safety requirements for pressure equipment used in such facilities. Hydrogen storage systems often involve pressure equipment.  

Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and Rail (RID) regulations are relevant to the transportation of hydrogen. These regulations include specific provisions for the safe transport of hydrogen and other hazardous materials. Regulations for the Classification, Labeling, and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP Regulation, Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008) also cover hydrogen. Various organizations, such as the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), develop specific standards for hydrogen technologies. These may cover aspects like hydrogen production methods, storage systems, and green hydrogen safety measures. 

These are some of the safety codes and standards in the EU that are part of the broader framework governing industrial safety. It's crucial to consult official documents and regularly check for updates to ensure compliance with the latest, local safety standards and regulations related to hydrogen. Adhering to safety codes and standards is crucial for both the hydrogen industry and regulatory authorities. They provide a common language and framework for assessing and mitigating risks associated with hydrogen production, storage, and utilisation.

Safety Advantages of Alkaline Electrolysis 

Alkaline electrolysis is a key technology in hydrogen production and it has characteristics that are advantageous when compared to other methods regarding green hydrogen safety. It involves the use of an alkaline electrolyser to split water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. This process is highly efficient and can be powered by renewable energy sources, making it an integral part of the green hydrogen production chain. Alkaline electrolysis offers several safety advantages in comparison to other hydrogen production methods: 

• Non-Flammable Electrolyte: Alkaline electrolysers use a non-flammable potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte. This eliminates the risk of explosions associated with some other electrolysis methods that use flammable materials.
• Robust and Proven Technology: Alkaline electrolysis technology has a long history of successful operation in various industrial applications, demonstrating its reliability and safety. 
• Ease of Scaling: Alkaline electrolysers can be easily scaled to meet varying hydrogen production demands, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. 

Mitigating Risks in Alkaline Electrolysis 

While alkaline electrolysis offers inherent safety benefits, it is essential to implement best practices to mitigate potential risks: 

• Hydrogen Monitoring: Installing hydrogen detection sensors in electrolysis facilities allows for early detection of hydrogen leaks, enabling swift response measures.
• Operator Training: Proper training of personnel involved in hydrogen production and electrolysis operations is essential to ensure safe practices and emergency response readiness.
• Electrical Safety: Water electrolysers use high-voltage electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gas. This creates a risk of electric shock if the equipment is not designed, installed, and used properly. Safety measures such as grounding, insulation, and protective equipment should be in place to minimise this risk.
• Explosive Gas Production: Green hydrogen gas produced by water electrolysers is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air if it leaks or accumulates in an enclosed space. This risk can be mitigated by ensuring proper ventilation and safety measures such as gas detectors, flame arrestors, and explosion-proof equipment.
• Chemical Safety: Water electrolysis involves the use of strong acids or bases as electrolytes, which can be corrosive and hazardous if not handled properly. Safety measures such as protective clothing, eye protection, and proper storage and handling of chemicals should be in place.
• Environmental Impact: Water electrolysis can consume large amounts of electricity, which may come from non-renewable sources and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The disposal of waste products and chemicals from the process also needs to be managed carefully to avoid environmental harm.
• Maintenance and Operation: Proper maintenance and operation of water electrolysers are critical to ensure their green hydrogen safety and efficient operation. This includes regular inspection and replacement of parts, monitoring of gas levels and flow, and following established safety procedures and protocols.

Main Takeaways: 

Hydrogen safety is a huge concern in the expanding world of hydrogen production. As the shift towards a sustainable energy future gains momentum, it is crucial to debunk myths and misconceptions surrounding hydrogen's safety.  

While hydrogen is flammable, rigorous green hydrogen safety measures and adherence to established codes and standards mitigate potential risks. The same could be said about gasoline or diesel, both of which are flammable but still widely used in our everyday lives.  Green hydrogen production, powered by renewable energy sources and utilizing technologies like alkaline electrolysis, holds immense promise in decarbonising various sectors. As the industry continues to grow, it is essential to prioritize safety at every step of the hydrogen production and storage process, ensuring that the potential benefits of hydrogen are realised.

At Stargate Hydrogen, our vision extends beyond being a leading manufacturer of electrolysers for green hydrogen production. We are motivated by a larger objective: accelerating the global transition to a zero-carbon economy by enabling the industry of tomorrow through reliable and profitable solutions.