Safety hydrogen economy

Therefore, there is a need for the development of a transition plan. This transition plan must address all relevant aspects including safety issues, fuel distribution, communication programs and a package of new policies required to accomplish the successful establishment of the hydrogen economy in a timely manner. 

FlyPOCEN will explore the limits of using hydrogen as a means of de-carbonising fossil fuels and therefore its potential to bridge to a future hydrogen economy. The aim of the project will be to develop and operate a pilot demonstration plant and prove the feasibility, safety and economics, of carbon capture and sequestration. 

Transverse studies for the acceptability and credibility of a future hydrogen economy (technology watch, techno-socio-economic studies, safety, etc.). 

Finally, while hydrogen is safer than gasoline in many ways—it doesn t splatter or pool—it poses its own unique set of safety hazards, which will require new codes, new standards, and new technology. This chapter examines the key elements of the transition to a hydrogen economy. I will also begin answering some of the questions posed in the previous chapter, trying to sort out plausible scenarios from less plausible ones. First, however, some recent history. 

The transition to a hydrogen economy involves challenges that cannot be overcome by research and development and demonstrations alone. Unresolved issues of policy development, infrastructure development, and safety will slow the penetration of hydrogen into the market even if the technical hurdles of production cost and energy efficiency are overcome. Significant industry investments in advance of market forces will not be made unless government creates a business environment that reflects societal priorities with respect to greenhouse gas emissions and oil imports. 

Public apprehensions regarding hydrogen must be addressed early in a transition—otherwise the hydrogen economy might never reach the steady state. Of these concerns, safety appears to be foremost. To be sure, hazards exist with the current fuels infrastructure—there can be natural gas explosions in homes, or auto fires, for example. However, the public has grown accustomed to the possibility of these hazards, and the relevant safety precautions are widely known. By contrast, hydrogen s distinct properties lead to distinct safety issues (see Chapter 9). 

Safety issues cut across all segments of the hydrogen economy and become operational in two forms concern with loss of human life and property, and codes and standards that shape the configuration and location of hydrogen facilities and vehicles. Much evidence demonstrates that hydrogen can be manufactured and used in professionally managed systems with acceptable safety. The concerns arise from prospects of its widespread use in the consumer economy, where careful handling and proper maintenance cannot be fully ensured. 

These special characteristics do not by themselves preclude a transition of hydrogen into the consumer economy. But they do imply that the safety practices and skills that have evolved through many years handling of other fuels cannot be applied uncritically. Developing the unique safety codes, standards, and practices to support any emerging hydrogen economy will thus become an essential public task. 

Some hydrogen supporters feel that, in view of the complexity of rocket technology, NASA s experience may not be very relevant to the everyday safety problems likely to be posed by a future civilian hydrogen economy. Still, it is noteworthy that NASA has used and handled stupendous amounts of LH2, most of it hauled by barge and tanker-trailer over hundreds of miles to Cape Canaveral and other sites. 

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