Hydrogen safety research

30 July 2021

While the use of battery technology to provide sustainable energy is rightly receiving much attention, many different fuel sources will be needed in order to deliver sufficient power requirements in the future.  

During a recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) webinar, it was suggested that perhaps 50% of the clean energy that will be produced following the UK’s 2050 net zero carbon deadline will come from innovative sources like hydrogen that are currently at prototype development stages. 

At the event, entitled ‘Hydrogen Safety – Achieving Net Zero’, Kate Jeffrey, HSE business development manager, also explained how the organisation is working with various industries and the private sector to prioritise safety in sectors like heating, rail, power and transport. 

Simon Gant, principal scientist with HSE’s fluid dynamics team, described various trials being undertaken to assess the impact of using hydrogen as a replacement fuel via the existing gas network. 

These include projects to analyse the effects on appliances and materials like metals, polymers and sealants when supplying a 20% hydrogen/natural gas mixture or 100% hydrogen in the network.

Another trial involves 100% hydrogen being distributed through a new plastic pipe system installed at HSE’s research laboratory in Buxton. 

Jonathan Hall from the Executive’s dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres team outlined work being undertaken to ensure safety when hydrogen dispensers are installed alongside petrol and diesel pumps at existing forecourts in the event of fire or impact. 

Picture shows a hydrogen charging point (Photographic Services, Shell International Limited).