Hydrogen safety: An obstacle that must be overcome on the road towards future hydrogen economy

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2024-01, Vol.51, p.1055-1078
• Main Authors: Guo, Liejin, Su, Jinzhan, Wang, Zhiqiang, Shi, Jinwen, Guan, Xiangjiu, Cao, Wen, Ou, Zhisong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hydrogen delivery; Hydrogen energy; Hydrogen safety; Hydrogen storage; Reliability
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.08.248

With increasing world energy demands, hydrogen is being widely deployed around the world as a potential alternative fuel as well as an energy carrier for future energy industry. However, due to the inherent properties of hydrogen, the safety during its production, transportation, storage and utilization is an important issue. Furthermore, the safety and reliability of hydrogen energy are necessary enabling condition for public acceptance. In this work, the concept of hydrogen energy safety and the influence factor of hydrogen safety on hydrogen economy are presented, the safety during hydrogen production, transmission and use is reviewed and several typical hydrogen accident cases are analyzed. The development of the latest technology in hydrogen energy safety is discussed, and recommendations are made to help providing a basis for future risk and reliability analysis to support safe and reliable hydrogen operation. •The hydrogen safety concept and its influence on hydrogen economy are discussed.•The hydrogen safety during its production, transmission and use are reviewed.•Typical hydrogen accidents are analyzed and lessons learned from them are discussed.•The development of the cutting-edge technologies for hydrogen safety is discussed.•The importance of reliable sensors for hydrogen leak detection is discussed.