Steve Elliott, Schneider Electric

In the quest for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, hydrogen (H₂) has emerged as a pivotal element. H₂ holds the promise of providing carbon-neutral energy, with zero emissions.

However, harnessing the potential of H₂ for energy generation requires a deep understanding of the associated safety considerations. When it comes to H₂ processing, it’s important to examine H₂’s unique challenges and the innovative approaches that business leaders can adopt to ensure safety while driving profitability in the H₂ processing industry.

Safety considerations around H₂ processing. H₂ processing presents a unique set of challenges that demand a heightened focus on process safety. According to a recent report from the International Energy Agency, the global demand for H₂ is projected to increase significantly in the coming years, driven by its applications in sectors such as transportation, industry, and power generation.

As industries embrace the potential of H₂ as a clean energy carrier, the need to prioritize safety measures becomes increasingly critical.

One of the key influencers in the realm of H₂ processing safety is the surge in safety incidents. Despite a decrease in working hours, there has been a troubling rise in safety incidents and fatal accident rates, pointing to a pressing need for enhanced safety protocols.

Moreover, the introduction of new technologies in the chemical and energy sectors has reshaped the risk profile, introducing novel threats and complexities. With the digital transformation revolutionizing the workforce, organizations are grappling with a digital divide that demands a paradigm shift in safety expectations and approaches.

Navigating unique risks in H₂ processing the safety considerations in H₂ processing revolve around effectively managing the risks of fire, explosion, and electrocution. As organizations delve into H₂ production, they are confronted with the challenge of mitigating these inherent risks. This necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the potential hazards and threats associated with H₂ processing facilities, such as electrolyzers for H₂ production and the balance of plant components, including batteries, cooling systems, water treatment and storage, and compression facilities.

Moreover, specific hazards intrinsic to the H₂ processing process—such as high temperatures in membranes, elevated oxygen levels in H₂, and fluctuations in current and pressure in various components—demand meticulous risk mitigation strategies. Understanding these risks forms the foundational basis for developing more efficient safety measures that safeguard both personnel and assets in H₂ processing facilities.

Harnessing innovative approaches for enhanced safety. In the pursuit of ensuring safety in H₂ processing, organizations can leverage cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to fortify their risk management strategies. Embracing a systematic approach, such as process hazard analysis, enables organizations to meticulously identify and analyze the hazards inherent in handling highly hazardous materials like H₂. Additionally, the integration of cyber hazard and electrical system analyses into the risk assessment framework equips organizations to comprehensively address not only process-related risks but also cyber and electrical threats.

One of the transformative innovations in enhancing safety in H₂ processing is the utilization of digital twins. By creating digital replicas of the processing and energy systems, organizations gain the capability to simulate various operational scenarios and deviations, thereby enabling a more rigorous and dynamic risk assessment. This empowers organizations to gain a deeper understanding of the interdependencies between process and energy systems, leading to the formulation of more effective risk mitigation strategies.

Elevating safety measures with layers of protection. To bolster safety measures in H₂ processing, organizations can implement advanced layers of protection that surpass traditional barriers, ensuring a better defense in depth. An exemplary approach involves integrating the basic process control system with electrical systems, fostering operational efficiencies, and contributing to energy conservation—an imperative in the transition towards net-zero emissions.

Furthermore, the adoption of state-of-the-art safety instrumented systems, such as Tricon CX, for emergency shutdown and fire and gas applications, presents a comprehensive solution that optimizes space, engineering efforts, and support costs.

As industries embark on the journey towards harnessing the potential of H₂ as a clean energy carrier, prioritizing safety in H₂ processing is paramount. By embracing innovative technologies, systematic risk assessment methodologies, and advanced safety instrumented systems, organizations can not only mitigate the inherent risks associated with H₂ processing but also drive profitability and sustainability in this evolving landscape.

With a steadfast commitment to safety, organizations can unlock the transformative power of H₂ processing, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. H₂T