Hydrogen industry-related accidents and functional safety

Absztrakt

Hydrogen is being touted as the fuel of the future and will play a key role in the transition to sustainable energy supply. This alternative energy source is gaining increasing attention due to its high energy content, zero-emission usability, and almost unlimited production potential. The widespread adoption of the hydrogen economy on a societal scale requires safe and reliable operation. In Hungary, expanding hydrogen mobility necessitates building a new refueling network, which poses safety challenges due to direct consumer interaction. Currently, accident statistics indicate approximately 10 hydrogen-related incidents annually worldwide, with significant regional variations in severity. The main obstacle to the technology’s adoption is the number and severity of these accidents, as hydrogen is a flammable gas and its use involves numerous risks. Safety is the most crucial factor for the smooth development and social acceptance of new technologies. In this article, safety solutions and risk management measures for hydrogen technologies will be discussed, with particular focus on simulation-based approaches to mitigate risks at hydrogen refueling stations.