Trust in Hydrogen Technologies - Safety Issues in the Hydrogen Value Chain
- In June 2020, updated in July 2023, the German government presented the National Hydrogen Strategy (NHS), its first strategy for achieving the goals of its hydrogen policy. The NHS sets out a coherent framework for action for the future production, transportation and use of hydrogen and its derivatives, including the corresponding research, innovations and investments. Various measures have been defined to achieve goals such as the decarbonization of various sectors and the market introduction of hydrogen technologies. This will ultimately lead to the introduction of many “new” technologies in many areas of our daily lives, which will only be successful if decision-makers and the public are convinced that these technologies are safe. Therefore, the safety of hydrogen technologies is an important pillar in gaining and maintaining confidence in these new technologies. Safety must keep pace with, or better still, anticipate trends in technological development in order to avoid overlyIn June 2020, updated in July 2023, the German government presented the National Hydrogen Strategy (NHS), its first strategy for achieving the goals of its hydrogen policy. The NHS sets out a coherent framework for action for the future production, transportation and use of hydrogen and its derivatives, including the corresponding research, innovations and investments. Various measures have been defined to achieve goals such as the decarbonization of various sectors and the market introduction of hydrogen technologies. This will ultimately lead to the introduction of many “new” technologies in many areas of our daily lives, which will only be successful if decision-makers and the public are convinced that these technologies are safe. Therefore, the safety of hydrogen technologies is an important pillar in gaining and maintaining confidence in these new technologies. Safety must keep pace with, or better still, anticipate trends in technological development in order to avoid overly conservative and expensive safety solutions, and at the same time demonstrate the usability and safety of hydrogen. Otherwise, single incidents – not necessarily explosions – can easily lead to uncertainties and therefore to a decrease in trust and acceptance. The presentation will give an overview of how safety issues are addressed in Germany.…

