A clean source of energy?

Will hydrogen be part of the energy mix in the future? Many experts tend to agree that it could be an asset in the decarbonization of global energy systems, and potentially play a key role in providing electricity, heat, transportation and energy storage solutions. 

The level of decarbonization that hydrogen can offer depends on how it is produced: gray hydrogen is fossil fuel-based, blue is fossil fuel-based with carbon capture, utilization and storage, and green is renewables-based (solar, wind and water). For obvious reasons, green hydrogen is favoured by those who advocate a clean energy mix.

One sector where hydrogen can have a significant impact is transportation. Cars, buses, forklifts, trains, ships, airplanes, submarines and rockets can be hydrogen-powered. NASA used hydrogen for the launch of its space shuttles.

Germany recently announced that hydrogen-powered passenger trains would replace the old diesel machines starting as soon as the end of August 2022 on a regional line in the northern state of Lower Saxony.

The automotive industry is also planning developments in that field. While hydrogen-powered cars are already available in selected markets, truck makers throughout the world are working on hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles.

Aviation follows the same trend. Several companies are testing small fuel cell manned and unmanned aircrafts. The London Times reported that “Boeing said that hydrogen fuel cells were unlikely to power the engines of large passenger jet airplanes but could be used as backup or auxiliary power units onboard.”

These are only a few examples of the projects that are in the pipeline (no pun intended) in the transportation sector but only time will tell whether or not hydrogen-powered vehicles will gain a substantial part of the market. Especially since the use of hydrogen is not without risks.

How safe is hydrogen?

Hydrogen, one of the lightest elements on earth, is colourless, odourless, tasteless and highly combustible, thus posing serious risks of fire when a leak occurs. But it does so in an insidious way. Petrol leaks can be detected on the ground and when ignited, the flames are immediately visible. Not so with hydrogen. Detection of leaks is difficult because the gas tends to disperse upwards. Does that make ignition less likely? Not necessarily. Hydrogen burns more easily than petrol and a single spark of static electricity can generate a fire, which may not be immediately noticeable because hydrogen flames are also invisible, resulting in an explosion that can result in human casualties and structural damages nearby.

Workers operating in an environment where hydrogen is present may face another risk as compressed hydrogen is stored and transported in liquefied hydrogen tanks. In that state, hydrogen is extremely cold. Any leak in the tank that would come into contact with the skin of a worker would cause severe frostbite or even the loss of extremities.

Handled by skilled professionals in industrial facilities with restricted public access and the appropriate equipment, the risks are limited. The new hydrogen economy envisages much wider applications for hydrogen, meaning many more people, not all versed in the operating of hazardous areas and much greater risks of accidents.

Expanded coverage of hydrogen within the IECEx portfolio

This is where an organization like IECEx, the IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres, can bring its expertise to the hydrogen economy. With more than 25 years of experience in testing and certifying electrical and non-electrical equipment, repair and overhaul facilities as well as personnel competence associated with use of equipment in explosive (Ex) atmospheres, which has always included areas where hydrogen may be present, it is well suited to extend its coverage to other elements associated with the hydrogen economy: ensuring the safety and security of equipment and workers operating in an hydrogen environment.

Aware of the growing necessity to support the use of hydrogen in the energy sector, IECEx formed a new expert working group in 2021, WG 19, under the convenorship of the immediate past Chair of the IECEx, Dr Thorsten Arnhold. WG 19 is dedicated to the application of IECEx testing and certification to standards related to the production, distribution and dispensing of hydrogen. It established close ties with ISO/TC 197: Hydrogen technologies, and this collaboration is expected to result in IECEx issuing certificates covering hydrogen dispensing equipment and systems by the end of 2022.

In addition to material assets, IECEx has also extended its IECEx certification of personnel competence scheme for assessing and certifying individuals working in potentially hazardous areas, to address hydrogen safety.

High level of safety for Ex workforce

To cover all safety aspects in Ex environments and to complement the certified equipment scheme, IECEx has developed the IECEx certificate of personnel competence (CoPC). The certificate provides independent proof that the certificate holder has the required qualifications and experience for working on electrical equipment located in hazardous areas and can implement IEC International Standards covering explosive atmospheres.

For the CoPC, competence is defined as "the ability to apply knowledge" rather than simply assessing knowledge. In this sense, the assessment of persons includes assessing their ability to perform certain Ex-related tasks. All individuals working in hydrogen environments would highly benefit from the training, testing and certification that the CoPC provides.

All IECEx certificates offer clear proof of compliance with international standards, an important assurance for anyone responsible for the safety of those working in such areas.