Harnessing hydrogen: navigating safety and risks in the energy transition
As the world accelerates its transition to a renewable and low-carbon future, hydrogen, along with its derivatives, is emerging as a critical component for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors and possibly contributing to decarbonized energy security through seasonal energy storage in the long term. Recognized for its clean-burning properties and potential to decarbonize sectors that are challenging to electrify, low-emission hydrogen is poised to play an important role in the global energy mix, offering emission reductions within various industries such as refining, chemicals, and synthetic fuels. However, hydrogen also presents unique safety challenges that must be meticulously managed. This article delves into the critical aspects of hydrogen safety, exploring its inherent risks, the barriers to safe adoption, and the evolving regulatory landscape that aims to safeguard this emerging industry.