In the early 2000s, as the world’s gaze turned towards the promise of abundant and clean hydrogen energy, concerns echoed about the safety of handling this versatile fuel. In response, the Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technology Office birthed the Hydrogen Safety Panel in 2003. Now, as this safety-centric initiative celebrates its twentieth year, led by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), it stands as a testament to two decades of prioritizing safety in the hydrogen realm.
The primary goal of the Hydrogen Safety Panel was clear from its inception—to ensure safety in hydrogen projects, mitigating potential harm to both individuals and infrastructure. Over the years, this panel, comprising over two dozen experts with a cumulative experience of over 700 years, has evolved into a trusted resource for best practices in hydrogen energy.
Initially, the panel’s role revolved around evaluating safety plans for early- and mid-technology readiness level projects. Project developers sought guidance, viewing the panel’s reviews as teaching opportunities. By 2010, the panel had conducted hundreds of reviews, expanding its scope to include project designs.
Nick Barilo, Hydrogen Safety program manager at PNNL, highlighted the recurring focus on hazard analysis adequacy, ventilation systems, hydrogen detection, and infrastructure configurations during their reviews. These inputs in the early design phases proved instrumental in ingraining safety considerations.
In 2018, a partnership with the California Energy Commission marked a pivotal moment, resulting in increased demand and an expanded public profile. The panel’s services reached beyond safety plan reviews, offering white papers, reports, guides, presentations, webinars, and training sessions for first responders.
The recent collaboration with the Center for Hydrogen Safety, a subsidiary of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, catapulted the Hydrogen Safety Panel into the international spotlight. Now, a broader audience, including national and international energy firms, startups, universities, test laboratories, and technology developers, can benefit from its expertise.
As the domestic hydrogen ecosystem continues to burgeon, the Hydrogen Safety Panel anticipates an expanding role. The panel is gearing up to provide more public-facing information, support major initiatives like regional hydrogen hubs, and contribute to discussions and proactive education on hydrogen and safety practices.
Barilo foresees an increased need for dialogue and education as hydrogen energy gains mainstream acceptance. The panel is poised to expand its membership and is initiating a mentoring program in the coming year, solidifying its status as an international asset in the hydrogen safety landscape.
