CHS Americas Conference Summary

by Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

The Center for Hydrogen Safety (CHS) held their 2022 CHS Americas Conference from September 20-22 in sunny Anaheim, California. The conference was held in-person only, with 185 registered attendants. In addition to some familiar faces, the conference enjoyed participation from a variety of companies that are relatively new to the hydrogen space, as well as newly-appointed professionals in companies with significant hydrogen experience.

Keynote: Annemarie Purmer, Nel Hydrogen, Herning, Denmark

In the opening keynote address, Annemarie Purmer of Nel Hydrogen emphasized the importance of a robust safety culture where all members of staff are aware of the challenges and are proactively working towards the goal of developing the hydrogen industry safely.

Session 1 - Safe Storage of Hydrogen, featured the following presentations:

Basis for Updated Bulk Liquid Hydrogen Separation Distances in NFPA 2, presented by Ethan Hecht, Hydrogen and Materials Science, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA.

Ethan presented a risk-informed process and calculations that led to updated separation distances for the next release of NFPA 2. Simulations using Hydrogen Plus Other Alternative Fuels Risk Assessment Models (HyRAM+) with consequence-based criteria of different concentration contours, overpressures, and heat flux levels led to separation distances based on internal pressure and pipe size, rather than storage volume. The resulting reduced footprint enables refueling stations to be sited in more locations.

Safe Large Scale Underground Hydrogen Storage Achieved By Optical Sensor Array Monitoring, presented by Björn Paulsson, Paulsson, Inc. (PI), Van Nuys, CA.

To demonstrate Intrinsically Safe, Optical Multi-Sensor-Array Based, Monitoring Technologies to safeguard Underground Gas Storage (UGS) Paulsson, Inc. partnered with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and California Energy Commission (CEC) in 2021 to research, design, manufacture, deploy, and field-operate a robust, large-aperture, cost-effective, and all-optical UGS reservoir surveying and monitoring system. The results of this UGS monitoring project were discussed along with implications for safeguarding Underground Hydrogen Storage in all concentrations, including mixed with Natural Gas at 20% as a first step.

Safety in Storage and Transportation of Hydrogen in MEG’s, presented by Sumanth Addagarla, Bayotech, Inc., Albuquerque, NM

This presentation provided a first look at the different dimensions of safety in the high-pressure transport of hydrogen.

Large Scale Safe Hydrogen Storage - the Missing Link to a Green Hydrogen Future, presented by Keith Lovegrove, Ardent Underground Pty Ltd., Regents Park, NSW, Australia.

This presentation, based on case studies, discussed options for energy storage required to convert an ammonia plant that currently uses steam methane reforming to renewable electricity-based hydrogen production. The presentation highlights the basis of the safety in design principles predominately achieved by locating the hydrogen storage deep underground in the absence of air / oxygen.

Session 2 - Safety Issues Affecting the Production of Hydrogen

Designing Safety & Sustainability in Hydrogen - Lifecycle of Safety from Discovery to Delivery, presented by Scott Wozniak, Honeywell UOP, Des Plaines, IL

This presentation demonstrated a real-world case study on the application of the Hierarchy of Control (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administration Controls, and PPE) to hydrogen processes to determine that the Best Available Technology (BAT) is in place throughout the safety lifecycle of hydrogen.

Oxygen Hazards Awareness for Electrolyzers, presented by Danielle Murphy, Denver, CO

This presentation provided a different perspective to electrolyzer safety by focusing on the oxygen hazard, best practices for oxygen safety, and analyzing lessons learned from prior incidents.

What Can Hydrogen Learn from Propane and LNG?, presented by Adrian Pierorazio, Jensen Hughes, Toronto, ON, Canada

With carbon-free hydrogen rising as a possible solution, this presentation explored what the hydrogen industry could learn from propane and LNG. This talk covered similarities and differences in technologies and how the public perceived the risks and how the industry responded. It included a discussion of how incidents, in particular, can shape perceptions and regulatory response and provide some suggestions of how hydrogen can more successfully grow in the market through collaborative engagements.

Session 3 - Hydrogen and Natural Gas

Hydrogen-Assisted Fatigue and Fracture of Pipeline Materials in Natural Gas Infrastructure: Trends and Implications on Structural Integrity, presented by Chris San Marchi, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA

This presentation provided an overview of the state of knowledge of hydrogen-assisted fatigue and fracture of pipeline steels, specifically with respect to hydrogen uptake from the gas phase. The presenter placed the materials response in gaseous hydrogen into a context that is meaningful for structural integrity assessment.

Design and Operation Considerations of Natural Gas, Hydrogen and Blended Gas, presented by Jennifer Medina, Hydrogen Blending Strategy, SoCalGas, Los Angeles, CA and Sara Jarmakani, SoCalGas, Los Angeles, CA

SoCal Gas has built the first demonstration home in the United States operating off a blend of natural gas and hydrogen. Key learnings from this project were shared, including hazardous classification considerations, venting and purging requirements, standoff distance constraints, gas accumulation differences between hydrogen and natural gas, and vendor certification needs.

Hydrogen Segregation Study for the Safe Transport and Use of Hydrogen-Natural Gas Blends, presented by Dexin Wang, Gas Technology Institute (GTI), Des Plaines, IL and Ganesan Subbaraman, GTI, CA

By using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) tools, this study evaluated potential hydrogen segregation issues on both delivery pipeline and end-use piping, for different key piping components, for example pipe branching and turns, pressure reducing and regulating, and flow measurement components besides straight pipe sections. The modelling efforts have considered a full range of mechanisms that may cause hydrogen segregation, including turbulence, buoyancy, gravity, centrifugal force, and temperature effects applicable to each of the above components. Results show that segregation can happen under certain conditions, and worth our attention and further evaluation. This study provides real world insights towards hydrogen-safe operations.

Hydrogen Odorization – Implications, Challenges and Solutions, presented by Ryan McKimmie, Spartan Controls, Spartan Controls, Calgary, AB, Canada

Federal regulations (49 CFR 192.625) require that combustible gases in a distribution line must be odorized. Traditional sulfur-based odorants commonly used in natural gas distributions lines may not be suitable in pure hydrogen distribution applications as the sulfur would poison hydrogen fuel cells downstream.

This presentation provided an overview of this application and a patented blend of chemicals which meet performance criteria across multiple dimensions, as well as a discussion of potential next steps for industry as we work together to address this application.

Session 4 - Safety in The Transport and Distribution of Hydrogen

Hydrogen Transportation and Storage, presented by Rob Early, Compressed Gas Association (CGA), McLean, VA

The presentation covered how to determine the optimal and safest storage/transportation option for a particular application.

Anomalous Hydrogen Permeation in Polymers, presented by Aldonza Jaques, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria, Valparaiso, Chile

Hydrogen permeation in polymers is described using cases from published data where the experimental data shows a departure from the traditional Fickian diffusion approach. This research introduced an approach for observed anomalous permeation that will enable a correct representation of the hydrogen permeation in these cases.

Keynote: Safety & Regulatory Program of the Hydrogen Council

Andrei V. Tchouvelev - Hydrogen Council, Brussels, Belgium

This keynote presentation described the Safety & Regulatory Program of the Hydrogen Council and focused on the work of Refueling Interface, Gas Transfer and LH2 implementation topic teams. It also highlighted the objectives and scope of the IEA TCP Task on Hydrogen Safety in regards to safety distances and hazardous areas, and made a connection with the work within ISO/TC 197 Hydrogen Technologies.

Session 5 - Lessons Learned for Hydrogen Safety

Hydrogen Venting: Lessons Learnt for Safe Design and Operation, presented by Derek Miller, Air Products, Allentown, PA

This paper described incidents relating to hydrogen venting, including lessons learned and recommendations.

Introduction of the Release Incident at Hydrogen Refueling Station in South Korea, presented by Kwang Seok Kim, Fire & Explosion Research Department, Korea Gas Safety Corporation, Eumseong-Gun, Korea, Republic of (South)

The investigation results of a recent incident at Dowon hydrogen refueling station were presented. The release of compressed hydrogen from the high-pressure storage vessel of volume 487 L was detected on August 4th, 2020, and the hydrogen is immediately vented out for safety measure. There was no injury, fatality or property damage. For the investigation, the vessel was disassembled, and found that there are significant differences in thread length between the plug and the neck; and that the O-ring and the back-up ring ruptured. The structural analysis for the neck assembly demonstrated that the metal parts were designed with sufficient strength but the margin of safety for the back-up ring decreased to negative value, which can lead to plastic deformation and rupture.

Lessons Learned from an Explosion Involving a Small-Scale Commercial Hydrogen Electrolyzer, presented by Scott Davis, GexCon US, Bethesda, MD

In 2018, an explosion occurred involving a small-scale hydrogen electrolyzer intended to produce hydrogen for a tube furnace. The explosion unexpectedly occurred during the commissioning process and injured the technician who was performing the work.

Gexcon was called to investigate the root cause of the incident and to evaluate various fire and explosion mitigation design aspects of the electrolyzer. The incident investigation not only determined the root causes of the incident, but also highlighted the importance of proper installation, ventilation of compartments where a hydrogen leak could occur, and isolation of such compartments from other compartments that could contain ignition sources.

Methanator Temperature Runaway Results in a Fire, presented by Ken Wohlgeschaffen, Downstream Manufacturing Process Technology, Chevron Corporation, Richmond, CA

This presentation covered a known methanator runaway in North America near three decades ago that resulted in equipment overheating and loss of containment. It occurred during startup of a hydrogen plant while reducing a fresh charge of methanator catalyst. Piping in the methanator circuit overheated, resulting in a large fire. The presentation underscored the importance of having and following well written procedures, safety instrumented systems, layers of protection, and risk awareness.

Session 6a - Hydrogen Safety in End Use Applications

Hydrogen Detonation – A ‘Credible’ Risk to Be Managed, presented by Owen Quake, BP Alt Energy Inv Ltd., London, United Kingdom

This presentation discussed the UK Buncefield fuel storage terminal explosion in 2005. Low-likelihood events need to be considered in effective risk management of hydrogen installations. Building on lessons from Buncefield and BP experience in the early stages of hydrogen projects, this presentation provided a summary of gas explosion risk including deflagration to detonation transition and its causes, which was critical in the Buncefield incident, and the response by regulators and fuel terminal operators. It also addressed the challenges of scaling up a hydrogen business based on current understanding of hydrogen detonation, and how operators and regulators can pragmatically manage the risk of hydrogen detonation to ensure we can sustainably grow the hydrogen industry.

VCE Testing of Very Lean Hydrogen-Air Mixtures, presented by Darren Malik, Blast Section, Baker Engineering and Risk Consultants, Inc. (BakerRisk), San Antonio, TX

BakerRisk performed a series of lean hydrogen-air vapor cloud explosion (VCE) tests as part of an internal research effort to better understand the unconfined VCE blast loads for very lean, equivalence ratio (ER) < 0.4, hydrogen-air mixtures. This presentation discussed the VCE test setup, results and recommended modeling approaches for hydrogen-air clouds. A case study demonstrating the impacts of using a lower explosion limit (LEL) greater than 4% on the resulting predicted VCE blast loads for pure hydrogen and hydrogen-natural gas blends was provided.

Component Failure Taxonomy and Leak Rate Quantification for Hydrogen System Safety and Reliability, presented by Kevin Hartmann, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO

This presentation described NRELs work which connects well-defined tracking of component failures rates to empirical leak rate quantification. This presentation illustrated with examples the use of the component identification taxonomy, the strengths and gaps in current component failure data collection, and the potential risk, based on leak size to enable data-driven improvements for hydrogen system safety and reliability.

Session 6b - Hydrogen Safety in End Use Applications

Project Lifecycle and Hydrogen Hazards Analysis Roadmap, presented by Mark Blackwell, Cummins Inc, Franklin, IN and William Lowry, Blast Effects, BakerRisk, San Antonio, TX

This presentation described a hazard analysis roadmap that is focused on hydrogen explosion hazards and tied to typical project lifecycle gates. The described approaches have been successfully used for a number of greenfield and brownfield projects by Cummins Inc. across the globe. Examples of specific hazard analyses and their outcomes were presented and discussed.

Improving Our Understanding of Hydrogen through Testing and Advanced Modeling to Avoid Possible Pitfalls and Ensure Its Safe Use, presented by Scott Davis, GexCon US, Bethesda, MD

This presentation summarized the critical combustion parameters associated with hydrogen and discussed its unique properties when it comes to evaluating unintentional releases. It also summarizes some of the latest research into accidental hydrogen releases and the associated deflagration explosion hazards.

The NREL Sensor Laboratory: Hydrogen Detection in Support of H2@Scale Applications, presented by Matthew Post, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO

The NREL Sensor Lab has been expanding capabilities in anticipation of new detection requirements. The Leak-on-Demand Apparatus can generate a controlled outdoor leak that can be used to validate the effectiveness of emerging detection methods in a real-world scenario. The Process Gas Characterization Apparatus provides a means to characterize process line monitoring of gaseous fuels including impurity sensors. The NREL Hydrogen Infrastructure Testing and Research Facility (HITRF) is a fully functional hydrogen research facility that includes hydrogen production, storage, handling, and dispensing capability and was recently upgraded to accommodate high throughput. The upcoming Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) installation at NREL will provide a large-scale platform for integrating advanced detection systems including wide area monitoring and standoff methodologies. The NREL Hydrogen Safety Research and Development team is ensuring detection will be ready for emerging H2@Scale Markets.

The Hydrogen Economy Safety Culture Sweet Spot: A Codes and Standards Gap Analysis, presented by Phillip Clark, Louisville, CO

This presentation addressed hydrogen’s unique properties and how they compare to other commonly used fossil fuels, why hydrogen has its own dedicated codes and standards when there are already codes and standards that address flammable gas, the relevant hydrogen codes and standards that address the safety implications relevant to hydrogen’s unique properties, and provided a map to assist companies in better navigating hydrogen codes and standards.

Keynote: Hydrogen Safety as the Foundation for Expanded Market Development

Bill Elrick, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership, West Sacramento, CA

This presentation explored some of the early and ongoing collaboration and work that has fed into safety and prepared this marketplace for growth.

Session 7 - Vehicle Safety: Design, Refueling, and Storage

The Intersection of Personal Safety and Systems Safety at Public Hydrogen Refueling Stations, presented by Julian Arevalo Parra, FirstElement Fuel Inc, Santa Ana, CA

In this case study, the author presented how a company that delivers more than four tons of hydrogen per day to passenger vehicles in the State of California, uses innovative engineering design to meet and, in several cases, exceed the code requirements. All while dealing with the space restrictions of strategic

How Safe Are High Pressure Hydrogen Fuel Tanks?, presented by Craig Webster, TesTneT Canada Inc., Langley, BC, Canada

This paper described the experience involving the use of compressed gaseous fuels on-board vehicles in other industries, and the testing that is performed to ensure the safety of hydrogen pressure vessels in automotive service.

Design Approach for Maritime Hydrogen Vessels, presented by Narendra Pal, Golden Gate Zero Emission Marine, San Francisco, CA

On a pathway of CO2 emissions reduction consistent with the Paris Agreement temperature goals, the International Maritime Organization has set an aim to reduce the total annual GHG emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008. Hydrogen alone can provide Zero-GHG energy pathway for complete range of maritime operations. Design approach of maritime hydrogen vessels is very important to ensure the safe and timely deployment of hydrogen technologies in maritime environment. The design approach takes into considerations not only the revised IGF code but also adopting applicable sections of existing codes such as “National Fire Protection Association Code on Hydrogen Technologies” (NFPA-2) considering harsh environmental conditions and associated safety for maritime vs. terrestrial use of hydrogen.

Evolution of Tank Material Temperatures during the Hydrogen Fueling Process, presented by Elizabeth Saade Saade, Livio Gambone and Alexander Grab, Nikola Corporation, Phoenix, AZ

This presentation described a study of the hydrogen gas temperature development in a Heavy Duty (HD) Type 4 tank and its effect on tank material temperatures. The objective was to show that transient gas temperatures that temporarily exceed 85°C will not always result in overtemperature of the tank materials. This study supports the recognition in standards and regulations that transient gas temperatures that exceed 85 °C at the end of fueling do not affect the vessel qualification requirements, and hence tank gas temperature sensors are not required to be identified as “safety critical” components for the purposes of the fueling protocol.

Session 8 - Hydrogen Safety Public Education and Awareness

Hydrogen: Safety Is Step One, presented by Rob Early, Compressed Gas Association, McLean, VA

The Compressed Gas Association (CGA) is focused on developing and communicating safety standards and information guiding the production, storage, transport, and use of hydrogen, particularly in the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) industry. CGA plans to develop standards to address critical gaps identified, including the following: (1) hydrogen system siting and personnel exposure distances, (2) hydrogen delivery to near-consumer use points, (3) noise mitigation of hydrogen venting and system operation, (4) updated first responder guidelines for hydrogen delivery vehicles and FCEVs, and (5) material suitability for hydrogen service.

Hydrogen, Public Safety, and the Fire Department’s Perspective, presented by Bryan Jonson, West Sacramento Fire Department, West Sacramento, CA

With renewable energy becoming more and more prevalent throughout our nation, fire departments face a new challenge with understanding the hydrogen-based industry and how to accept it safely and appropriately in our communities. This presentation offered some insight into a local jurisdiction’s considerations for this allowance.

Competence Is the Key to Safe Hydrogen, presented by Jim Molloy, Technology Solutions Group, Houston, TX

The purpose of this presentation was to discuss the importance of managing human competence to mitigate risks in the expanding Hydrogen industry. Site-specific competencies must be managed to assure safety of people and the environment. With foresight and planning, we can transition competencies as well as skills and technologies, from hydrocarbons to hydrogen from the get-go.

Session 9 - CHS Hydrogen Safety Public Awareness Panel

Panelists took Q&A from conference attendees: Panelists: Rob Early, Compressed Gas Association, Compressed Gas Association (CGA), McLean, VA, Michael Benjamin, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Los Gatos, CA, Craig Webster, TesTneT Canada Inc., Langley, BC, Canada and Sumanth Addagarla, Bayotech, Inc., Albuquerque, NM.

The ISO Technical Management Board Has Formally Approved Establishing a Sub-committee in ISO/TC 197

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

The need for worldwide hydrogen regulations, codes, and standards (RCS) harmonization and international standards that can serve as the foundation for such harmonization have necessitated creating a sub-committee. As a result, the ISO Technical Management Board has formally approved establishing ISO/TC 197/SC 1 (Hydrogen at Scale and Horizontal Energy Systems), a sub-committee in ISO/TC 197. The sub-committee will focus on applications’ requirements of hydrogen technologies at large scales and in horizontal energy systems where hydrogen plays a central or significant role. It will also focus on overlaps or blending with other fuels, energy carriers, and systems.

NFPA Updates

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

NFPA 2 is seeking technical committee members

The Technical Committee on Hydrogen Technology, responsible for NFPA 2 (Hydrogen Technologies Code), is seeking professional individuals interested in this technical committee with expertise in the storage, transfer, production, and use of hydrogen. Technical committee members in the following classification categories are being sought:

  • Enforcing Authority,

  • Insurance,

  • User,

  • Installer/Maintainer,

  • Labor,

  • Applied Research/Testing Laboratory, and

  • Consumer

To apply to the committee, please visit here. Please note that interested individuals will be asked to sign-in or create an NFPA account.

The 2nd draft of NFPA 2 is available

On September 21, the second draft of NFPA 2 was posted and is now open for NITMAM (notice of intent to make a motion).

The 2023 edition of NFPA 55 is available

The 2023 edition of NFPA 55 (Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code) is now available to ship. View it digitally via Free Access or an NFPA LiNK® subscription.

California Proposed Updates on the NIST Handbook 44

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Division of Measurement Standards (DMS), is exploring regulatory language to amend Section 3.39. Hydrogen Gas-Measuring Devices Code contained in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44 (HB 44), “Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices,” and adopted by reference by CDFA. The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Specifications and Tolerances (S&T) Committee will address a single proposal to modify the 2023 edition of NIST Handbook 44 Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirement for Weighing and Measuring Devices, Section 3.39.

CSA Ballot Approved

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

The CSA Fuel Cell Technical Committee has closed the reaffirmation of Ballot #9035 and approved the reaffirmation of CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62282-2 18 – Fuel cell technologies – Part 2: Fuel cell modules (IEC 62282-2:2012, MOD).

New CGA Hydrogen Safety Video Released on Vent Safety

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

On August 11, the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) released its latest video on hydrogen safety titled “Safety is Step One.” The video describes the properties of hydrogen and how to design an engineered vent system. A hydrogen vent stack includes the following features:

  • A cap cover,

  • Self-draining support,

  • Bracing or guide wire,

  • A water accumulation drip leg,

  • Spring return water drain value,

  • Drip pan, and

  • Ground cable.

There are many elements to consider for the design of a hydrogen vent system, including the ability to withstand stress, weather events, deflagration, or detonation; the suitability of the vent’s material for hydrogen service; and the size to accommodate the proper flow of gas for the system. Hydrogen vent systems must also be appropriately drained to prevent condensation buildup and divert cold vapors, properly located to avoid the vented gas from being directed onto the supply system personnel and adjacent structures, and grounded to provide static electricity and lightning protection. 

For more information, please see CGA G-5.5: Standard for Hydrogen Vent System.

To watch the video, please click here.

Summaries of Webinars Related to Hydrogen Safety

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

Arkema’s Webinar on the Safety of Type IV Hydrogen Storage Tanks

As hydrogen-powered vehicles become increasingly popular for transporting goods and people with a lower carbon footprint, safety and reliability will be just as important on these new vehicles as on traditional drivetrains. Arkema’s webinar explored the blistering phenomena in type IV hydrogen storage tanks and how it relates to the safety and reliability of hydrogen-powered vehicles. A method for evaluating blistering in a tank liner was examined, along with results from a blistering test performed by Kyushu University. This webinar also discussed which characteristics of a polymer material can make it more or less susceptible to blistering. Lastly, polyamide 11 (nylon 11) was brought up as the superior tank liner material for resisting blistering, making it the safest option for type IV hydrogen storage tank liners.

To watch the webinar, please click here.

Hydrogen Embrittlement and Material Selection Webinar

On September 21, Mission Hydrogen hosted a webinar discussing hydrogen embrittlement and material section with Professor Milos B. Djukic from the University of Belgrade, Serbia. Professor Djukic is a leading expert on hydrogen embrittlement, material selection, and welding technology. He has published over 100 scientific articles on topics such as hydrogen damage and embrittlement, corrosion, and materials science. Additionally, he is a member of the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy’s editorial board. In the webinar, Professor Djukic summarized the current state of understanding of hydrogen embrittlement and explained the following:

  • What is hydrogen embrittlement?

  • Hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms in steel and their synergy.

  • Effects of hydrogen embrittlement on mechanical properties.

  • The problems of hydrogen embrittlement in pipelines transporting a hydrogen-gas mixture.

  • How can hydrogen embrittlement be predicted and avoided?

  • Summary on materials, hydrogen applications, hydrogen embrittlement, and safety.

To view the webinar, please click here.

Advanced Clean Tech Webinar: How Hydrogen Can Move Transportation’s Zero-Emission Future Forward

Advanced Clean Tech, in partnership with Swagelok, hosted a webinar on September 13, 2022, which covered considerations for working with hydrogen, such as:

  • Meeting industry regulations and specifications;

  • Efficient storage, transport, and dispensing;

  • Handling a pressurized small-molecule gas

  • Designing for rapidly changing pressures and temperatures; and

  • Building systems that are safe, leak-tight, and offer a long service life

Chuck Hayes, Principal Applications Engineer for Clean Energy at Swagelok, was the webinar presenter.

To watch the webinar, please click here.

IEEE’s Approach to Help Combat Climate Change

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

In February 2022, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Board of Directors launched an ad hoc committee on climate change to coordinate its response to climate change. The objective of the ad hoc committee is to create a comprehensive IEEE strategy to coordinate and direct the organization’s response to global climate changes. The committee includes experts from all six IEEE organizational units and all ten IEEE regions.

IEEE has a global reach, with members in 160 countries. With its widespread reach, IEEE can help bring together organizations working on various aspects of climate change and possible climate solutions. For instance, for collaboration, IEEE is reaching out to UNESCO, the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, and other organizations.

At the ad hoc committee’s initial meeting in January 2022, Saifur Rahman, the committee’s chair and 2022 IEEE President-Elect, brought forth a six-point plan approach illustrating the six technologies that can affect climate change, which are the following:

  1. Energy efficiency: low-cost solutions such as using more efficient light bulbs and increasing the air conditioner temperature.

  2. Battery energy storage for renewables

  3. Renewables: solar, wind, and hydroelectricity. The issue of integrating renewables into the electric grid needs to be solved.

  4. Nuclear power, such as advanced nuclear reactors and small reactors.

  5. Cross-border power transfer can improve grid resilience, facilitate energy access, and reach renewable energy targets.

  6. Carbon sequestration.

As the world’s largest organization of technical professionals, IEEE has the opportunity and the responsibility to help coordinate engineers, scientists, and technical professionals to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

FCHEA Working Group Realignment and Summary of Working Group Meetings

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

FCHEA Working Group Realignment

In recognition of the rapid expansion and momentum of the hydrogen and fuel cell industry into new markets and utilization pathways, FCHEA has recently realigned its working groups. The realignment reflects the composition and interests of our growing and diverse membership and the industry at large. Each working group covers a significant area of the hydrogen and fuel cell industry. The first two groups address hydrogen production and distribution, and three groups cover hydrogen usage (power, transportation, and commercial applications).

FCHEA’s Working Groups are the incubators of information. Each of these Working Groups will focus not only on the technical codes and standards needs for each industry segment but will also provide a forum for discussing the range of other challenges and opportunities these sectors face, including policy needs and stakeholder outreach development. Once issues or opportunities are identified, they may be raised for further action either within the respective Working Group or for action by the Government Affairs Committee or Communications and Marketing Committee. Additionally, Working Groups are not only a forum to discuss issues amongst Working Group members but are also open to external stakeholders/organizations to facilitate connections and bridge gaps within the fuel cell and hydrogen industry.

The Working Groups are structured with chairs that guide discussion and make the groups effective. The Working Group structure is not static, and the intensity, degree of group actions, frequency of meetings, and Member participants all reflect Member and topical interests. The realignment and addition of new groups offer a structured forum where emerging interests and Members can be addressed. The following charts detail the categories for each group—the first two groups are related to hydrogen production and distribution. The following three groups cover the three areas of hydrogen use (power, transportation, and commercial).

Transportation Working Group Meeting Summary (July 26th)

On July 26, FCHEA’s Transportation Working Group launched its first meeting since the realignment of the working groups. The Transportation Working Group covers all applications of hydrogen and fuel cells in transportation across land, sea, and air. The initial meeting went over housekeeping items and member introductions. The meeting discussed information dissemination on federal and state policies, codes and standards developments, and general transportation updates. The meeting closed with walk-in items with the announcement of Antonio Ruiz as the new chair of the Transportation Working Group.

Commercial Working Group Meeting Summary (August 2nd)

On August 2, FCHEA’s Commercial Working Group launched its first meeting since the realignment of the working groups. The Commercial Working Group addresses the intersection of hydrogen and emerging markets for commercial processes like steel and cement production, the use of hydrogen as a chemical feedstock such as ammonia, hydrogen for heating, and other uses. The initial meeting went over housekeeping items and member introductions. The meeting discussed information dissemination on federal and state policies and codes and standards developments. The meeting closed with walk-in items such as the announcement of the 2023 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Seminar and its call for abstracts.

Power Working Group Meeting Summary (August 9th)

On August 9, FCHEA’s Power Working Group launched its first meeting since the realignment of the working groups. The Power Working Group addresses the confluence of hydrogen, fuel cells, and power markets both as a production vector and end-use market. The initial meeting went over housekeeping items and member introductions. The meeting discussed information dissemination on federal policies, codes and standards developments, and a member presentation from Robert Mount, the Chair of the Power Working Group and President and CEO of Renewable Innovations. The meeting closed with walk-in items such as the announcement of the 2023 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Seminar and its call for abstracts and the 8th Annual National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.

Distribution Working Group Meeting Summary (August 17th)

On August 17, FCHEA’s Distribution Working Group launched its first meeting since the realignment of the working groups. The Distribution Working Group covers the spectrum of infrastructure, including distribution, compression, storage, and dispensing. The initial meeting went over housekeeping items and member introductions. The meeting discussed information dissemination on federal policies (e.g., the issue of hydrogen pipeline regulation and permitting) and codes and standards developments. The meeting closed with walk-in items such as the announcement of the 2023 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Seminar and its call for abstracts.

Transportation Working Group Meeting Summary (August 30th)

On August 30, FCHEA’s Transportation Working Group held its second meeting since the realignment of the working groups. In addition to updates on applicable codes and standards and information dissemination on federal and state hydrogen and fuel cell policies, Antonio Ruiz, Chair of Transportation Working Group and Director of FCEV Standardization at Nikola, went over a presentation detailing recent updates/activities within Nikola. The meeting closed with walk-in items such as the announcement of the 2023 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Seminar and its call for abstracts.

Production Working Group Meeting Summary (August 31st)

On August 31, FCHEA’s Production Working Group launched its first meeting since the realignment of the working groups. The Production Working Group covers the diversity of clean hydrogen production pathways from traditional and renewable sources. The initial meeting went over housekeeping items and member introductions. The meeting discussed information dissemination on federal and state policies, codes and standards developments, and messaging discussions on hydrogen leakage and clean hydrogen certification. The meeting closed with walk-in items such as the announcement of the 2023 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Seminar and its call for abstracts.

Commercial Working Group Meeting Summary (September 6th)

On September 6, FCHEA’s Commercial Working Group held its second meeting since the realignment of the working groups. In addition to updates on applicable codes and standards and information dissemination on federal and state hydrogen and fuel cell policies, Claire Behar, Chief Commercial Officer at Hy Stor Energy, presented recent updates/activities within Hy Stor Energy. The meeting closed with walk-in items such as a reminder regarding the call for abstracts for the 2023 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Seminar.

Power Working Group Meeting Summary (September 13th)

On September 13, FCHEA’s Power Working Group held its second meeting since the realignment of the working groups. In addition to updates on applicable codes and standards and information dissemination on federal hydrogen and fuel cell policies, two presentations took place. First, Martin Bosch, the Technical Business Development Manager at Bosch North America, went over a presentation detailing Bosch’s background, efforts within the hydrogen economy, SOFC power systems, and strategy to market. Second, Dr. Praveen Cheekatamarla, a senior researcher at ORNL’s Buildings and Transportation Sciences Division, discussed the focus on the penetration of combined heat and power (CHP) technologies in US markets within the DOE’s Technical Assistance Partnership program. The Power Working Group also discussed the NREL study that examined the types of clean energy technologies and the scale and pace of deployment needed to achieve 100% clean electricity, or a net-zero grid, in the United States by 2035. The meeting closed off with working group updates, such as activities that will take place during the 8th Annual National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.

Production Working Group Meeting Summary (September 28th)

On September 28, FCHEA’s Production Working Group held its second meeting since the realignment of the working groups. The majority of the meeting was dedicated to discussing information dissemination on recent federal policies and codes/standards developments.