Schneider Electric recommends holistic approach to safety to unlock the full potential of hydrogen
Steven Elliott, Senior Director of Triconex safety and critical control at Schneider Electric, highlights the critical importance of organising and optimising safety in hydrogen processes to pave the way for a greener future.
Following the confirmation of 11 new UK green hydrogen projects in the UK Budget announcement Schneider Electric, a global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, is pushing for industry to take an end-to-end approach to safety in the green hydrogen value chain to unlock global decarbonisation. The need is critical as, according to the International Energy Agency, low-emission hydrogen production is rising fast from a baseline of below 1 megatonne (Mt) in 2024, potentially reaching 49 Mt by 2030.
With hydrogen set to play a pivotal role as a renewable energy source for the future, any investment must be underpinned by a complete approach to risk prevention that protects a facility at every stage in the lifecycle and in the value chain. Schneider Electric is combining this risk assessment with the use of digital twins which enables rigorous testing and brings data sets from across process and electrical systems together for insight into correlations and behaviours. Once applied within hydrogen facilities this approach can then be applied as an end-to-end model of across the whole energy supply chain.
Incorporating safety in a hydrogen production facility starts with ensuring that safety is not an afterthought but an integral element of the design. The more time and effort invested during this stage, the safer a plant is throughout its full lifecycle. With hydrogens highly flammable nature, low ignition energy, metal embrittlement and small molecular size, construction must include purpose-built components, including Ex-rated systems and materials that prevent the risk of leakage, as well as digital monitoring and control systems that will react to high or low temperatures, levels, flows and pressures.
Steven Elliott, Senior director of Triconex safety and critical control, Schneider Electric said: “As we stand on the brink of a hydrogen-powered future, it’s crucial that we harness this abundant resource with a commitment to safety and sustainability. At Schneider Electric, we believe that the transition to green hydrogen must be accompanied by a comprehensive approach to risk management. By integrating advanced digital twins into our operations, we can ensure that every phase of the hydrogen production lifecycle is optimised and safeguarded. This innovative strategy not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with our vision for a decarbonised world, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.”
Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical on earth and its utilisation is the key to unlocking a more sustainable future across the world. With Schneider Electric rethinking process safety, integrating advanced technologies and enabling proactive risk mitigation any organisation using hydrogen now has access to the tools and knowledge to maximise the potential of green hydrogen. Find out how Schneider Electric organises and optimises safety in hydrogen processes by watching the on-demand webinar here. The webinar shows how adaptation in the age of new energies is the key to driving a greener future.
