The Importance of Integrated Safety Applied to Large Scale Gaseous Hydrogen Storage

The scale of hydrogen systems often increases both their complexity and the number of stakeholders involved in their construction, commissioning, and operation. The increased scale can also amplify the consequences of safety incidents that may occur. Multiple suppliers, owners, operators, and regulators contribute diverse risk tolerances, safety histories, and objectives to the project. In addition, their cost-driven motivations may conflict with stringent safety practices. Therefore, implementing a comprehensive safety strategy is crucial for large-scale projects, ensuring it is overseen by a single expert entity responsible for safety design, specifications, integration, and verification. This presentation will underscore the significance of integrated safety, exemplified by a case study of Braindrip's large-scale (10,000 - 500,000 kg+) gaseous hydrogen storage system. We will highlight key hydrogen failure scenarios, examine the influence of various upstream and downstream components and functional requirements on the system's safety, and assess hazard mitigation strategies for these scenarios. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of robust engineering controls and the challenges in mitigating risks associated with human involvement in operational and maintenance activities.