Workgroup 2
Hydrogen Storage and Transport
Recent Developments
The 2016 Dr. Kasturirangan Report had identified domestic ‘Make In India’ manufacturing of hydrogen storage cylinders (type III and IV), which are currently imported. Beyond storage in pressurised cylinders, the Dr. Kasturirangan Report also identified Solid-State Storage (Metal and Complex Hydrides) as well as Liquid Hydrides for hydrogen storage – this is still at an R&D stage and is yet to be commercially deployed. The Dr. Kasturirangan Report had also recommended an independent Hydrogen Safety Authority (HSA) be created at the national level with jurisdiction on all safety aspects related to hydrogen energy and fuel cells – a recommendation that has yet to be implemented.
Lack of a comprehensive set of hydrogen codes and standards have been a major hurdle to the development of a hydrogen economy. Globally, most hydrogen standards are at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) level in ISO Technical Committee 197 (Hydrogen Technologies) and the International Electrotechnical Committee IEC TC 105 (Fuel Cells). India is a member of the ISO/TC-197 Committee and should incorporate the globally harmonised hydrogen standards for India through BIS. It is worthwhile to note that in 2020, the Ministry of Road Transport, under the Government of India, included hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles within the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 157:2020 till Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications are framed.
NOTE: Govt. of India has declared compressed gas filled in a metallic container to be deemed to be an explosive under the Explosives Act, 1884, and framed the Static & Mobile Pressure Vessels Rules 1981 to regulate filling, possession, transport and import of compressed gases in pressure vessels. Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) is the administrative body for hydrogen cylinders, valves including hydrogen dispensing under both regulations.
IH2A Position
IH2A recommends a uniform set of Bharat H2 standards for hydrogen storage, transport, and dispensation, that are globally harmonized and inter-operable across different use-cases and sectors. A uniform set of technical standards and safety certifications for industrial clusters and commercial scale use-cases, for high-pressure and liquified hydrogen storage and transport is an important pre-requisite for building a domestic value chain.
As India steps up hydrogen blending plans in gas pipelines, it will be important to ensure that new gas pipeline specifications are compatible. IH2A will work closely with BIS to bring in ISO TC 197 (Hydrogen Technologies) standards to India and advocate for the Hydrogen Safety Authority (HSA) to be created on priority.
Workgroup 2 Lead
Join Workgroup 2
Hydrogen Storage and Transport
Suggestions to Workgroup 2
Hydrogen Storage and Transport