ESR Technology, a leading provider of safety and risk management services, has contributed to a pioneering study on the potential of hydrogen as a low-carbon source of energy for industrial sites alongside project partner AECOM. The study, commissioned by the former Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (now Department for Energy Security and Net Zero), assessed the safety, feasibility, cost and impacts of switching from natural gas to 100% hydrogen for seven volunteer industrial sites across the UK.
Why Hydrogen for Industry?
Hydrogen is a clean-burning fuel that produces only water vapour when combusted. It can be used to replace natural gas in industrial processes that require high temperatures, such as smelting, aggregate drying, and food manufacturing where alternative green energy sources can be impractical to implement.
However, hydrogen also poses some challenges and risks, such as flammability, explosivity and its compatibility with existing infrastructure and equipment. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a rigorous safety and risk assessment before implementing hydrogen as an energy source for industrial sites.
How ESR Technology Helped
ESR Technology supported project partner AECOM by providing expertise in hydrogen safety and risk analysis. ESR Technology conducted site visits, interviews, data collection, and consequence modelling to understand the risk implications of a future switch to hydrogen as a fuel. The study’s findings will inform strategic decisions on the future role of hydrogen in decarbonising the gas grid. ESR Technology is proud to be part of this innovative project and to share its insights with other industrial sites and wider industry.
Learn More
To learn more about the study and ESR Technology’s involvement, download the summary report here: Future of hydrogen in industry: initial industrial site surveys – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)