A Look Ahead at 2022

With the start of 2022, we are witnessing an ongoing transformation in the way the U.S. invests in, uses, and talks about compressed gases – especially hydrogen.

News of severe weather disasters and rising global temperatures, coupled with developments in technology and $8 billion set aside for hydrogen development in the recently-passed infrastructure legislation in the U.S. Congress, has caused an increased focus on investments in hydrogen technologies. A recent survey of 170 energy industry leaders from a diverse array of sectors – including oil and gas, power and renewables, and more – has found that 81% are investing in hydrogen, planning to enter the market, or considering doing so.

Businesses, scientists, investors, and advocates alike are in agreement: We’re going to see the market for hydrogen technology develop like never before in 2022.

Here at the Compressed Gas Association, we want to help our members prepare to be a part of this exciting energy transition. However, our own research shows that consumers are hesitant to embrace hydrogen as a fuel source because of their concerns about its safety.

We recently announced our Hydrogen “Safety Is Step One” Campaign previewing our commitment to bringing safety to the forefront of the conversation to broaden adoption and consumer acceptance. For over 100 years, safety has been our top priority at CGA. We’ve been providing safety standards for the use of hydrogen for decades.

This coming year, we will continue to provide our members with the resources to maintain safety above all else – while preparing for emerging hydrogen markets and technologies.

In 2022, we will focus on:

• Developing standards for high-pressure cryogenic flammable liquid pumps, helping to ensure safety in delivering fuel for hydrogen-powered vehicles;
• Working closely with partner organizations to develop safety standards for the siting of hydrogen tanks, helping to pave the way for the construction of new fueling stations; and
• Crafting comprehensive standards for hydrogen unloading processes for near-consumer applications, ensuring hydrogen is a safe technology to use in consumer settings.
• In addition, we will focus on bolstering public trust in hydrogen technology, paving the way to a more sustainable future.

As interest in hydrogen energy grows for curbing industrial emissions and for powering cars, trucks, and ships, it is critical that it is produced, transported, and used safely. At CGA, we believe that hydrogen is the key to achieving a new energy future, and safety is essential to the expansion of the hydrogen market. In particular, we provide safety thought leadership and technical expertise focused on transportation, particularly on hydrogen mobility and fuel cell electric vehicles.

Next month, I’ll be speaking at the American Hydrogen Forum. I’m looking forward to speaking about our new campaign and how we see safety standards shaping the industry for years to come. Hydrogen technologies continue to emerge and develop, and we’re prepared to continue to evolve and expand our safety standards.