The hydrogen sector is going through a phase of rapid expansion, both from a technological and regulatory point of view, with the introduction of specific Ministerial Decrees and regulations defining increasingly precise standards on safety and fire prevention for production and distribution plants.
Two fundamental ministerial decrees regulate this area
- the DM 07/07/2023 for hydrogen production plants by electrolysis
- the DM 23/10/2018 for hydrogen distribution plants in the automotive sector.
These regulations represent an essential framework to ensure the operational safety and sustainable development of hydrogen technologies in Italy.
Let us analyse in more detail what these decrees provide for.
Ministerial Decree 07/07/2023: regulations for hydrogen production plants by electrolysis
The Ministerial Decree of 7 July 2023 establishes ‘the technical regulation for fire prevention for the identification of risk analysis methodologies and fire safety measures to be adopted in the design, construction and operation of hydrogen production plants by electrolysis and related storage systems.’
This hydrogen regulation represents a fundamental pillar for this sector, defining specific requirements for:
- Risk analysis, through standardised methodologies for assessing potential hazards in electrolysis plants
- Fire safety measures, i.e. operating protocols and protection systems to prevent accidents
- Plant design, with precise technical criteria for the construction of safe and efficient plants
- Safe storage systems for the hydrogen produced.
In particular, the decree regulates every aspect relating to construction methods, active protection measures, materials to be used, safety distances, operating standards and plant maintenance.
The Ministerial Decree 23/10/2018 for hydrogen distribution systems for automotive use
The Ministerial Decree of 23 October 2018 defines the ‘technical regulation on fire prevention for the design, construction and operation of hydrogen distribution systems for motor vehicles’, i.e. refuelling stations for hydrogen vehicles.
This hydrogen regulation regulates some essential aspects for the development of sustainable mobility:
- Technical criteria and construction methods for the design and construction of safe hydrogen distribution systems at refuelling stations
- Safety distances for installation with respect to surrounding buildings and infrastructure
- Protection devices and monitoring systems to prevent accidents
- Operating procedures and protocols for the safe management of refuelling operations.
Specifically, the decree devotes detailed regulation to private facilities for refuelling company fleets (meaning both road transport vehicles and also logistics vehicles) and mixed (public and private) roadside distribution facilities for motor vehicles.
Simplifhy’s support for compliance with hydrogen regulations and DM
Simplifhy is a strategic partner for companies operating in the hydrogen sector, offering specialist support for compliance with hydrogen regulations: DM 07/07/2023 and DM 23/10/2018.
Our team of experts in technical-industrial regulations provides a comprehensive consultancy service for:
- Regulatory compliance analysis of existing and planned installations
- Technical assistance for the acceptance of regulatory requirements in the design phase
- Preparation of the necessary documentation for obtaining authorisations
- Training programmes for personnel on regulatory aspects of safety and fire prevention.
Our experience allows companies to effectively navigate the complex landscape of regulations and hydrogen DMs, optimising time and costs of project implementation. In fact, the specialised consultancy we offer our clients guarantees compliance with safety standards and regulatory compliance, essential elements for the implementation of hydrogen plants and infrastructures.
Contact us for technical and regulatory advice for your hydrogen plant.
