INTRODUCTION TO HYDROGEN SAFETY & HAZARDOUS AREAS

As South Africa and the world strive to transition to more sustainable and dependable energy sources, hydrogen has emerged as a promising alternative. The safe utilization of hydrogen in various applications is a paramount concern. In this context, the Hydrogen Safety & Hazardous Areas Conference in South Africa takes centre stage, providing a valuable platform for industry experts, stakeholders, and professionals to dive into the latest developments in hydrogen-based energy and the associated safety considerations. The Hydrogen Safety and Hazardous Areas Conference will take place in Sandton, South Africa and will also be streamed live online from the 4th to the 5th of December. Hydrogen as an Energy Solution Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a clean and versatile energy carrier with the potential to revolutionize multiple sectors, including transportation, industry, and power generation. As South Africa grapples with power supply challenges, the need for more resilient and decentralized energy solutions becomes evident. Hydrogen holds the promise of addressing these challenges while contributing to a sustainable and greener future. Ensuring Hydrogen Safety Although a clean energy source, hydrogen presents specific safety challenges due to its flammable nature. As South Africa embarks on its hydrogen journey, it is vital to ensure the safety of hydrogen production, storage, and utilization. The Hydrogen Safety & Hazardous Areas Conference is dedicated to addressing these safety concerns comprehensively. A speaker, Blen Teshome says, “Due to the inherent properties of hydrogen, safety during production, transportation, storage, and utilization is an important issue. Further, the safety and reliability of Hydrogen energy are necessary enabling conditions for public acceptance and hence, for faster sustainable energy transition.” Conference Highlights The conference's agenda encompasses an array of crucial topics related to hydrogen safety and hazardous areas, including: Risk Assessment: Experts will share insights into assessing and mitigating the risks associated with hydrogen-based systems. This knowledge is vital for ensuring the safety of hydrogen infrastructure. Safety Management: The conference will explore best practices in safety management, emphasizing the need for robust safety protocols in hydrogen-related operations. Hazard Mitigation: Attendees will gain an understanding of hazard mitigation strategies specific to hydrogen systems, contributing to safer industrial practices. Industry Insights: The conference program includes sessions that explore the latest developments in hydrogen technology and renewable energy. Participants can expect to learn about cutting-edge technologies and research in the field. “Conference participants will depart with a comprehensive understanding of the offerings in this burgeoning market, equipped with valuable insights to drive the advancement of this technology in South Africa”, says Rahner.
Keynote Speakers The conference boasts distinguished keynote speakers who bring extensive experience and expertise to the table. Michael Marrington, Operations Manager at IndEx - Hazardous Area Ex Professionals, is a recognized expert in hazardous areas, specializing in the application of hydrogen systems for industrial processes. His experience spans various sectors, including the implementation of innovative hydrogen technologies. Marco Rahner, Smart Infrastructure Sales Director at Siemens Pty Ltd, offers a wealth of professional experience in energy automation and smart infrastructure. He specializes in substation automation, power quality, and distribution automation, making him a key player in the field of renewable energy and smart grids. Other speakers include:

• Blen Teshome, Chief Operation Manager, APCON Enterprises Limited
• Ebrahim Takolia, CEO, Green Hydrogen Solutions
• Dr. Nelson Solan Chipangamate, Postdoc Fellow - Wits Mining Institute
• Nirasha Sewpersad, Senior Manager: Solutions, Sasol
• Paul Meanwell, Manager - Engineering Governance, Komatsu Mining Corporation
• Schalk J.P. Kruger 3rd, Managing Director - ExHACT - Expert Hazardous Area Consultation and Training (Pty) Ltd
• Shantelle Alberts, Operations Manager - Integrated Fire Technology
• Pieter Colyn, Executive and Head of the Mine and Occupational Health and Safety Department

CPD Validated The Hydrogen Safety and Hazardous Areas Conference is CPD-validated by IPET and SACNASP and is a valuable opportunity for professional development. Participants can earn CPD points by attending and engaging with the conference. Who Should Attend? The conference is uniquely tailored to cater to a diverse spectrum of professionals engaged in hydrogen safety and hazardous areas, making it an invaluable event for attendees. This includes process control specialists, electrical engineers, process safety and loss prevention managers, government safety regulators/inspectors, Occupational Health and Safety/training managers, electrical and instrument tradespersons, instrumentation and control engineers, process plant engineers and technicians, plant managers, project managers, and chemical, process, and mechanical engineers.
Additionally, safety facilitators and design engineers will find this conference highly beneficial. The advantages of attending this event are multifaceted, including the opportunity to gain insights, share knowledge, and network with experts in the field, making it an essential experience for professionals involved in hydrogen safety and hazardous areas. “The responsibility for hydrogen safety and explosion prevention is upon everybody. It is a complete life cycle way of thinking that we cannot just think of capital expenditure (capex) and operational expenditure (opex), it’s a complete lifecycle, they all go together”, says Marrington. By participating in the Hydrogen Safety & Hazardous Areas Conference, attendees can:

• Gain insights into innovative approaches to hydrogen safety.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the hydrogen industry within South Africa.
• Stay informed about the latest technologies and research related to renewable energy.
• Learn about current standards and regulations in the industry.
• Hear from industry experts on the latest technology and information surrounding hazardous areas.
• Connect with innovative presenters and stay updated on emerging trends in the hydrogen and hazardous industries.

As South Africa and the world look to transition to more sustainable and reliable energy sources, the Hydrogen Safety & Hazardous Areas Conference in South Africa plays a pivotal role in promoting safety and innovation in the hydrogen sector. By facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration, the conference aims to accelerate the adoption of safe and sustainable energy solutions, making a significant contribution to a greener and more resilient energy future.