(49d) A Study on Review of Safety Acts for Power Plants Using Hydrogen or Ammonia and Suggestion for Improvement Directions through Expert Survey

Hydrogen and ammonia have highly evaluated for their utility and potential and are in the spotlight as next-generation clean energy sources for the realization of a decarbonized society. However, behind the introduction of new fuels, there are various accidents caused by leaks, fires, and explosions. This not only affects human life but also poses a potential risk to the environment, so we must pay attention safety management for using new fuels. Therefore, this study reviewed safety acts and regulations for power plants to assess the institutional aspects of adopting new fuels. In addition, improvement directions were suggested through an expert survey based on limitations of current law.

First, the laws related to power plants for using hydrogen or ammonia include High-Pressure Gas Safety Management Act, Chemicals Control act, Occupational Safety and Health Act and Hydrogen Economy Promotion and Hydrogen Safety Management Act. As a result of reviewing the content and application criteria of the law, the following limitations were found. First, Hydrogen Economy Promotion and Hydrogen Safety Management Act does not cover entire hydrogen business. Second, there is a gap between technology and institution. Third, conflicts between laws arise. Fourth, the classification standards and qualification requirements for assigned safety managers are inadequate. Fifth, the refreshing training cycle is not legislated.

Based on the limitations of the current law, a questionnaire was prepared, and a survey was conducted on 50 experts working in the field of decarbonized fuels or safety. The questionnaire consisted of a total of 18 questions about the risk of new fuel and the appropriateness of the current legal system(17 closed questions and 1 open question). As a result of the survey, the majority of experts evaluated the new fuels(hydrogen and ammonia) as dangerous and responded that legal sanctions related to safety should be strengthened while expressing sufficient sympathy for the need to improve the legal system.

In response to limitations, this study suggested improvement directions based on an expert survey. First, scattered laws must be integrated into one. Second, the legal system must continuously evolve with technological advancements, and for ammonia fuel, new laws and regulations need to be revised. Third, Risk assessment and safety manager appointment standards must be improved. Fourth, safety acts should be expanded to range of prevention and education. Starting from this study, it is expected to conduct diverse safety research to establish a comprehensive safety management system prior to commercialization of new fuel power plants.

As the power plants using hydrogen or ammonia are key topics for realizing decarbonization society, it is necessary not only to develop technology but also to develop safety standards for the practical use of power plants using new fuels. To this end, it is important to review the current legal system for safety management and establish a stable settlement while expanding the foundation according to the progress of technology. It is hoped that more diverse research on safety policies will be conducted based on this study to improve the safety of facilities using new fuels and establish a comprehensive safety management system to prevent safety accidents.

This work was supported by the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning(KETEP) grant funded by the Korea government(MOTIE) (RS-2023-00270080, Development of a method for testing and evaluating hydrogen turbine combustor)

This research was supported by Korea Electric Power Corporation. (Grant number : R22XO02-06)