The Hydrogen Horizon: Advancing End-Use Applications and Ensuring Safety in a Thriving Hydrogen Economy

Dear Colleagues,

The global pursuit of decarbonization has propelled hydrogen to the forefront of clean energy research and development. As the world transitions towards a sustainable energy future, the practical implementation of hydrogen technologies across various sectors is paramount. This Special Issue will focus on the critical research and innovations that are driving the widespread adoption of hydrogen, with a dual focus on advancing end-use applications and ensuring the highest standards of safety in hydrogen handling and infrastructure.

This is an invitation for the submission of high-quality original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and forward-looking perspective studies that address the pressing challenges and opportunities in the establishment of a hydrogen economy. This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals to share their latest findings and insights, fostering collaboration and accelerating the transition to a safe and efficient hydrogen-powered society.

Key Themes and Topics of Interest

This Special Issue will be organized around two central pillars: end-use hydrogen applications and safety in hydrogen handling. 

Advancing End-Use Hydrogen Applications

The successful integration of hydrogen into our energy systems hinges on the development and optimization of a wide array of end-use applications. This Special Issue welcomes submissions that explore the novel use of hydrogen and improvements in existing hydrogen-based technologies across various sectors, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Transportation: Innovations in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (light-duty, heavy-duty, and public transport), advancements in hydrogen-powered aviation and maritime transport, and the development of efficient and accessible hydrogen refueling infrastructure.
• Industrial Decarbonization: The use of hydrogen as a clean fuel and feedstock in industries such as steel, cement, and chemical manufacturing. Research on high-temperature heat applications, green ammonia and methanol production, and the retrofitting of existing industrial processes for hydrogen use is of particular interest.
• Power Generation and Energy Storage: The role of hydrogen in grid stabilization, long-duration energy storage, and power-to-gas-to-power solutions. This includes research on hydrogen turbines, advanced fuel cell technologies for stationary power, and the integration of hydrogen with renewable energy sources.
• Built Environment: The application of hydrogen for heating and power in residential and commercial buildings. Topics of interest include hydrogen blending with natural gas, the development of hydrogen-specific appliances, and fuel cell micro-cogeneration systems.

Ensuring Safety in a Hydrogen World

The unique properties of hydrogen necessitate a robust framework for its safe production, storage, transport, and utilization. This Special Issue will highlight cutting-edge research and best practices aimed at mitigating the risks associated with hydrogen technologies, welcoming contributions on the following topics:

• Materials Science and Integrity: Research on hydrogen embrittlement; the development of hydrogen-compatible materials for pipelines, storage tanks, and other components; and advanced coatings and liners to ensure long-term durability and safety.
• Sensor Technology and Leak Detection: Innovations in the development of sensitive, reliable, and cost-effective hydrogen sensors for a variety of applications, from industrial facilities to consumer vehicles. This includes advancements in sensor materials, remote sensing technologies, and intelligent monitoring systems.
• Risk Assessment and Management: Novel methodologies for quantitative risk assessment (QRA), consequence modeling of hydrogen leaks and combustion events, and the development of inherently safer designs for hydrogen systems.
• Codes, Standards, and Regulations: Analysis of existing codes and standards, identification of gaps, and proposals for the harmonization of international regulations to ensure a consistent and high level of safety across the global hydrogen value chain.
• Hydrogen Handling and Emergency Response: Best practices for the safe handling of liquid and gaseous hydrogen, training protocols for personnel, and strategies for effective emergency response to hydrogen-related incidents.

Prof. Dr. Isabel Cabrita
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Hydrogen is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• hydrogen economy
• end-use applications
• hydrogen safety
• fuel cell technologies
• industrial decarbonization
• energy storage
• hydrogen infrastructure
• risk assessment and management