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Rhoda Afriyie Mensah, researcher at Luleå University of Technology, has mapped safety risks and research gaps across the hydrogen value chain in a new report.
21 November 2025
Hydrogen safety risks and research gaps highlighted in new report
Leaks, invisible flames and a lack of standards. A new report from Luleå University of Technology shows that there are risks in the hydrogen value chain where research has not kept pace with the rapid wave of investments.
“The biggest risk is leakage. It can occur at several stages and in the worst-case lead to explosions or fires,” says Rhoda Afriyie Mensah, researcher at Luleå University of Technology. She adds that although the industry is experienced in handling hydrogen, optimal solutions have not yet been fully developed.
Between exaggeration and denial
The report shows that the general knowledge on hydrogen safety is marked by an imbalance. In some cases, the risks are overstated; in others, they are downplayed. As a result, important issues – such as how people behave in emergency situations – have received too little attention.
“There is extensive research on hydrogen as an energy carrier, but safety aspects have not been fully captured. To build hydrogen infrastructure in a more sustainable way, we need a better understanding of the risks involved,” says Rhoda Afriyie Mensah.
Invisible flames and sensor reliability
One specific challenge is that hydrogen flames can be nearly invisible in daylight. This means that people risk walking straight into them, and even rescue services may find it difficult to respond quickly and safely.
At the same time, there is already a wide range of sensors and technical systems available for detecting leaks. However, since their performance varies depending on environment and placement, companies often lack sufficient research data to rely on when selecting the most suitable technologies for their specific applications.
“This shows how important it is not only to develop new solutions but also to evaluate and standardise them,” says Rhoda Afriyie Mensah.
Knowledge lagging behind investments
Despite billions being invested in hydrogen projects, some research gaps remain. Companies are experienced in handling hydrogen, but the research itself is lagging behind, leaving industry without sufficient scientific support for optimizing safety and design solutions.
“Hydrogen can play a key role in the energy transition, but only if we understand and manage its risks properly,” says Rhoda Afriyie Mensah.
Facts
The report on hydrogen safety was produced by Luleå University of Technology on behalf of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB).
Contact
Rhoda Afriyie Mensah
- Senior Lecturer
- 0920-491374
- rhoda.afriyie.mensah@ltu.se
- Rhoda Afriyie Mensah
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