The safety of use of hydrogen-powered cars

In view of the rise in the global demand for energy, there is a growing interest in hydrogen as an environmentally friendly energy carrier of the future. At present, hydrogen is widely used in the production of nitrogen fertilizers, methanol, synthetic rubber and grease, as well as in petroleum desulphurization processes. Research is also pursued on the use of hydrogen to power vehicles. Nonetheless, due to some disasters that took place in the past, the safety of hydrogen use is becoming a major issue. Hydrogen is a highly flammable gas that rapidly forms a combustible mixture with air. The biggest hazard in the processes of hydrogen production, transport and use is created by leakage which may cause a dangerous fire or an explosion. This paper presents an analysis of the safety of the use of hydrogen as a car fuel.