Renewables Safety

Renewables

Renewables, such as hydrogen, biofuel and biomass, is seen as fuel resources that have promising roles in the reduction of CO2 emissions and sustainability due to their reusable nature. Even though they are considered safer for the environment, it does not necessarily mean that they are harmless. Preventive and protective measures still need to be taken at their processing facilities.

Gexcon has been involved in several renewable energy safety-related projects such as hydrogen processing plants, filling stations, storage and maritime applications, as well as biomass handling plants. We have also conducted several large-scale experimental projects concerning the effects of hydrogen releases and explosions and biomass dust explosion hazards. We also have experience in forensic examination of dust explosion and hydrogen-related accidents and the accumulated knowledge is brought to bear on the advice we provide to our customers.

With our knowledge and expertise in renewable energy, we can assist in the design process of facilities, determining preventive and protective measures against hazards, obtaining approvals, complying with regulations and managing risks.

 

 

 

Contact us for more information on our Renewables safety solutions

 

Contact us

 

 

 

Learn more about safety and risk management in the Renewables sector

Case Study
Accidental hydrogen release management in a proton accelerator tunnel

Accidental hydrogen release management in a proton accelerator tunnel

Due to hydrogen’s flammability properties, the Swedish Rescue Services requires ESS (European Spallation Source) to assess the extent of a potential accidental hydrogen release inside the accelerator tunnel.

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How to do a Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA)

How to do a Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA)

This article discusses the main steps required to perform a QRA to evaluate all potential loss of containment scenarios involving the release of dangerous chemical substances in process, chemical and petrochemical facilities.

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The safe use of hydrogen as an energy carrier

The safe use of hydrogen as an energy carrier

We can ensure the safe production, transportation, and usage of hydrogen by carefully considering its typical properties and associated safety aspects.

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Societal Risk maps as a clear geographical representation of risk

Societal Risk maps as a clear geographical representation of risk

This blog provides some background about these geographic presentations of Societal Risk and explain how to interpret their results when using Gexcon’s risk modelling software RISKCURVES.

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Fire and explosion hazards: What to expect if there is a leak

Fire and explosion hazards: What to expect if there is a leak

This article will explain the importance of assessing the consequences of a potential release of a hazardous chemical substance and introduce you to the different dangerous phenomena that can occur upon such a loss of containment scenario.

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Designing bulk hydrogen storage using CFD - Why it is important

Designing bulk hydrogen storage using CFD – Why it is important

Using our flagship CFD modelling tool FLACS-CFD, Gexcon conducted several case studies on real facilities looking at the design of bulk storage areas in terms of safety during an ignited event, using relevant standards and documentation for guidance.

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Introduction to HAZID (Hazard Identification)

Introduction to HAZID (Hazard Identification)

The high-level nature of a HAZID is suitable to review the design at an early stage without requiring in-depth knowledge of the operation.

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Introduction to ATEX Directives

Introduction to ATEX Directives

ATEX is a set of two European Union Directives that have been established to protect employees from explosion risks within industries.

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Hydrogen hazards: too dangerous to handle?

Hydrogen hazards: too dangerous to handle?

Despite being environmentally friendly, hydrogen has a reputation for being dangerous, with fire and explosion hazards as the primary concern. Are hydrogen hazards too dangerous to handle?

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Preparing for your COMAH safety report

Preparing for your COMAH safety report

COMAH compliance requires a range of risk management controls, studies and documentation depending on the tier level and the chemicals that are used or stored within the facility.

It encompasses all aspects of process safety and is intended to be thorough and robust.

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Addressing hydrogen safety challenges

Addressing hydrogen safety challenges

The key technical challenge is the development of a safe hydrogen system. Even though hydrogen is considered safer for the environment, its flammability, buoyancy, ability to embrittle metals, and other properties that require engineering control make designing a safe hydrogen system a challenging process.

Course
Explosion Science

  Explosion Science

Gexcon has developed a unique training course for obtaining a full understanding of the phenomenon of explosions, including consequences, prevention techniques and current regulatory requirements for a safe and compliant working environment. The course covers gas and dust explosion theory, DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) and ATEX regulations, ignition theory, hazardous area classification, risk assessment and protection concepts….

Course
Gas Explosion Hazards Course

  Gas Explosion Hazards Course

Gas explosions are unfortunately still common in the process industry and can lead to injuries, fatalities, property damage, business interruption and environmental pollution. In fact, gas explosions are the biggest contributor to losses in the hydrocarbon industry. It is therefore of paramount importance to reduce the risks when handling flammable gases and vapours.   This course is looking into gas…

Course
Hazardous Area Classification

  Hazardous Area Classification

Hazardous area classification is an important first step towards reducing the likelihood of ignition of clouds of flammable gas, vapour, and/ or dust. Mechanical and electrical equipment used inside a classified area shall be approved for use in that area. The classification concerns areas both inside and outside process equipment and is closely related to release and dispersion phenomena. Ventilation…

Course
Self-Declaration of Mechanical Equipment to be Used in Flammable Atmospheres

  Self-Declaration of Mechanical Equipment to be Used in Flammable Atmospheres

The ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU demands that electrical and mechanical equipment to be used in potentially explosive areas is approved for that purpose. This approval can be performed by the manufacturers themselves if the equipment is to be used in zone 2 and 22 for electrical and mechanical equipment, and in zone 1 and 2 and 21 and 22 considering mechanical

Course
Dust Explosion Hazards Course

  Dust Explosion Hazards Course

Dust explosions still occur on a regular basis in the process industry causing injuries, fatalities, property damage, business interruption, and environmental pollution. This is in spite of the wealth and knowledge available to prevent the accident and to reduce the consequences to a minimum.   In this two-day advanced course on dust and powder explosion hazards, you will learn all…

Our services that support the Renewables sector

Hydrogen safety studies

Hydrogen safety studies

We help our clients develop a safe and regulatory-compliant hydrogen industry towards a net zero future through our hydrogen safety solution.

Process Hazard Analysis (PHA)

Process Hazard Analysis (PHA)

Most industries work with potentially hazardous materials, either they are in the form of gases, liquids, or dust. Knowing how these materials are potentially harmful, it is an obligation for companies working with such materials to identify and evaluate the dangers involved.

Process safety and risk management

Process safety and risk management

Process safety and risk management in process facilities involve the systematic identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks associated with the operation of industrial processes.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory Compliance

While the primary focus of any process safety plan should be to drive the risk to a level which is ‘As Low As Reasonably Practicable’ (ALARP) to protect people, the environment and business there are several regulatory requirements that must also be met to drive continual improvement.

Incident investigation and litigation support

Incident investigation and litigation support

Gexcon can help with all aspects of incident investigations, from coordinating the investigation to conducting root cause analysis, providing recommendations, implementing strategies to prevent further incidents from occurring, and acting as expert witnesses in ongoing investigations.

Consequence and risk modelling studies

Consequence and risk modelling studies

Companies handling flammable and/or toxic materials are exposed to hazards during storage, transporting, and processing. As such, it is crucial to understand the consequences of a potential loss of containment of a hazardous event when performing a risk assessment.

Testing of Passive Fire Protection

Testing of Passive Fire Protection

The manufacturers of PFP products need to ensure their products fulfil the required fire-resistant performance. Therefore, PFP products need to be verified through fire testing and certified by a third-party inspector.

Gas, Vapour and Liquid Explosion Properties Testing

Gas, Vapour and Liquid Explosion Properties Testing

The handling of gases, liquids and selected substances may constitute risks for explosions. Knowing the properties related to the risk of these materials, such as the ignition and explosion characteristics, is therefore essential.  By being aware of the properties of materials handled in your plant or used in your products, it allows the necessary safety precautions to be taken to…

Explosion Mitigation System Testing

Explosion Mitigation System Testing

Equipment and protective systems to be used in potentially explosive atmospheres must fulfill the essential health and safety requirements as described in the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU.

Ignition Hazard Assessment for mechanical equipment and protective systems

Ignition Hazard Assessment for mechanical equipment and protective systems

Equipment and protective systems used in explosive atmospheres shall be assessed according to their ability to prevent them from becoming ignition sources and their ability to protect against the consequence of an explosion.

Dust explosion properties testing

Dust explosion properties testing

A very important basis for managing the risk of combustible dusts is to understand their ignition and explosion properties by testing them so that you can avoid situations and conditions that could make those dusts explode.

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