India Conducts First Safety Assessment of Hydrogen Compressor System Under National Hydrogen Mission

India Conducts First Comprehensive Safety Assessment of Hydrogen Compressor-Dispenser System

India has achieved a major milestone in clean energy safety with the country’s first comprehensive safety assessment of a hydrogen compressor–dispenser system , strengthening preparedness for large-scale hydrogen infrastructure. The assessment was conducted by CSIR–Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR), reinforcing India’s technical readiness under the National Hydrogen Mission .

Landmark Safety Evaluation in High-Risk Conditions

The evaluation covered an integrated hydrogen compressor and dispenser system operating under Gas Group IIC conditions—among the most hazardous and explosive industrial environments. This marks the first instance in India where a full system-level safety assessment , rather than component-wise certification, has been carried out for hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.

Hydrogen compressor–dispenser units are critical for compressing and dispensing hydrogen at very high pressures, making rigorous safety validation essential before widespread deployment.

Facility Location and Inauguration Plans

The assessed facility is installed at the NETRA campus of NTPC Ltd in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh . Officials indicated that the installation is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 26 , highlighting the national importance of the project.

The facility is expected to play a key role in developing standards and confidence for hydrogen refuelling stations across India.

Integrated System-Level Certification

Scientists from the Flameproof and Equipment Safety Division of CSIR-CIMFR conducted exhaustive inspections covering:

• Flameproof electrical and mechanical devices

• Safety interlocks and control systems

• Pressure relief mechanisms

• Alarms, sensors, and instrumentation

While individual components had earlier received separate certifications, integrated safety certification of the entire system was previously absent in India. The system assessed was manufactured by an Italy-based firm and installed at NTPC’s premises, providing a real-world operational setting for evaluation.

Implications for Clean Energy Expansion

The assessment was conducted under actual operating conditions , avoiding equipment relocation and ensuring realistic validation of safety and reliability. Officials noted that such certified systems will accelerate the rollout of hydrogen fuel stations and hydrogen-powered mobility , a critical step toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

By strengthening safety assurance for hydrogen compression and dispensing, the initiative supports India’s broader goals of decarbonisation , energy transition , and leadership in green hydrogen technologies .

Exam-Focused Points

• CSIR-CIMFR operates under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) .

• Gas Group IIC denotes highly explosive industrial environments.

• Hydrogen compressor–dispensers are essential for hydrogen fuel stations .