Towards a resilient hydrogen economy : climate impact, safety, cybersecurity, and the foundations for public trust

Abstract

This dissertation investigates hydrogen’s role in accelerating the transition to a renewable-based energy system, with a specific emphasis on Power-to-X (PtX) pathways. It evaluates hydrogen’s ability to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors, function as a flexible energy carrier, and enable the production of renewable-based fuels and materials.

Beyond its environmental potential, the dissertation addresses critical safety, risk, and cybersecurity considerations that arise with the scale-up of hydrogen infrastructure. It identifies key hazards related to hydrogen leakage, human factors, and infrastructure vulnerabilities, using historical incident data to inform improved safety practices. Special attention is given to Finland’s hydrogen transition and the infrastructure needed to support hydrogen deployment at scale.

The study further examines emerging cybersecurity threats linked to increased digitalization in hydrogen systems. It analyses vulnerabilities within smart grids and process automation, proposing foundational elements for a cybersecurity framework tailored to the hydrogen sector.

By integrating insights from climate impact assessment, incident analysis, and cybersecurity threats, this research contributes to a broader understanding of how to build resilient, safe, and trusted hydrogen value chains. While public acceptance is not directly modelled, the findings support strategies that can build trust by ensuring environmental performance, operational safety, and digital resilience in the hydrogen economy.