Hydrogen Safety Takes Center Stage: Key Highlights from the SMPV Amendment Rules, 2025

Introduction

As India accelerates its green energy mission, the Explosives Act, 1884, has been updated to accommodate emerging technologies—specifically, the SMPV Hydrogen Safety Compliance and safe use of compressed and liquefied hydrogen gas. The SMPV (U) Rules, 2016 have been significantly amended under the SMPV Amendment Rules, 2025. These updates establish a comprehensive framework for hydrogen generation, storage, distribution, and use—ensuring safety while supporting startups, women entrepreneurs, and green fuel initiatives.

Let’s explore the main changes, one section at a time.

Definitions Expanded for the Hydrogen Economy

To support modern hydrogen infrastructure, the definitions now include:

Bulk Compressed Hydrogen Gas System: Defined as systems with storage over 5000 SCF (141.6 NM³).
Bulk Liquefied Hydrogen System: Applies to storage from 1000 to 283,906 liters.
Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen with ≤2 kg CO₂/kg H₂ from well-to-gate.
Electrolyzer, Hydrogen Generation System, and Dispenser: Added for system-level clarity.

This allows manufacturers and operators to clearly interpret compliance needs.

Licensing & Fees: Inclusivity Built-In

New license formats (LS-1ग, LS-1घ) now apply to:

Hydrogen fuel dispensers
Bulk and non-bulk compressed or liquefied hydrogen systems
Mobile hydrogen vessels

The government offers concessional licensing fees for:

Startups
MSMEs
Women entrepreneurs

This approach ensures inclusive growth in India’s hydrogen sector.

Online Applications and Approvals

To reduce delays, all applications, documents, and drawings must be submitted online under the amended rules.
This ensures:

Transparent approval processes
Digital traceability
Faster turnarounds for safety clearances

Hydrogen Equipment and System Safety Requirements

Hydrogen-related facilities must comply with:

IS 16061, ISO 14687, IS 16509, NFPA-2, and others
Separation distances as per exposure group tables
Leak detection systems
Emergency shutdowns
Earth bonding and grounding
Layouts that allow safe access and visibility

Whether it’s a dispenser, vessel, or pipeline, system designs must ensure fail-safe operations and minimal risks.

Site Approvals and Layout Drawings

Before setting up, applicants must submit:

Layout plans with 100–500 m buffer zones
Hazard and operability (HAZOP) study reports
Emergency response plans (ISO 14001 compliant)
Instrumentation and interlock diagrams

This strengthens hazard mitigation and disaster readiness.

Special Provisions for Green Innovation

The amendment allows Central or Chief Controllers to waive certain requirements in:

Exceptional cases
R&D installations
Pilot-scale hydrogen facilities

This flexibility supports innovation without compromising safety.

Technical and Structural Mandates

Key mandates include:

LNG/H₂ fuel tanks in vehicles capped at 1080 kg
Protected dispenser zones
Refueling only when engines are off
No transfer from mobile vessels during vehicle fueling
Emergency release areas and crash protection for all sensitive components

These points aim to prevent ignition, reduce risk, and control unintended releases.

Environmental and Structural Safety Guidelines

Hydrogen facilities must:

Avoid underground or congested spaces
Provide 24×7 visibility and controlled access
Use cryogenic-rated materials
Design for earthquake, fire, and temperature resilience
Maintain minimum separation distances for fire safety compliance

Also, infrastructure must prevent frost, vapor accumulation, and damage from ground contact.

Conclusion

The SMPV Amendment Rules, 2025 mark a turning point in India’s energy landscape. With an emphasis on hydrogen safety, digital applications, and green entrepreneurship, these changes set a clear regulatory path. Every stakeholder—from industrial operators to clean energy startups—must now align their operations with the new standards. This is more than compliance—it’s India’s next leap toward a sustainable, hydrogen-powered future.

Download: SMPV Hydrogen Safety Compliance Rules 2025 Update