Disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or conflicts often disrupt energy infrastructure, leaving affected populations without reliable cooking solutions. Traditional methods like firewood or charcoal become scarce, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply chains may collapse. In such scenarios, hydrogen stoves and cooktops present a viable alternative due to their portability, clean combustion, and potential for rapid deployment. This article examines the technical, safety, and sociocultural aspects of hydrogen cooking solutions in disaster response, comparing them to LPG and biomass alternatives.

A key advantage of hydrogen stoves is their clean combustion, producing only water vapor as a byproduct. Unlike biomass stoves, which emit particulate matter and carbon monoxide, hydrogen combustion eliminates indoor air pollution—a critical factor in temporary shelters where ventilation is poor. For example, in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, respiratory illnesses surged due to widespread use of charcoal stoves in confined spaces. Hydrogen stoves could mitigate such health risks, particularly in densely populated displacement camps.

Safety remains a primary concern when deploying hydrogen systems in disaster zones. Modern hydrogen stoves incorporate multiple safety features, including flame failure detection, automatic shutoff valves, and leak-proof connectors. Cartridge designs often use metal hydrides or absorbent materials to stabilize hydrogen, reducing risks associated with high-pressure gas storage. In contrast to LPG, which pools at ground level when leaked, hydrogen disperses rapidly due to its low density, lowering explosion risks. However, its wide flammability range (4-75% in air) necessitates strict handling protocols. Post-disaster deployments in Indonesia after the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake demonstrated that community training on cartridge handling significantly improved safe adoption rates.

Fuel cartridge design plays a pivotal role in disaster scenarios. Lightweight, modular cartridges enable easier distribution than bulky LPG cylinders, particularly in areas with damaged transport networks. Some humanitarian models utilize standardized cartridges compatible with multiple devices, from stoves to lanterns, simplifying logistics. For instance, in conflict-affected regions of Syria, modular energy systems proved more practical than conventional fuel deliveries due to irregular access routes. Cartridge-refilling stations powered by solar electrolysis have been piloted in volcanic eruption zones like Guatemala’s Fuego region, creating localized hydrogen supply chains independent of diesel-powered logistics.

Cultural acceptance presents both challenges and opportunities. Cooking practices are deeply ingrained, and populations may resist unfamiliar technologies during crises. Successful introductions require contextual adaptation—stove designs that accommodate local cookware, flame adjustability matching traditional cooking methods, and demonstrations by trusted community leaders. In cyclone-prone areas of Bangladesh, hybrid stoves capable of using both hydrogen and biomass gained faster acceptance than hydrogen-only models, allowing gradual transition during fuel shortages. By contrast, LPG initiatives in similar settings faced slower uptake due to cultural preferences for open-flame cooking.

Compared to LPG, hydrogen stoves offer logistical benefits but face energy density limitations. While LPG contains approximately 46 MJ/kg compared to hydrogen’s 120 MJ/kg, the latter requires larger storage volumes unless compressed or liquefied—a challenge in resource-constrained environments. However, hydrogen’s production versatility offsets this; small-scale electrolyzers can generate fuel onsite using solar or wind power, whereas LPG relies on centralized refining and vulnerable distribution networks. After the 2011 Tohoku tsunami, decentralized hydrogen production proved more resilient than attempts to restore LPG deliveries to isolated communities.

Biomass alternatives, while culturally familiar, carry substantial environmental and health drawbacks. Deforestation for fuelwood exacerbates post-disaster ecological damage, as seen in Nepal following the 2015 earthquakes. Hydrogen systems avoid this while providing comparable cooking speeds. In volcanic eruption zones like Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull, where ash contamination rendered biomass unusable, portable hydrogen stoves provided uninterrupted cooking capacity where LPG supplies were disrupted by transportation bottlenecks.

Operational considerations include ambient temperature performance. Hydrogen stoves maintain efficiency in cold climates where LPG pressure drops reduce output—an advantage observed in high-altitude disaster responses in the Hindu Kush region. However, cartridge exchange systems must account for lower temperatures affecting seal integrity, requiring materials tested for sub-zero conditions.

Scalability varies significantly between technologies. LPG infrastructure, where intact, can serve large populations quickly, as demonstrated in Philippine typhoon responses. Hydrogen systems currently suit small to medium groups but benefit from modular expansion. Pilot projects in African refugee camps show that phased hydrogen stove deployments coupled with training programs achieve higher long-term adoption than emergency LPG distributions lacking maintenance support.

Cost dynamics differ across disaster phases. Hydrogen cartridges have higher upfront costs but lower lifecycle expenses where renewable energy fuels production. Post-disaster settings with damaged fossil fuel supply chains often see LPG prices spike unpredictably, whereas solar-powered hydrogen systems stabilize energy costs—a critical factor in protracted crises like Yemen’s conflict.

The environmental resilience of hydrogen systems provides another advantage. Unlike LPG tanks vulnerable to projectile damage in storms or earthquakes, solid-state hydrogen storage resists leakage from physical impacts. This was observed during the 2018 Anak Krakatau volcanic tsunami, where hydrogen cartridges survived flooding that disabled conventional gas systems.

Integration with broader humanitarian systems enhances effectiveness. Stoves designed to work with solar-powered water purifiers or medical equipment charging ports create multi-purpose solutions for resource-limited settings. In Mozambique’s Cyclone Idai response, such integrated systems reduced logistical burdens compared to separate energy and cooking aid deliveries.

Technological evolution continues to address limitations. New combustion designs achieve flame temperatures matching LPG (around 1,950°C), enabling traditional cooking methods like flatbread preparation that previously hindered adoption in some cultures. Cartridge recycling programs tested in Jordan’s Za’atari refugee camp demonstrate viable circular models for hydrogen fuel components.

In summary, hydrogen stoves and cooktops present a compelling disaster response solution when safety protocols, cultural adaptation, and modular logistics are prioritized. While not universally supplanting LPG or biomass, they fill critical gaps in scenarios where conventional fuels fail—offering clean, adaptable cooking energy where it’s most urgently needed. Future developments in localized production and hybrid systems will likely expand their role in humanitarian energy strategies.