Chemical hydrides represent a critical pathway for hydrogen storage and transport due to their high volumetric energy density and stability under ambient conditions. However, their adoption hinges on robust international policies, safety standards, and certification protocols to mitigate risks associated with handling, transport, and disposal. This article examines the regulatory landscape, identifies gaps, and highlights best practices from leading hydrogen economies.

Chemical hydrides, such as sodium borohydride, ammonia borane, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), require stringent safety measures due to their reactive nature and potential hazards. International standards are primarily governed by organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). These bodies provide frameworks for material compatibility, storage design, and risk assessment. For instance, ISO 16111 specifies requirements for reversible metal hydride storage systems, while ISO 19880-8 outlines safety measures for hydrogen generators using chemical reactions.

Transport regulations for chemical hydrides are largely harmonized under the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Chemical hydrides are classified based on their hazard profiles, such as flammability, toxicity, or corrosivity. For example, ammonia borane falls under Class 4.3 (dangerous when wet), necessitating specialized packaging and labeling. The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code provide additional layers of specificity for road and sea transport. However, gaps persist in standardized protocols for emerging hydrides, particularly those with novel chemical compositions or hybrid properties.

Storage regulations vary significantly by region. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the European Industrial Gases Association (EIGA) have established guidelines for stationary storage systems, emphasizing leak detection, pressure management, and fire suppression. Japan’s High-Pressure Gas Safety Act imposes strict design criteria for hydride storage tanks, including mandatory third-party certification. Despite these measures, inconsistencies in testing methodologies and certification requirements across jurisdictions create barriers to global trade. For instance, a storage system compliant with U.S. standards may not meet EU’s ATEX directives for explosive atmospheres without modifications.

Disposal and end-of-life management of chemical hydrides remain underregulated. Most frameworks focus on production and usage phases, with limited attention to recycling or neutralization of spent materials. The Basel Convention provides general guidelines for hazardous waste transport but lacks specificity for chemical hydrides. Japan leads in this area, with initiatives like the Hydrogen Energy Carrier Safety Evaluation Program, which includes protocols for decomposing ammonia borane waste. The EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan indirectly addresses hydride disposal by promoting material recovery, but targeted policies are still nascent.

Leading hydrogen economies offer valuable best practices. Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy integrates chemical hydrides into its broader energy transition plan, with dedicated funding for safety R&D. The country’s TÜV certification system ensures rigorous testing of storage and transport equipment. South Korea’s Hydrogen Economy Roadmap mandates lifecycle assessments for all hydrogen carriers, including chemical hydrides, to evaluate environmental and safety impacts. Australia’s Hazardous Chemicals Regulatory Framework provides a tiered risk assessment model, which could serve as a template for other nations.

Key gaps in the regulatory landscape include the lack of harmonized international standards for novel hydrides, inconsistent certification processes, and inadequate disposal frameworks. Addressing these requires collaboration between governments, industry, and standards bodies. For example, expanding the scope of the ISO TC 197 committee to cover emerging chemical hydrides could accelerate standardization. Similarly, aligning the IMDG Code and ADR with evolving hydride technologies would streamline cross-border transport.

Best practices from leading economies underscore the importance of proactive policy-making, robust certification systems, and integrated lifecycle management. As chemical hydride technologies advance, regulatory frameworks must evolve in parallel to ensure safety, sustainability, and scalability. The establishment of a global repository for safety data and incident reporting could further enhance risk management and inform future standards.

In conclusion, while significant progress has been made in regulating chemical hydrides, gaps remain in transport, storage, and disposal. Learning from the approaches of Germany, South Korea, and Japan can help bridge these gaps and foster a safer, more efficient hydrogen economy. Policymakers must prioritize international collaboration and adaptive regulation to keep pace with technological advancements.