In a developing country like India, the growing energy demand across all sectors underscores the urgent need for clean, sustainable, and efficient energy alternatives. Hydrogen stands out as a promising fuel, offering virtually zero emissions and helping to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which directly contributes to mitigating global warming, ensuring a cleaner environment, and lowering dependency on fossil fuels. In line with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which seeks to guarantee that everyone has access to modern, cheap, and sustainable energy, hydrogen is well-positioned to be a major player in India's energy transformation.
However, hydrogen has unique properties such as its wide flammability range, high reactivity, and high energy content present significant challenges in terms of safety, particularly in its storage, transportation, and usage. Improper handling or inadequate safety measures can lead to hazardous incidents, making robust testing, certification, and infrastructure development is vital for its safe deployment. Technology for hydrogen detection is essential for maintaining safety and adhering to legal standards. However, detecting hydrogen leaks poses significant challenges due to its unique physical properties: colourless, odourless, and tasteless, no smoke or visible trail, low density and high buoyancy etc.
This paper reviews the current literature on hydrogen safety, with a focus on detection technologies, leakage prevention, and key considerations essential for the safe application of hydrogen in accordance with regulatory requirements. The paper discusses various sensor technologies and their underlying detection principles, including Catalytic, Resistance, Thermal conduction, Electrochemical, Work Function, Mechanical, Optical, Acoustic etc. Each sensor type is assessed for sensitivity, response time, selectivity, detection range, and suitability for different applications. This review aims to support researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers in identifying effective detection solutions and enhancing hydrogen safety frameworks for widespread adoption.