The Electrical Compliance Challenge of Hydrogen Infrastructure on the Defence Estate

The Electrical Compliance Challenge of Hydrogen Infrastructure on the Defence Estate

Wednesday 12 August

As part of a shift away from traditional fuels and towards alternatives such as hydrogen, the Ministry of Defence is exploring ways to cut emissions, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and build greater energy resilience into future operations. 

It’s a change with real implications not only for how the MOD powers its bases and vehicles, but also for the electrical infrastructure required to support that transition safely.

Hydrogen presents distinct and significant fire and explosion risks compared with diesel and petrol, requiring specialist handling and carefully designed infrastructure.

Any location where hydrogen could be released must be assessed to determine whether an explosive atmosphere may form and hazardous-area classification is required. In these classified areas, the wrong electrical equipment or installation could provide the ignition source for a serious incident.

That means hydrogen dispensing points, storage facilities and refuelling stations across the defence estate need electrical systems selected, installed and certified for the relevant hazardous zone, in line with DSEAR and applicable explosive-atmosphere requirements.

Why This Matters Now

This shift isn’t new. The MOD’s Defence Operational Energy Strategy already recognises the need to prepare for the global energy transition and assess alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, with collaboration across government, including work with DESNZ on hydrogen.

At the same time, the wider defence estate remains under pressure to support government net-zero and estate decarbonisation goals, placing energy and infrastructure upgrades higher on the agenda. As these strategic ambitions begin to shape trials, future projects and new refuelling infrastructure, demand for contractors who can deliver genuinely compliant hazardous area electrical work is likely to increase. However, not every electrical contractor has the certification, compliance or experience required to operate safely in these environments.

The margin for error is smaller, and the compliance requirements from DSEAR risk assessments and hazardous-area classification to ATEX-certified equipment and applicable MOD standards are considerably more demanding.

Why SR Electrical

This isn't a capability SR Electrical is building toward; it's one they've already delivered.

SR Electrical supplied and installed Zone 1 hazardous area lighting for a client's hydrogen dispensing facility, applying the specialist approach required for electrical infrastructure in explosive atmospheres. 

That experience is supported by work across high-risk sectors, including oil and petrochemicals, chemical processing, ammonia refrigeration and waste management. With CompEx-qualified engineers, JOSCAR registration and VERO clearance, alongside expertise in ATEX, DSEAR, installation, inspection and maintenance, SR Electrical provides complete hazardous-area support for regulated and security-conscious environments.

Planning a hydrogen or hazardous-area electrical project? Contact SR Electrical to discuss your site and compliance requirements.