The British Columbia Energy Regulator has introduced the Hydrogen Facility Regulation to oversee the establishment and operation of hydrogen facilities. This regulation outlines various requirements, procedures, and compliance measures to ensure safety, environmental protection, and operational integrity.

It begins with definitions and classifications of hydrogen facilities, distinguishing between Class 1 and Class 2 based on hydrogen storage capacity and manufacturing scale. Class 1 facilities hold less than 4.5 tonnes of hydrogen, while Class 2 facilities contain 4.5 tonnes or more but produce less than 100,000 tonnes annually. The regulation also specifies that it does not apply to Class 3 hydrogen facilities, which are governed by the Processing Facility Regulation. The document references adopted codes and standards, including API, CSA, and NFPA, which set technical and safety benchmarks for facility design, construction, and operation. Compliance with either the Canadian Hydrogen Installation Code or the Hydrogen Technologies Code is mandatory.

Before applying for a permit, applicants must assess and communicate potential impacts to local authorities and affected persons, including Indigenous nations and regional governments. Notices must contain details of the facility, expected impacts, and contact information, allowing recipients to submit concerns within 30 days. The regulator mandates that reports accompany applications, detailing how notifications were conducted and how concerns were addressed.

A qualified professional must certify compliance with applicable safety codes and standards, including hazard identification and risk assessment studies. If any deviations from standards are proposed, exemptions must be requested. Permit holders are also subject to strict operational requirements, including maintaining up-to-date record drawings, ensuring process safety management systems, and implementing integrity management programs. Facilities must have fugitive emissions management plans and measures to minimize adverse environmental effects, particularly for Class 2 facilities.

The regulation also governs the suspension and decommissioning of hydrogen facilities. Operators must notify the regulator of suspension plans and ensure facilities are maintained in a safe condition. Decommissioning must be conducted according to prescribed standards, including proper disposal of hazardous materials and site restoration.

The Hydrogen Facility Regulation establishes a comprehensive framework for the safe and responsible development of hydrogen facilities in British Columbia. It emphasizes safety, environmental protection, emergency preparedness, and public accountability while aligning with international and national standards. Through detailed notification procedures, permit requirements, operational guidelines, and emergency response protocols, the regulation seeks to ensure that hydrogen production and storage are managed efficiently and sustainably.

British Columbia (27/2025) March 5, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and do not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.