Artificial intelligence for safe and efficient hydrogen energy systems: Opportunities and regulatory challenges

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Abstract
In 1874, the French science fiction writer Jules Verne imagined a world where water would serve as fuel. This vision, more than 150 years later, is now closer to reality than fiction. Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water using renewable electricity, has emerged as one of the most promising paths for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, chemicals and heavy transport. Global electrolytic hydrogen capacity reached 2 GW in 2024, with low-emissions hydrogen production projected to grow fivefold by 2030. However, the economics remain challenging. Green hydrogen still costs 1.5–7 times more than fossil-derived alternatives, and the vast majority of global hydrogen production today still depends on natural gas or coal. Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly recognized as a critical enabler for bridging this gap. AI can support the optimization of production, enabling predictive maintenance and enhancing safety across the hydrogen value chain. However, a fundamental question remains underexplored: Can we trust AI to make decisions in hydrogen environments where errors are not just costly, but potentially catastrophic? This editorial examines the opportunities AI presents for hydrogen energy systems, the safety challenges it must overcome and the regulatory frameworks urgently needed to govern its deployment.

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