The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has issued this circular to clarify regulatory requirements for transporting hydrogen gas using cylinder cascades mounted on vehicle chassis. The clarification is issued in view of increasing use of hydrogen storage and transport systems and to ensure uniform compliance with the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016

The circular clarifies that hydrogen gas cylinder cascades mounted on vehicles may be used for road transportation after complying with Schedule VI of the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016. Such cascades are recognised as “gas cylinder cascades” under Rule 2(xxix).

It is further clarified that transportation of hydrogen gas through these cascades does not require a separate licence under the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016. However, the cylinders used in the cascade must be approved by PESO.

For operational compliance, a licence in Form E and Form F is mandatory for filling and storage of compressed gas in these cascades. In case of import of such gas cylinders, a licence in Form D is compulsory.

The circular also reiterates that a hydrogen storage system, as defined under Rule 2(xxxib), includes cylinders and gas cylinder cascades forming part of a closed system used for retaining hydrogen in gaseous or liquid form.

Accordingly, stakeholders involved in transportation, filling, storage, or import of hydrogen gas cylinders must ensure adherence to approval and licensing requirements, even though separate transport licensing is not required.