Comparison of Regulations Codes and Standards for Hydrogen Refueling Stations in Japan and France

The states of Regulations Codes and Standards (RCS) of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) in Japan and France are compared and specified items to understand correspondence and differences among each RCSs for realizing harmonization in RCS. Japan has been trying to reform its RCSs to reduce HRS installation and operation costs as a governmental target. Specific crucial regulatory items such as safety distances, mitigation means, materials for hydrogen storage and certification of anti-explosion proof equipments are compared in order to identify the origins of the current obstacles for disseminating HRS.