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Nick Barilo

Hydrogen Safety Program Manager; Director, Center for Hydrogen Safety

Nick Barilo

Hydrogen Safety Program Manager; Director, Center for Hydrogen Safety

Biography

From automobiles to trains, transportation and other industries are beginning to consider hydrogen as an emerging fuel source that is efficient and environmentally friendly. Since serious considerations of hydrogen as a widespread fuel source is new, safe practices in its handling, storage, and transport are critical for widespread acceptance.

As the manager for PNNL’s Hydrogen Safety Program, Nick Barilo has more than 30 years of hydrogen safety and fire protection experience. This lengthy experience has been recognized by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, which partnered with PNNL in 2019 to form the Center for Hydrogen Safety, a global nonprofit resource that promotes the safe handling and use of hydrogen across industrial and consumer energy applications. 

Barilo was named director upon launch of the center, which promotes hydrogen safe practices through guidance, outreach, and educational materials.

“Since 2003, PNNL has led hydrogen safety research and we are recognized for providing industry, first responders, and others with a reliable source of information needed to assure that hydrogen is safely used as an energy carrier for transportation, energy storage, and other applications,” said Barilo.

Barilo also lends his expertise to directing activities for the U.S. Hydrogen Safety Panel, as well as first responder training. He has authored numerous research articles and has presented both nationally and internationally on hydrogen safety.

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