NFPA 2 has provisions for the use of LH2, and there are many existing fueling stations that store and use liquid hydrogen. One challenge for the use of LH2 in stations with small footprints is the code required separation distances from exposures. NPFA 2 has updated the separation distances with a risk informed approach in the 2023 edition.

Another possibility for public fuel stations would be to install the LH2 tank underground. Underground LH2 storage is permitted within NFPA 2 and requirements can be found in Section 8.3.2.3.1.7. It is certainly feasible to design and build a fuel station with an underground LH2 tank. 

It’s important to note that the NFPA definition of storage systems and resulting separation distance requirements are based on more than just the tank. The definition in NFPA 2 is an assembly of equipment that consists of, but is not limited to, storage containers, pressure regulators, pressure relief devices, vaporizers, liquid pumps, compressors, manifolds, and piping and that terminates at the source valve. The Hydrogen Tools portal (http://h2tools.org) has a variety of information, best practices, and lessons learned.