Abstract
The Seveso Directive of 1982 was the first attempt in the EU at addressing industrial accidents involving dangerous substances. Over successive revisions, the Directive has expanded its scope and strengthened requirements on major accident prevention, land use planning, and risk communication. In Italy, these provisions are currently implemented through Legislative Decree 105/2015 and operate in close interaction with other regulatory domains, including fire prevention. At the same time, the energy transition is transforming the industrial landscape. New technologies related to green hydrogen introduce new hazard scenarios and raise questions regarding risk assessment, safety management, and compatibility with surrounding areas. Although specific technical rules for hydrogen systems have existed in Italy for more than a decade, there are open questions regarding the safety permitting within Seveso establishments. This paper reviews the Italian approach to major accident prevention in the context of green hydrogen production. The aim is to outline the regulatory framework, identifying challenges and aspects that may require further consolidation. A preliminary comparison with selected countries is also included to support this ongoing assessment.
