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In this study, a first-of-its-kind comparative risk assessment is presented for accidents in the energy sector in EU28 with focus on hydrogen (H₂) and selected fuel cells, namely proton exchange membrane (PEM), phosphoric acid (PAFC), alkaline (AFC) and molten carbonate (MCFC) fuel cells. The analysis is based on PSI's well-established framework for comparative risk assessment, using available historical experience from its ENergy-related Severe Accident Database (ENSAD). For H₂, the technological risks are first identified and characterized to set up the so-called H₂ ENSAD, a subset of ENSAD including historical observations related only to H₂ accidents only. Afterwards risk indicators, namely fatality rate and maximum consequence, have been estimated for H₂ and selected fuel cells, and then compared to fossil fuels, hydro-power and selected new renewable technologies. H₂ and selected fuel cells …