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The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) is the trade association for the fuel cell and hydrogen energy industry, and is dedicated to the commercialization of fuel cells and hydrogen energy technologies. Fuel cells and hydrogen energy technologies deliver clean, reliable power to leading edge corporate, academic and public sector users, and FCHEA members are helping to transform our energy future. FCHEA represents the full global supply chain, including universities, government laboratories and agencies, trade associations, fuel cell materials, components and systems manufacturers, hydrogen producers and fuel distributors, utilities and other end users.

Hydrogen Blending

Transitions

Hydrogen Blending

Connor Dolan

By Trip Johnson

Hydrogen energy is a viable solution for reducing society’s dependence on fossil fuels and decarbonizing a number of energy sectors. There is a range of activities working today to phase hydrogen into the energy sector.

One of these advances is natural gas/hydrogen (NG/H2) blending. As the name would suggest, NG/H2 blending integrates concentrations of hydrogen into existing natural gas pipelines in order to reduce the carbon intensity of the methane. This blending carries the hydrogen and natural gas mix to the intended location.

There have been a number of developments in NG/H2 blending in recent years. SoCalGas announced at the end of 2020 its starting of a hydrogen blending demonstration program. This program intends to utilize surplus renewable energy to generate hydrogen gas which will then be injected into the natural gas pipeline. While the initial blend will only contain 1% hydrogen, SoCalGas plans to increase the blend as high as 20% depending on testing results. 

Another recent development in the NG/H2 blending front is the agreement between Baker Hughes and NOVATEK. The cooperation agreement will initiate a pilot program that combines hydrogen with the natural gas liquefaction process, with hopes of reducing carbon emissions. In this partnership, Baker Hughes will provide NOVATEK turbomachinery equipment so that natural gas liquefaction trains will run on hydrogen blends.

The HyBlend Project in the United States is another initiative that aims to increase potential for NG/H2 blending. This project is composed of six national laboratories and over 20 participants from universities and industry. The multi-lab project received over $10 million of funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) in addition to approximately $5 million from other participants. There are three main tasks of the HyBlend Project: evaluating pipeline and hydrogen compatibility, analyzing life-cycle emissions, and determining costs of hydrogen production and technology implementation. 

Anticipating the availability and merits of a utility pipeline NG/H2 blend, and results from programs such as the HyBlend Project, FCHEA member Aris Energy Solutions continues testing its modular (1.5 kw-6.0 kw) SOFC fuel cells with 20%+ NG/H2 blends at several well respected US laboratories.

NG/H2 blending is also being explored through international collaborations. The U.S. and Netherlands have issued a statement of intent (SOI) for the sharing of data and information regarding hydrogen technology. Within the SOI, the U.S. and Netherlands have put an emphasis on standardizing safety codes for NG/H2 blending. 

The blending of natural gas and hydrogen is currently in its early stages of development. Despite this, NG/H2 blending is a promising option for those in the energy sector looking to expand hydrogen use and reduce their environmental impact. As more demonstrations and research into blending is understood, higher concentrations of hydrogen will become more commonplace. With more projects across the U.S. and throughout Europe beginning, this is just the start for the future of NG/H2 blending.