The rise of a green H2 economy
At a glance
Can blending green hydrogen into natural gas systems boost the global energy transition? We explored this potential in a recent state-of-the-art analysis and identified a clear path forward.
Why hydrogen
Hydrogen blending is not a distant dream; it's happening now. As a key element of the energy transition, hydrogen blended with natural gas can deliver cleaner, zero-emission energy for industry, commercial and household uses.
Greenhouse gas-emitting industries are looking to hydrogen to help them decarbonise operations. Energy utilities, spurred by investor ESG expectations and consumer demand, are seizing the opportunity to introduce hydrogen seamlessly into society using existing natural gas networks. And governments are making bold hydrogen policy and investment decisions to provide their communities and economies with affordable, reliable, low-carbon energy.
About the research
GHD was engaged by the Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) to lead a global study of hydrogen blending projects and research, to provide members and the wider industry with a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and intrinsic challenges in this rapidly evolving space.
In close collaboration with over 20 industry and research organisations globally, our team developed and evaluated a database of more than 100 existing or planned blending projects and 300 technical publications providing relevant knowledge from around the world.
For various components of the natural gas network, the project assessed:
- What level of hydrogen blending can occur without requiring significant modifications or upgrades?
- At hydrogen blending levels requiring modifications, what is the state-of-the-art of solution technologies?
- What are the key challenges and unknowns that need to be addressed through research and demonstration?
The use of H2 in natural gas is expected to be mainstream in 10yrs.
“Advancing the industry's knowledge and understanding of hydrogen blending is a critical step in moving to a decarbonised future.”
- Fred Taylor, North American Hydrogen Lead at GHD