Advancing hydrogen blending through NYSEARCH state-of-the-art study and gap analysis
At a glance
NYSEARCH conducted a technical state-of-the-art (SOTA) analysis identifying the current global understanding of H2 blending in low pressure gas distribution networks. Their goal was to identify and understand challenges and knowledge gaps, and develop a research and development (R&D) roadmap to further advance decarbonization strategies and address uncertainties.
The challenge
NYSEARCH is a North American natural gas research, development and
demonstration consortium focused on improving and decarbonizing natural gas networks. GHD was contracted to work with NYSEARCH and gas operators across North America to develop a technical SOTA study identifying risks and challenges associated with blending hydrogen with natural gas. The SOTA analysis additionally aimed to identify gaps in global blending knowledge and recommendations on where to focus further research and development to further develop hydrogen blending.
NYSEARCH also requested an interactive blending Story Map highlighting projects around the world and their key findings, a review of relevant regulations and policies, an education toolkit for hydrogen blending projects, and a research and development roadmap.
Our response
GHD reviewed existing blending projects and recent studies around the world to summarize existing knowledge. Additionally, we facilitated workshops with over 50 subject matter experts from various NYSEARCH member organizations, including PG&E, SoCalGas, and other natural gas distribution companies in the United States to gather concerns and expertise around hydrogen blending. The findings informed the development of the SOTA and additionally provided GHD with valuable connections in the North American hydrogen and gas network operations industries.
Our digital solutions team was leveraged to use our global blending projects review information to produce the interactive Story Map. The interactive map highlights the locations of all blending projects and allows users to filter them based on several parameters; additional details of each project as well as their key findings and maximum hydrogen blending tested/in use were available upon selecting individual projects.
The impact
This project connects gas operators and hydrogen experts across North America, and additionally provides recent and relevant information around hydrogen blending and how to facilitate continued success in this area.