Enhancing hydrogen blending in natural gas distribution systems

Decarbonizing residential and commercial heating is a significant challenge in cold climates, driving several utilities to seek alternative technologies that can be implemented in the near term to support emissions reduction targets. FortisBC is targeting at least a 15% blend of low-carbon gases on the gas distribution network in BC by 2030, including renewable natural gas and hydrogen. 

FortisBC engaged GHD to conduct a feasibility assessment for two potential hydrogen blending pilot projects. Our scope of work encompassed several critical components: 

• Conducting a comprehensive safety assessment of hydrogen blending in natural gas.
• Performing a technical evaluation of all of the components and operating conditions of the two networks based on comprehensive data provided by FortisBC.
• Assessing operational and maintenance practices and integrity management plans.
• Addressing hydrogen education and training needs, both internally at FortisBC and externally for key stakeholders such as external gas contractors and the public.
• Developing a blending strategy and project execution plans for the two projects, including risk management plans, initial risk assessments, permitting and regulatory considerations, stakeholder engagement strategies and schedules and costs>

A notable challenge faced during this project related to data quality and availability, due to the extensive and aged infrastructure. GHD’s Digital team worked closely with FortisBC for the transfer of data and GIS information for the project. 

GHD collaborated closely with FortisBC, conducting weekly meetings to prioritize information requests and minimize schedule disruptions. Additionally, the team actively worked with FortisBC to address data access challenges and proactively manage schedule impacts. Although the delivery of the draft report was delayed by two weeks, this extension allowed for the acquisition of valuable information from FortisBC and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) contacted for materials compatibility evaluations. Ultimately, this delay contributed to more robust evaluation outcomes.

The evaluation resulted in the development of a logical, defensible, and risk-averse blending strategy for the two pilot projects. FortisBC was satisfied with the technical feasibility evaluation, the strategy developed, and the implementation roadmaps. The projects will continue to move forward.