[ hydrogen blending ]
• Blending equipment , including hydrogen and natural gas flow control and measurement , hydrogen leak detection , instrumentation and controls , electrical , piping , and other mechanical equipment , structural , and any new buildings ;
• Civil and other site preparation ; and
• Site permitting and any other hydrogen-specific codes and standards .
Hydrogen can be sourced from third-party suppliers as gaseous or cryogenic liquid hydrogen . On-site hydrogen can also be produced via electrolysis and can be stored for further blending or blended directly into the natural gas delivery system . Producing hydrogen on-site can reduce overall hydrogen costs and , in turn , overall decarbonization costs if the hydrogen can be created and blended directly into the natural gas distribution system , thus eliminating the need for compression or significant hydrogen storage .
The availability of end-user equipment and appliances , such as hydrogen boilers and furnaces for residential use , highlights the industry ’ s progress and consumer acceptance of sustainable energy solutions . Some existing equipment has been proven to be hydrogen ready up to certain amounts , while other equipment is being retrofitted to allow hydrogen use , and new equipment is being developed to allow up to 100 % hydrogen use .
Clear path forward The Pipeline Research Council International ( PRCI ) has consolidated research results from around the globe to help establish a clear path forward for hydrogen blending . In 2021 , GHD led a study with direct involvement from 20 gas companies and research institutes in North America , Europe and Australia . The study analyzed state-of-the-art hydrogen blending , identified gaps and prioritized recommended research on various technical topics , including pipeline integrity , safety , metering , network management , underground storage , and end uses in high-pressure and low-pressure distribution systems .
Creating a controlled environment for testing and deploying hydrogen technologies can accelerate their integration into existing energy systems . This allows asset owners and innovators to test different equipment and experiment with new solutions while regulators monitor and adapt frameworks accordingly .
By seizing these opportunities in tandem with the signs of industry readiness outlined earlier , the hydrogen sector can hasten its path to commercialization and position itself as a transformative force in the global energy landscape . These complementary strategies can collectively unlock the full potential of hydrogen , enabling it to address complex energy challenges and contribute to a sustainable future .
Hydrogen ’ s growth is evident , with over 600 large-scale hydrogen projects in development , according to the Hydrogen Council . These projects include pipeline blending pilots that test small amounts of hydrogen in working gas systems , and research projects focused on hydrogen blending at higher volumes in utility testing facilities . In the context of commercial business readiness , the transition
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