[ hydrogen blending ]
to a sustainable and low-carbon future hinges on the successful commercialization of the hydrogen industry . Commercial businesses are forging a path forward , solidifying hydrogen as a mainstream energy source .
Community and stakeholder readiness
Launching comprehensive public awareness and education campaigns can demystify hydrogen technologies , dispel misconceptions , and foster acceptance among consumers and other stakeholders . These campaigns can highlight the benefits of hydrogen adoption and address concerns related to safety and feasibility . Stakeholder engagement is crucial for hydrogen blending projects , as it fosters public acceptance , regulatory compliance , risk identification , and collaboration .
Engaging stakeholders such as communities , environmental groups , and industry representatives allows project developers to understand concerns , address them transparently , and build support . It also helps fulfill regulatory requirements and ensures environmental and safety standards compliance . By involving stakeholders early , developers can identify and mitigate potential risks , manage concerns , tap into local knowledge , and enhance project outcomes through collaboration and partnership . Concerns about both safety of hydrogen blending and how it will impact household energy costs for residents should be anticipated .
GHD ’ s ‘ Shocked ’ study reveals that 70 % of C-Suite respondents from the global energy sector agreed with the statement that community opposition is one of the largest obstacles to getting new clean energy projects approved . The findings demonstrate that how the community perceives these projects – either positively or negatively – has the potential to significantly impact progress towards a net zero future .
Determining infrastructure readiness
Risk assessments that evaluate all potential threats and consequences will determine the feasibility of hydrogen blending and determine what upgrades to a system must take place before implementation can begin . Any needed changes should be made to operating envelopes , O & M procedures , and design records to reflect operating fluid and equipment changes . Approvals for change in service may be required for pipeline fluid changes .
Blending hydrogen directly into existing natural gas pipelines requires careful consideration for safe and efficient operations . Pipeline compatibility is crucial , as materials used in older pipelines may need assessment and potential upgrades to prevent issues related to hydrogen embrittlement . Blending ratios , which determine the amount of hydrogen needed in the mixture with natural gas , should be optimized to balance emissions reduction and safe combustion .
Quality control measures ensure the purity and consistency of the hydrogen being blended . Safety protocols , such as leak detection systems and risk assessments , are key and need to be modified appropriately as hydrogen has different properties than natural gas . Regulatory compliance with local requirements is essential , and monitoring systems and regular maintenance help track the blending process and ensure system integrity . It is estimated that the cost of repurposing existing pipeline assets for hydrogen service is 10 – 20 % of the cost to build new infrastructure .
Hydrogen differs from natural gas , and its molecular properties impact how existing gas infrastructure might be repurposed . One of the most critical safety controls is to quantify the impacts of hydrogen on pipeline materials . Beyond the pipeline materials , an inspection of facilities and pipeline assemblies is required . To
34 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 15 | April 2024