So I am not convinced at all that blending hydrogen gas into our existing natural gas transmission and distribution systems is a solution that will move the needle with respect to our net-zero energy transition goals.
If you consider the following:
- Energy density of hydrogen in its gas phase compared to natural gas (or methane): Energy density of hydrogen gas is much lower than natural gas (or methane) and so mixing it with natural gas will not produce the same ability to boil water as natural gas in our homes. (This of course is not the case for hydrogen in liquid form – but our current infrastructure is built for gas transportation).
- Upper and lower explosive limits of hydrogen gas vs natural gas (or methane) in air: Hydrogen gas in air has a much larger explosive limit than natural gas when mixed with air. Hindenburg blimp vibes are not what we want in people’s homes.
- Size of the hydrogen molecule vs natural gas (or methane) molecules: Fugitive emissions in our natural gas transmission and distribution systems is already an issue. Hydrogen molecules are even smaller, meaning that they will likely leak out of these systems in their current state.
Are we mixing hydrogen gas into our natural gas transmission and distribution systems just to feel good about ourselves?
If we mix in the 10 – 15% that we know is safe, almost all of it leaks out because the molecules are so small. There is barely any left when it combusts in our homes, so the emissions are not reduced, plus its explosive in general. Then, are natural gas transmission and distribution pipeline companies achieving anything besides charging more in tolls and increasing energy costs in our homes?
The upfront calculations may show a theoretical reduction in CO2 emissions. However, the physics of our systems combined with the physics of hydrogen gas, unfortunately may not support an actual reduction once the gas makes it way through existing infrastructure to our homes where combustion occurs.
Reducing emissions is extremely important, so I think we need to make sure we are directing our efforts towards solutions that make an impact. We need to think critically about where pipeline companies are investing with respect to reducing emissions.
If any of you are working at pipeline companies that are blending 10 to 15% hydrogen, what do you think? What was the ROI justification to blend and are the results the end point (people’s homes) being tracked and demonstrating a reduction in emissions reflective of the investment in these hydrogen injection skids?
Would love to hear your thoughts!
