Natural gas pipelines are deeply embedded in U.S. infrastructure, raising concerns as the world tackles climate change. Various U.S. cities and states have already initiated measures to minimize natural gas dependency. Conversely, over 20 states have enacted laws to preempt such regulations. In this context, utilities nationwide are exploring the injection of hydrogen into natural gas lines to reduce carbon emissions.
Utilities have increasingly started testing hydrogen and natural gas blends to lower their carbon footprint. Nearly 20 utilities are pursuing such initiatives, positioning this practice as vital for reducing emissions and fighting climate change. The federal government supports this through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocate substantial funding for hydrogen development. The use of hydrogen blends in industrial applications is recommended by a federal hydrogen strategy, a viewpoint shared by many environmental advocates who argue against its use for buildings.
Significant Investments and Controversies
Deploying hydrogen-blended fuels has sparked significant debate. Nearly 30 projects focusing on blending hydrogen into gas pipelines have been proposed or are operational in over a dozen states. These projects collectively would cost at least $280 million, with many utilities seeking to pass these costs on to consumers. California’s Sierra Club has criticized the expenditures as “wasteful experiments” and inappropriate for ratepayer funding, given the state’s rising electric rates.
Blending hydrogen with natural gas involves significant risks and rewards. Hydrogen burns cleaner than natural gas but produces harmful nitrous oxide emissions. Moreover, hydrogen molecules are smaller and can leak more readily from pipelines, posing safety concerns. Despite these risks, some utilities view hydrogen blending as a viable step toward decarbonization. Southern California Gas (SoCalGas) has described demonstration projects as crucial for adopting hydrogen blending statewide.
Community Opposition and Regulatory Challenges
Community opposition to hydrogen blending projects has been vocal in various states, including California and Colorado. SoCalGas faced protests from University of California-Irvine students, prompting the utility to scale down its project. The planned project in Orange Cove, California, despite assurances from SoCalGas about its benefits and community engagement efforts, has met resistance from local residents concerned about transparency and safety.
Utilities have undertaken blending pilots under various conditions. For instance, Hawaii Gas has successfully used synthetic natural gas with hydrogen content for decades. Research indicates blends below 5% pose minimal risks to consumers, while higher blends remain uncertain. Utilities like Puget Sound Energy are exploring the feasibility of hydrogen blends but remain uncertain about its long-term prudence for decarbonization.
Cost considerations are vital as utilities seek regulatory approval for these pilots. Dominion Energy plans multiple blending pilots across different states, while other utilities have faced setbacks due to regulatory concerns. California regulators have previously dismissed blending proposals citing cost concerns, sparking debates about the projects’ public interest.
Further studies are essential to understand the technical limits of blending hydrogen with natural gas. Researchers like Ali Mosleh of UCLA emphasize the need for fundamental research to address the numerous unknowns in this field. These initiatives are still largely under regulatory review, and their future depends on ongoing assessments and community responses.
