Province orders study on blending hydrogen into natural gas lines

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 30, 2022.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

The Alberta government has ordered a study into blending hydrogen into natural gas lines that supply homes and businesses.

Use of the clean burning fuel in home heating, power production and vehicles is increasingly seen as a way to transition from carbon-emitting fossil fuels.

Last week, Alberta Energy Minister Sonya Savage requested the Alberta Utilities Commission examine implications for rate setting, safe handling and reliability standards for up to 20 per cent hydrogen blending.

That would reduce CO2 emissions by a similar amount and potentially reduce the carbon price paid on home heating fuel by one-fifth.

But, how hydrogen – which burns with a colourless flame and combines with oxygen to create water vapour – may be added to existing systems is still being studied. It is also priced differently.

Currently, the City of Fort Saskatchewan and Atco are conducting a pilot project to mix amounts of hydrogen into the low-pressure natural gas distribution system.

City of Medicine Hat utility officials touched on the subject at committee meetings this month, stating there is no immediate local plans to use the fuel.

They are however, awaiting the results of the Atco pilot which could reveal how furnaces, hot water heaters and other appliances perform with the fuel mix as well as flag issues in the distribution system.

In terms of high-pressure gas, the city’s power generation unit is also conducting a survey of its equipment.

Managing director Brad Maynes also told a committee that older model turbines, like those at the river valley station, may be able to accept a richer blend of hydrogen than newer models at the north side station.

The AUC has requested utility providers and interested parties register their intent to participate by April 19, and provide written submissions by April 26. The report is due at the end of June.

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