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Why blending hydrogen into the gas supply is still just a pipe dream
Surely this is the final nail in the coffin for the silly idea of blending #hydrogen into the #gas network?
We know it's horribly inefficient and because of the lower calorific value of hydrogen, blending at 20% would only decarbonise the gas supplied by about 7%.
But recent network planning in Victoria (which consumes by far the most gas in Australia) shows that blending wouldn't even be possible until at least 2030.
Major works would be needed, with separate issues affecting both the transmission and distribution systems. Total costs are still unknown but are expected to be high.
Network businesses themselves don’t expect blending to be possible until 2030 and wouldn't be ready to transport pure hydrogen until 2050, or maybe 2040 as a "stretch target".
#Electrification is a much better option on all fronts and will likely make significant progress before any blending could even begin in 2030.
And we don't need to blend hydrogen into the gas grid to provide early demand. That's just daft. Australia uses 650,000 tonnes of hydrogen a year for fertilisers and petrochemicals, all made from fossil fuels. How about we start by replacing that with green hydrogen instead?
Why blending hydrogen into the gas supply is still just a pipe dream
The full costs – and risks – of hydrogen blending should be understood, and a strong case for its benefits proven, before consumers are asked to fund it.
- Ever wondered where future #hydrogen is likely to be supplied from and to, and how?
- Why blending hydrogen into the gas supply is still just a pipe dream
- While German emissions fell in 2022, the country is not on track to meet its 2030 target.
- How can the UK decarbonise its electricity supply? What about when the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow? Here's the answer!
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