A growing number of hydrogen pilot projects are underway. These activities are often undertaken by gas utilities and signal that the industry is starting to move toward decarbonization. By executing these projects, the local gas distribution companies demonstrate hydrogen fuel’s ability to support a clean environment.
Already, dozens of low carbon renewable natural gas and hydrogen projects are preparing to either get underway or are in the final stages of rolling out. Others are producing essential data, helping offer insights into operations and possible shortfalls. The opening months of 2022 also showed that the industry’s hydrogen leaders, especially Southern California Gas Co., have ramped up their commitment to a low-carbon fuel beyond just piloting projects. Some are also already using renewable energy to produce green hydrogen.
While interest in distributed hydrogen blending technologies is accelerating, there are a few inherent challenges for end-users, utilities, and government regulators. The challenges aren’t just from naysayers. Some resistance is coming from first-hand from pilot products supplying hydrogen blends.