A review of challenges with using the natural gas system for hydrogen
Martin, Paul and Ocko, Ilissa B. and Esquivel‐Elizondo, Sofia and Kupers, Roland and Cebon, David and Baxter, Tom and Hamburg, Steven P. (2024) A review of challenges with using the natural gas system for hydrogen. Energy Science and Engineering. ISSN 2050-0505 (https://doi.org/10.1002/ese3.1861)
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Abstract
Hydrogen, as an energy carrier, is attractive to many stakeholders based on the assumption that the extensive global network of natural gas infrastructure can be repurposed to transport hydrogen as part of a zero‐carbon energy future. Therefore, utility companies and governments are rapidly advancing efforts to pilot blending low‐carbon hydrogen into existing natural gas systems, many with the goal of eventually shifting to pure hydrogen. However, hydrogen has fundamentally different physical and chemical properties to natural gas, with major consequences for safety, energy supply, climate, and cost. We evaluate the suitability of using existing natural gas infrastructure for distribution of hydrogen. We summarize differences between hydrogen and natural gas, assess the latest science and engineering of each component of the natural gas value chain for hydrogen distribution, and discuss proposed solutions for building an effective hydrogen value chain. We find that every value chain component is challenged by reuse. Hydrogen blending can circumvent many challenges but offers only a small reduction in greenhouse gas emissions due to hydrogen's low volumetric energy density. Furthermore, a transition to pure hydrogen is not possible without significant retrofits and replacements. Even if technical and economic barriers are overcome, serious safety and environmental risks remain.
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Item type: Article ID code: 90338 Dates: DateEvent18 August 2024Published18 August 2024Published Online24 July 2024Accepted24 April 2024SubmittedSubjects: Technology > Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering > Production of electric energy or power Department: Faculty of Engineering > Chemical and Process Engineering Depositing user: Pure Administrator Date deposited: 23 Aug 2024 14:16 Last modified: 03 Oct 2024 00:43 URI: https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/90338