After 3+ yrs talking to engineers with decades of #hydrogen experience, I was SHOCKED at the disconnect between well-known issues and company plans. So I worked with an engineer, Paul Martin, to synthesize his vast knowledge of challenges using hydrogen in the natural gas system in order to increase awareness: https://lnkd.in/eHYCsfhV
Here are 5 takeaways:
1. Engineers need a seat at the table, especially for plans to pursue hydrogen beyond its typical uses.
No one understands the viability and risks better. Hydrogen Science Coalition is a great place to start to get connected with the right experts: https://lnkd.in/ekidrKvG
2. Yes, the challenges with hydrogen in the natural gas network are long-known, but better awareness is needed.
This is why my scientist colleagues at Environmental Defense Fund and I partnered with knowledgeable engineers, with decades of experience, to publish a concise and accessible review as a peer-reviewed scientific article.
3. We found that existing information of challenges is often taken out of context, especially when they are technical and conditional.
The devil is in the details... it is alarming how many reports are misconstrued in public discourse. For more on this and a clear example, see Paul Martin's great post: https://lnkd.in/eGjx39bE
4. In most cases, there are more problems than it's worth with using the natural gas system for hydrogen.
The many technical, economical, and environmental barriers that must be overcome should give real pause on plans. Our paper provides details on the specific challenges across the entire value chain, including production, long-distant transport, local distribution, storage, and end use applications.
5. Even if technical and economical barriers are overcome, serious environmental and climate risks still remain.
#cleanhydrogen is energy intensive to make & move, contributes to #climatechange when it escapes (see: https://lnkd.in/eiqqiMQx), & more flammable than natural gas. If possible, using renewable electricity directly is far better.
TL;DR:
5 takeaways from assessing natural gas network viability for hydrogen:
1. Engineers need a seat at the table.
2. More awareness of issues is crucial.
3. Info has been taken out of context.
4. Often more problems than its worth.
5. Not the best climate solution.
Shoutout to lead author Paul Martin, and co-authors Sofia Esquivel Elizondo, Roland Kupers, David Cebon, Tom Baxter, and Steven Hamburg.
Instrument & Controls Systems Senior Design Engineer at Enereco S.p.A.
10moVery good decisions!