PG&E Launches the Nation’s Most Comprehensive Study on Hydrogen’s Feasibility Within Gas Pipelines

Rhea-AI Summary

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PCG) announced the launch of a groundbreaking hydrogen study and demonstration facility called Hydrogen to Infinity (H2∞). This initiative aims to explore hydrogen's potential as a renewable energy source, integrating it with the existing natural gas system. The facility, located in Lodi, California, will focus on various aspects such as technical needs, market development, and energy resilience. This project underscores PG&E’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing zero-carbon energy solutions.

Positive

• Launch of H2∞ demonstrates PG&E's commitment to zero-carbon energy.
• Facility will conduct extensive research on hydrogen functions in natural gas systems.
• Partnerships with established entities like Siemens Energy and UC Riverside enhance project credibility.

Negative

• None.

Project Advances PG&E’s Commitment to Provide Customers with Zero-Carbon Energy

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today announced that it is launching the nation’s most comprehensive end-to-end hydrogen study and demonstration facility, which will examine the future potential of the zero-carbon fuel hydrogen as a renewable energy source for not only PG&E customers but the entire global natural gas industry.

The centerpiece of the study, known as Hydrogen to Infinity (H₂∞), is a large-scale project that will blend hydrogen and natural gas in a stand-alone transmission pipeline system. H₂∞ will enable PG&E and its partners (Northern California Power Agency [NCPA], Siemens Energy, the City of Lodi, GHD Inc., and University of California at Riverside) to conduct a complete study of different levels of hydrogen blends in a multi-feed, multi-directional natural gas pipeline system that is independent from its current natural gas transmission system.

The dedicated facility will allow for a controlled and safe study of hydrogen injection, storage, and combustion of different hydrogen blends in a variety of end uses. NCPA’s Lodi Energy Center power plant is located adjacent to H₂∞ and will accept a hydrogen-natural gas blend for electric generation in the Siemens Energy 5000F4 Gas Turbine.

“This demonstration facility is truly an exciting advancement of our goal to diversify our natural gas system for our customers and consider hydrogen’s role as part of California’s decarbonized future,” said PG&E Gas Engineering Senior Vice President Janisse Quiñones. “As we advance PG&E’s climate commitments and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from fossil fuels, our feasibility studies of hydrogen are an essential part of our growth and evolution as a natural gas utility. This new facility will provide critical research, close information gaps, and unlock opportunities not only for PG&E, but for the entire global network of natural gas pipeline operators.”

H₂∞ will include a new 130-acre facility located in Lodi, Calif. that will serve as a study laboratory that incorporates production, pipeline transportation, storage, and combustion.

Areas of focus within the pilot include:

• Technical, operational, and safety needs
• Market development
• Energy resiliency and flexibility
• Commercial and government partnerships
• Unprecedented functional test environment for on-going research
• Training environment for new technology

In addition, PG&E is contemplating this facility being the centerpiece for a potential Northern California Hydrogen Hub.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220502005761/en/

Media Relations

415.973.5930

Source: Pacific Gas and Electric Company

FAQ

What is the Hydrogen to Infinity project by PG&E?

The Hydrogen to Infinity (H2∞) project is PG&E's initiative to study and demonstrate the use of hydrogen as a renewable energy source integrated with natural gas.

Where is PG&E's new hydrogen facility located?

The hydrogen demonstration facility is located in Lodi, California.

What are the goals of the H2∞ project?

The H2∞ project aims to explore hydrogen's potential as a zero-carbon fuel, improve energy resilience, and develop market opportunities.

What partners are involved in PG&E's hydrogen project?

Partners in the H2∞ project include Northern California Power Agency, Siemens Energy, the City of Lodi, GHD Inc., and the University of California at Riverside.

How will the H2∞ project impact PG&E customers?

The project aims to diversify PG&E’s natural gas system and provide insights on hydrogen's role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.