Page 17 - Gi flipbook April 2019

Figure 1 - The industry roadmap for hydrogen Figure 2 - The energy trilemma

produced in a cost-effective and low- How does hydrogen compare to natural gas?
carbon way helps resolve the energy Hydrogen has very different physical
trilemma. It increases security of and chemical properties compared with
supply, it decarbonises energy and heat natural gas. However, at a level of 2mol%,
and it will be affordable to customers. the gas blend behaves very similarly to
natural gas. At concentrations of up to
Is hydrogen really a green gas? about 15 to 20mol% hydrogen, domestic
Simply using hydrogen to replace some, consumers may still not notice the
or all, natural gas does not guarantee difference. At concentrations between 20
decarbonisation. At the point of use, and 80mol%, the combustion and other of warranties provided by the original
hydrogen only produces water when properties of the blend become less equipment manufacturers.
it is burnt. However, it is important to like natural gas and all consumers will
consider how the hydrogen was made: need smart controls or adaption of their What is the evidence that 2mol%
Green hydrogen is produced by burners. For gases containing 80mol% hydrogen is safe?
renewable electricity such as wind or more hydrogen, all consumers The Health and Safety Executive
or solar. Hydrogen for transport will would need to convert to new hydrogen HSE has reported on the hazards
1
principally be green hydrogen. equipment. Some industrial consumers, that could arise from hydrogen/
Blue hydrogen is produced from fossil such as power generators, notice the methane blends:
fuels such as natural gas with carbon impact of hydrogen content very quickly. When conveyed in gas
capture and storage. Hydrogen used However, by improving their control network pipes
for heating and large-scale industry systems, they can burn gas containing When burnt in consumer appliances
applications will use blue hydrogen. 2mol% hydrogen. The chief concerns (domestic, commercial and industrial)
The process of producing hydrogen for industrial and commercial users From explosion and damage
from natural gas is called steam are not safety related; if they were to do including the likelihood of
methane reforming. nothing then they may would experience ignition
Brown hydrogen is produced from decreased efficiencies, From changes to
fossil fuels and the carbon is released increased emissions odorisation effects.
into the atmosphere and potentially
Grey hydrogen is brown hydrogen invalidation
mixed with small amounts of green
or blue hydrogen

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