Dominion Energy Utah launches hydrogen blending project in advance of major distribution system upgrade
Dominion Energy Utah is preparing to update all of its distribution systems to blend hydrogen by 2030, and as part of this commitment, the company started a new hydrogen blending project in Delta, Utah, this week focused on the zero-carbon emissions fuel’s potential.
“The commencement of this project is very exciting for Dominion Energy Utah,” Judd Cook, vice president and general manager of the Western Gas Distribution system, said. “We are always looking for ways to reduce emissions while still providing the reliable, affordable, and safe service that our customers expect from us. This project provides an opportunity to do just that.”
The ThermH2 project has been ongoing for some time, but this blending portion of it represents a new phase. Its first phase focused on a 5 percent hydrogen blend at the utility’s training academy over most of a year to confirm the results of existing hydrogen research. Researchers concluded hydrogen was safe, compatible with current residential appliances, and capable of reducing emissions from appliances using natural gas. This step just takes that same research to actual pipelines.
In the days ahead, Dominion Energy Utah will introduce an up to 5 percent blend into Delta, Utah’s lines, as well as the towns of Oasis, Hinkley, and Deseret. In all, about 1,800 customers will be affected. Efforts will begin with grey hydrogen before moving on to green hydrogen, although the latter will represent the bulk of blended substances.
This project combines hydrogen with natural gas for transport through existing infrastructure and for use on appliances and equipment that are already natural gas-based. Dominion Energy Utah is interested in how it might be used to heat homes and other buildings, support manufacturing and even aid transportation.
