Risks for adding hydrogen energy to California gas systems are not worth the limited reward
By Amanda McKay, Pipeline Safety Trust (Aug. 25, 2023)
“From major blockbusters like the movie “Glass Onion” to actual hydrogen blending projectsbeing proposed in several parts of California, hydrogen is on everyone’s minds.
Hydrogen is touted as a panacea for meeting increasing energy demand and fixing the climate crisis. However, a hydrogen economy would involve serious risks, especially when transporting hydrogen through pipelines in close proximity to people. And it may not actually help improve the climate crisis it’s been tapped to solve.
The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act set aside $9.5 billion for clean hydrogen, and the Inflation Reduction Act signed last year provided additional beneficial policies and incentives for the U.S. hydrogen industry. Pressure to replace or blend natural gas with hydrogen is being felt in many states, however it seems California may be feeling it the most.”
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