Similar work is under way in the UK where the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) has welcomed publication of a report which sets out how the gas grid can be converted to hydrogen.
The report, a collaboration between Northern Gas Networks, Wales & West Utilities, Kiwa Gastex and Amec Foster Wheeler, recommends that a UK-wide conversion from natural gas to hydrogen could reduce emissions from the heat sector by 73% – making a dramatic contribution towards meeting the UK’s decarbonisation goals. Converting natural gas into hydrogen takes place via a process called Steam Methane Reforming, which turns the gas into hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
To achieve the significant emissions reductions from the process, the H21 Leeds City Gate report proposes to use CCS to capture and store the carbon dioxide from the conversion with hydrogen remaining as a zero-carbon fuel that can be used for heating, transport and electricity. Dr Luke Warren, Chief Executive of the CCSA, said: “To meet the UK’s ambitious climate change goals will require decarbonisation across the economy. This report sets out an excellent proposal to turn the UK’s gas grid into a hydrogen network, which can reduce emissions and provide a long-term future for the UK’s gas infrastructure.
“However, this option largely depends on the availability of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and we, therefore, call on the Government to come forward with their new approach to CCS as soon as possible and to ensure that this new approach enables the use of CCS to produce low-carbon hydrogen, as well as to reduce emissions from energy intensive industries and power. “The report highlights the value of CCS to the UK economy, and we, therefore, need a collaborative partnership between industry and Government to develop this crucial low carbon infrastructure.”
