Enbridge Inc. and FortisBC Energy Inc. are executing individual hydrogen blending feasibility studies with DNV to determine the percentage of hydrogen that can be safely transported through existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure, including Enbridge’s transmission system and FortisBC’s distribution system, both in British Columbia, Canada.
These studies, described by DNV as the largest blending studies undertaken in North America, will be used to develop the codes and standards required to safely transport hydrogen as the first step in forming a sustainable commercial hydrogen market. The entire gas-supply value chain will be examined, from hydrogen injection points to end-user delivery points on the pipeline systems.
“Blending clean hydrogen with natural gas is a key step in the energy transition, and the work DNV is undertaking for Enbridge and FortisBC will help to decarbonize the energy supply in British Columbia and provide a framework for future hydrogen blending projects globally,” said Richard S. Barnes, region president, Energy Systems North America at DNV.
DNV is undertaking several initiatives advancing clean hydrogen adoption, including:
- Five joint industry projects that specifically target hydrogen.
- Verification procedures related to the production and distribution of low-carbon hydrogen.
- Guidance for hydrogen transportation in pipelines to address its technical, safety, and regulatory aspects, as well as the requalification of pipeline systems for transport of hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
The independent energy expert and assurance provider last year approved the Project Greensand carbon capture and storage project in the Danish North Sea (OGJ Online, June 15, 2023).
Enbridge last year began development with Yara Clean Ammonia of a 2.8-million tonne/year (tpy) export-focused blue ammonia plant at the Enbridge Ingleside Energy Center near Corpus Christi, Tex. Project YaREN would use two 1.4-million tpy production units. Startup was expected in 2028, pending regulatory approvals, but the city council of Ingleside, Tex., in January 2024 unanimously denied a permit application submitted by Enbridge, on a combination of environmental concerns and other potential drawbacks.
