SoCalGas’ demonstration home showcases the strength of hydrogen and natural gas
The first project of its kind in the United States, SoCalGas’ H2 Hydrogen Home aims to show how carbon-free gas made from renewable electricity can be used in pure form or as a blend to fuel clean energy systems of the future.
The home, being built in Downey, California, will function and feel exactly like a regular home but will use reliable and clean energy continuously, Christine Detz, manager, media and public information at SoCalGas, told American Gas.
Natural gas blended with hydrogen will fuel many of the home’s amenities. “The H2 Hydrogen Home’s energy system will use solar panels to provide power on sunny days, and some of that extra electricity will charge a home battery for short-term energy storage to be used at night and on cloudy days,” Detz said. “The rest will be converted to green hydrogen using an electrolyzer. Some of this green hydrogen will be blended with natural gas for use in the home’s heat pump HVAC unit, water heater, clothes dryer and gas stove.”
Some green hydrogen will be stored until needed, then converted back into electricity using an on-site fuel cell, she added.
The pilot project was recently named one of Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas in North America. The award honors products, concepts, companies, policies and designs that are pursuing innovation for the good of society and the planet. SoCalGas’ H2 Hydrogen Home was among just 18 projects selected from thousands of submissions.
“Earlier this year, we set a goal to achieve net zero emissions in our operations and the fuel we deliver to our customers by 2045,” Detz said. “Achieving this goal means homes will not have to undergo costly renovations to have clean energy.”
“Our H2 Hydrogen Home demonstrates the important role of hydrogen in helping the state achieve its carbon neutrality goals,” Scott Drury, SoCalGas CEO, said in a news release. “As we lean into our mission to build the cleanest, safest and most innovative energy company in America, we are proud that Fast Company agrees this project is a world-changing idea.”