SoCalGas is advancing two initiatives for cleaner energy involving gas and hydrogen
Southern California Gas Company recently announced two initiatives to further the use of renewable energy in California.
The utility will convert 200 new Ford F-250 service pickup trucks to run on renewable natural gas (RNG), a move expected to reduce more than 2,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year—comparable to removing 1,800 passenger vehicles from the roads for one year.
With the addition of these new net zero emissions service trucks, nearly 40% of SoCalGas’ service vehicles will run on clean fuels.
SoCalGas also announced that it will partner with H2U Technologies Inc. to conduct demonstration testing of a new, less expensive type of polymer electrolyte membrane, or PEM, electrolyzer, a device that produces green hydrogen from water and renewable electricity.
According to early analysis by H2U Technologies, the cost target of the new technology is half that of current PEM electrolyzers, and total cost of ownership over the device’s life is expected to be 75% less.
The effort is part of SoCalGas’ research, development and demonstration program, which collaborates with industry experts to identify, develop, test and commercialize transformational new energy technologies designed to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, maintain energy affordability, and advance the safety and reliability of California’s energy delivery systems.
“We are looking toward the future of energy in California, and we know that in order for California to reach its energy goals, it will take an all-inclusive approach. With this, we are helping to build the resilient energy system of the future, with investments in RNG, fuel cells, carbon capture systems and hydrogen,” Neil Navin, vice president of clean energy innovations, told American Gas.
To other natural gas utilities interested in exploring similar initiatives, Navin advises looking at where the future of energy is headed and how other companies and partnerships in other parts of the world are innovating.
“We’re seeing significant advancements in hydrogen, RNG and other clean fuels in Europe and Asia,” Navin said. “We must always be willing to evolve with the changing times, and that is why SoCalGas has committed to net zero emissions by 2045 and to being the cleanest, safest and most innovative energy company in North America.”