Southwest Gas partners with higher ed to study the role of hydrogen in carbon emissions
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outhwest Gas Corporation is going back to school, and the subject is hydrogen.
The utility’s Southwest Gas Hydrogen Pilot Action Team is teaming up with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Arizona State University in Tempe on two complementary pilot programs to study how hydrogen-blended natural gas can further reduce carbon emissions while still providing clean and reliable energy.
“While natural gas has already had a significant impact in emissions reductions, we see hydrogen being transported by the existing natural gas distribution system as a next step,” Southwest Gas President and CEO John Hester told American Gas. “Hydrogen is ideal for decarbonizing areas of our economy once considered difficult, like transportation and large commercial businesses. In addition, blending hydrogen with natural gas for use in homes and businesses will further reduce emissions.”
The pilot programs will help determine the optimal hydrogen-natural gas blend, the safety aspects of hydrogen, the effects of hydrogen on heating times and temperatures, and the overall economics of hydrogen. The UNLV pilot takes things further by establishing a proof of concept for the creation of hydrogen using an electrolyzer, Hester said.
The research will be conducted in both cities at a Southwest Gas Emergency Response Training Facility, which offers systems that replicate the natural gas distribution system and real-world natural gas appliances in a controlled environment.
“Whether natural gas is being used to generate electricity, displace coal, replace diesel fuel, provide warmth for our homes and businesses, heat our water, dry our clothes or cook our meals, it helps reduce emissions while providing safe and reliable energy,” Hester said. “This is an exciting time in our industry, and I have never been more bullish on natural gas and the value proposition it offers.”
Southwest Gas will be positioned as a leader in the emerging hydrogen market, thanks to this ongoing work, he said.
“We are fortunate to have established strong relationships with partners who are equally invested in hydrogen technology, like UNLV and ASU,” he said. “When you mesh internal and external resources and marry them together with the right resources, you’ll get to where you want to go.”