(Commonwealth) _ The use of hydrogen as an energy carrier has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to decarbonize various sectors of the economy. It is a versatile energy carrier that can be produced from a variety of sources, including renewable energy, and can be used in a range of applications, including transportation, heating, and industrial processes. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a fuel faces a number of challenges, including the need for significant infrastructure investment and the high cost of production.
One solution to these challenges is to leverage existing fuel infrastructure for the distribution and sale of hydrogen. This approach would enable the rapid deployment of hydrogen as a fuel while minimizing the need for additional infrastructure investment. In this article, we explore the potential for using existing fuel infrastructure for hydrogen sales and the benefits and challenges associated with this approach.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a key proponent of this approach. In a recent speech, Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director-General of the ISA, proposed using the existing fuel infrastructure for hydrogen sales. He argued that this approach would enable the rapid deployment of hydrogen as a fuel while minimizing the need for additional infrastructure investment.
The subsisting fuel infrastructure includes pipelines, storage tanks, and refueling stations for gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. These infrastructure assets are widely distributed, with pipelines and storage tanks present in many countries around the world. Leveraging this existing infrastructure for hydrogen sales would enable the rapid deployment of hydrogen as a fuel, particularly in areas where dedicated hydrogen infrastructure is not yet available.
The possibility for cost reductions is one of the main advantages of utilizing the current fuel infrastructure for hydrogen sales. Building dedicated hydrogen infrastructure is expensive, with estimates suggesting that the cost of building a hydrogen refueling station can range from $1 million to $2.5 million. By contrast, leveraging existing infrastructure for hydrogen sales would minimize the need for additional investment, reducing the overall cost of deploying hydrogen as a fuel.
Another advantage of using existing fuel infrastructure for hydrogen sales is the potential for rapid deployment. As mentioned earlier, pipelines, storage tanks, and refueling stations for gasoline, diesel, and natural gas are already widely distributed. Leveraging this existing infrastructure for hydrogen sales would enable the rapid deployment of hydrogen as a fuel, particularly in areas where dedicated hydrogen infrastructure is not yet available.
However, there are also significant challenges associated with using existing fuel infrastructure for hydrogen sales. One of the primary challenges is the need to retrofit existing infrastructure to handle hydrogen. Hydrogen has different physical properties than gasoline, diesel, and natural gas, which means that existing infrastructure may not be suitable for hydrogen storage and distribution.
For example, hydrogen is a much lighter gas than natural gas, which means that it requires larger storage tanks to store the same amount of energy. Additionally, hydrogen can cause embrittlement in some materials, which means that pipelines and storage tanks may need to be made from different materials to prevent corrosion and leaks.
Another challenge associated with using existing fuel infrastructure for hydrogen sales is the potential for contamination. Hydrogen is a highly reactive gas that can react with other substances, such as oxygen, to form explosive mixtures. This means that pipelines, storage tanks, and refueling stations must be carefully designed and maintained to prevent contamination and ensure the safe handling of hydrogen.
Despite these objections, there are a number of initiatives underway to address them and enable the use of existing fuel infrastructure for hydrogen sales. For example, the European Union’s H2Haul project is exploring the use of existing gas pipelines and refueling stations for hydrogen distribution. Similarly, the HyDeploy project in the UK is testing the injection of hydrogen into the existing natural gas grid to reduce carbon emissions from heating.
