On March 29, APGA submitted comments to the Department of Energy (DOE) responding to another request for information (RFI). For this request, DOE wanted feedback regarding clean hydrogen manufacturing, recycling, and electrolysis research, development, and deployment. As with earlier submissions, APGA reminded them that public natural gas utilities provide energy to a variety of customers, such as homes, businesses, and small industries. The priority for a hydrogen economy should be to utilize this existing energy infrastructure and the in-place, competent workforce. Natural gas pipelines can be used now to transport some percentages of hydrogen and are ripe to be repurposed to move higher blends of hydrogen or pure hydrogen in the future.
APGA appreciates Congress recognizing the value of existing pipelines in passed legislation and strongly urges DOE to similarly commit to utilize the infrastructure that is already in place. This asset has been invested in for decades and should be a part of America’s clean energy future, which includes transporting low-carbon fuels like hydrogen. More research is needed, but initial findings do seem to indicate a blend of hydrogen and natural gas can be transported in existing pipelines without modification. That means the current, trained workforce can be used in any clean hydrogen effort that is utilizing public natural gas utility pipelines, negating any need for retraining or relocating workers.
As well, as confirmation that more and more hydrogen can be introduced into existing pipelines or retrofits are made to accommodate higher concentrations of hydrogen, the needed skills of the utility workforce will remain the same. APGA also asked that DOE focus on energy affordability. A priority should be research to reduce the cost of electrolyzer construction and deployment, as well as hydrogen storage.
APGA’s members are not-for-profit, so they are committed to providing energy to their communities at the most affordable price. APGA members stand ready to work with DOE in using the existing energy infrastructure to distribute clean and affordable hydrogen.
To see APGA’s comments,
click here.
For questions on this article, please contact Stuart Saulters of APGA staff by phone at 202-544-1334 or by email at
ssaulters@apga.org.