Dominion Energy Ohio pilots hydrogen blending
Dominion Energy Ohio has launched a hydrogen blending pilot to test its emissions reduction potential.
The first phase of the pilot is taking place at Dominion Energy’s Boston Heights Ohio Technical Training Centre and will focus on blending in a closed loop system to confirm current hydrogen research.
A 5% hydrogen blend will be tested throughout the year to determine if hydrogen use is safe, compatible with current residential appliances and helpful in reducing emissions from appliances using already clean-burning natural gas.
Following those tests, a second phase is planned, which may involve blending in a small residential/commercial setting over a multi-year period.
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The aim is to reinforce the findings and help Dominion Energy Ohio achieve its goal of preparing its gas distribution system to be ready to blend by 2030.
“Dominion Energy is working hard on long-term solutions to reduce emissions, while safely delivering reliable and affordable energy to our customers,” says Dan Weekley, President and General Manager at Dominion Energy Ohio.
“Hydrogen is rising to the forefront as a readily available clean energy source. Our investment in this innovative technology will help us achieve our net zero goals, while assisting other industries with lowering their overall emissions, such as transportation and manufacturing.”
The pilot is one of three hydrogen blending pilots being undertaken companywide by Dominion Energy. The first was launched by Dominion Energy Utah at its training academy in 2021, with the first phase completed and the second in the city of Delta now under way since April, and a third is in preparation by Dominion Energy North Carolina at its training centre in that state.
Dominion Energy reports that the first phase of the Utah pilot delivered “significant positive results” and confirmed earlier industry research that at modest blending levels, hydrogen can deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable energy without impairing appliance or system performance.
The company also is engaging with regional coalitions in support of establishing multiple regional hydrogen hubs.
Under current future scenarios, Dominion Energy envisages up to 5% blends by energy in its networks in the 2030 to 2035 timeframe.
