Enbridge and FortisBC Energy have embarked on studies, backed by funding from the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, to assess the feasibility of integrating hydrogen into the existing gas pipeline infrastructure.
The ambitious hydrogen blending study aims to determine the percentage of hydrogen that can be safely transported through Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas transmission system and FortisBC’s gas transmission and distribution systems. The overarching goal is to pave the way for a low-carbon energy future, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and potentially establish a commercial hydrogen market in the province.
The primary objective of the collaborative study is to comprehensively investigate the safety and reliability of delivering hydrogen through established gas pipeline networks. Enbridge’s Westcoast system, spanning over 2,900 kilometers, acts as a crucial artery, supplying natural gas to FortisBC’s extensive 51,000 km gas transmission and distribution system. The study seeks to ascertain the optimal percentage of hydrogen that can be seamlessly integrated into these pipelines, catering to the diverse energy needs of homes, hospitals, businesses, and schools.
If the study concludes that transporting hydrogen through the existing infrastructure is viable, it could signify a significant breakthrough in the transition to a low-carbon energy economy. The envisioned impact includes a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with British Columbia’s commitment to fostering sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions. Moreover, the findings may play a pivotal role in shaping regulatory codes and standards for the safe transportation of hydrogen, laying the groundwork for a commercial hydrogen market.
Enbridge’s Westcoast system holds a strategic position in the energy landscape, operating as a lifeline for natural gas transportation from the northeast of the province to the U.S.-Canada border and east to the B.C.-Alberta border. The interconnectedness with FortisBC’s gas transmission and distribution systems underscores the collaborative effort to leverage existing infrastructure for innovative and cleaner energy solutions.
The initiative aligns with British Columbia’s commitment to positioning gas infrastructure as a catalyst for the energy transition.
