Nortegas, Spain’s second-largest natural gas distributor, has achieved a significant milestone in the energy transition with the successful completion of its H2Sarea project.
This initiative marks a crucial step forward in the integration of green hydrogen into existing gas infrastructure, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Over the course of three years, the H2Sarea project, situated within the Basque Hydrogen Corridor, has demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating green hydrogen into the gas network. By conducting injection tests with a blend of 20% hydrogen and 80% natural gas, Nortegas has affirmed the compatibility of existing infrastructure with renewable gases.
The introduction of 20% green hydrogen into gas networks holds immense potential for reducing carbon emissions and advancing Spain’s energy transition goals. Notably, this blending could equate to a CO2 reduction equivalent to approximately 40-50% of the country’s domestic natural gas demand, representing a significant contribution to mitigating climate change.
Crucially, Nortegas has meticulously assessed the safety and operational integrity of gas networks following the introduction of green hydrogen. Extensive testing, totaling 12,000 hours of operation, has confirmed that hydrogen blending does not compromise network performance or leak into the environment. This assurance underscores the viability of utilizing existing infrastructure for renewable energy distribution.
Furthermore, the incorporation of green hydrogen has yielded tangible environmental benefits, with measured reductions in combustion emissions compared to pure natural gas. Domestic equipment has showcased reductions of 54% in CO, 7% in CO2, and 53% in NOx, highlighting the potential of hydrogen blending to enhance air quality and curb pollution.
The success of Nortegas’ pioneering efforts heralds a new era in energy distribution, where renewable gases play a central role in decarbonizing the economy. By leveraging existing infrastructure, Spain can accelerate its transition to a low-carbon future without the need for extensive additional investments. Nortegas’ groundbreaking research underscores the transformative potential of green hydrogen integration and paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape.
