Firstgas is one step closer to commencing New Zealand’s first Hydrogen Blending Pilot with WorkSafe granting two exemptions to Firstgas to enable the project to move forward.
James Irvine, GM Future Fuels at Clarus said, “This is a key milestone for the project as it provides the regulatory framework for Firstgas and our partners to safely conduct the Hydrogen Blending Pilot in the next few months.
“However, we still have a few more boxes to tick off the project list before the project can start and a date is yet to be confirmed,” added Irvine.
The Hydrogen Blending Pilot will involve blending a small amount of green hydrogen with natural gas into the existing natural gas pipeline in Te Horo.
Hydrogen blending in homes and businesses has been successfully used in the USA, Japan, India, and the UK. In Australia blended hydrogen has been supplying 2,700 homes since 2022 and is likely to expand from 2025.
Irvine said, “Te Horo has been selected due to its small and accessible location and pipeline compatibility and we are currently working with up to 15 households who will use the blended gas in their home appliances.”
Hydrogen will be blended into the natural gas pipeline incrementally, starting at 2% and moving up to a maximum of 15%. The final composition of the blended gas will be measured and controlled to ensure all safety requirements of the pilot are met.
“The beauty of blending a small percentage of hydrogen with natural gas is that gas appliances will operate as they usually do, meaning everyone will still enjoy all the normal benefits associated with their standard natural gas supply.
“The technology to inject hydrogen is already available, well-established overseas and ready to demonstrate in New Zealand. Everything is safety checked and installation can proceed as soon as we have finalised details with our natural gas customers and suppliers involved in the project,” said Irvine.
“In the future hydrogen in pipelines could provide a low carbon option for homes, businesses and industry and for the energy sector it represents an additional source of clean energy to displace emissions.
“We can use our existing infrastructure, expertise and pipeline networks across the North Island, giving us the opportunity to learn, understand, and collaboratively progress the role of renewable gas in New Zealand.
“It’s important that the gas sector works together to progress New Zealand’s decarbonisation goals and the future success of renewable gas, which is why Firstgas is working closely with New Zealand’s other natural gas distribution businesses including Vector, Powerco, GasNet and Nova, and energy retailers to develop this New Zealand first project,” concluded Irvine.
As a show of support and appreciation to the community, Firstgas and its partners will contribute funding towards earthquake strengthening of the Te Horo Community Hall.
Back in 2021, Firstgas produced a report on trialling hydrogen in its gas network – and since then, it has been working toward a real-life trial of hydrogen blended with natural gas in homes.
About Firstgas:
Based in the energy-rich region of Taranaki, Firstgas (one of the Clarus companies) connects over 300,000 homes and businesses with natural gas though its gas distribution and high-pressure transmission network. This essential infrastructure supports New Zealand’s economy, so the group is committed to helping customers maximise value from it. Visit – www.firstgas.co.nz
For more information contact:
Cressida Gates-Thompson, External Communications Specialist, Cressida.gates-thompson@Clarus.co.nz, 027 703 6177.