In 1974, the Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) Plant was built, widely expanding good energy options for our community. Hawaiʻi Gas blends the SNG with renewable natural gas and up to 15% hydrogen. That fuel mix is distributed to residential and commercial customers through our underground pipeline network on Oʻahu.
With zero carbon emissions, hydrogen is one of the most promising, highly versatile energy sources available. Hawaiʻi Gas is actively engaging in international hydrogen research initiatives and has undertaken development projects to enhance the incorporation of alternative fuel into our supply mix.
Our natural gas blend with up to 15% hydrogen supports greater decarbonization. While our system is regularly tested and safe, hydrogen, at higher concentrations and higher pressures can put infrastructure at risk for hydrogen embrittlement.
Oceanit’s HydroPel is an innovative nanocomposite surface treatment that safeguards pipelines and reduces energy costs, protecting infrastructure, opening the opportunity for increased volumes of hydrogen.
Led by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), the multi-lab, multi-industry HyBlend Project is accelerating the potential for blending hydrogen gas in natural gas pipelines. Hawai‘i Gas is one of over twenty participants selected by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) to address technical barriers, compatibility research and development, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle analysis. The study will inform the development of publicly accessible tools that characterize opportunities, costs, and risks of blending.
