Hydrogen to Infinity (H2∞) will enable PG&E and its partners (Northern California Power Agency, Siemens Energy, the City of Lodi, GHD Inc., and University of California at Riverside) to conduct a complete study of different levels of hydrogen blends in a multi-feed, multi-directional natural gas pipeline system that is independent from its current natural gas transmission system.
The dedicated facility will allow for a controlled and safe study of hydrogen injection, storage, and combustion of different hydrogen blends in a variety of end uses. NCPA’s Lodi Energy Center power plant is located adjacent to H2∞ and will accept a blend of hydrogen and natural gas for electric generation in the Siemens Energy 5000F4 Gas Turbine.
H2∞ will include a new 130-acre facility located in Lodi, California, that will serve as a study laboratory that incorporates production, pipeline transportation, storage, and combustion.
Areas of focus within the pilot include:
- Technical, operational, and safety needs
- Market development
- Energy resiliency and flexibility
- Commercial and government partnerships
- Unprecedented functional test environment for on-going research
- Training environment for new technology
“This demonstration facility is truly an exciting advancement of our goal to diversify our natural gas system for our customers and consider hydrogen’s role as part of California’s decarbonized future,” said Janisse Quiñones, Gas Engineering Senior Vice President at PG&E. “As we advance PG&E’s climate commitments and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from fossil fuels, our feasibility studies of hydrogen are an essential part of our growth and evolution as a natural gas utility. This new facility will provide critical research, close information gaps, and unlock opportunities not only for PG&E, but for the entire global network of natural gas pipeline operators.”
