Hydrogen trials aim for regulatory update

Image by GarryKillian on Freepik

Producing renewable gases is an essential part of the gas transition, likewise, ensuring gas regulations allow for renewable gases is also vital.

A hydrogen blending trial in Germany is testing the potential of greater concentrations of hydrogen gas to replace quantities of natural gas in homes and businesses. If the trial is successful, it is expected to provide a case for change to increase the regular hydrogen gas blending limits in Germany. 

Motivated by the potential of hydrogen blended with natural gas as a means to reduce emissions and for storing excess renewable energy, the trial is a collaboration of three businesses: certification firm TÜV Rheinland, energy supplier GVG Rhein-Erft and regional network operator Rheinische NETZgesellschaft.

The 20% hydrogen blend is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 7% compared to 100% natural gas in the same network.

The trial assesses how hydrogen blends of 20% perform compared to the current regulatory limits of 10%. Ultimately, the case study hopes to demonstrate safety and efficiency at higher concentrations.

With appliances pre-tested for safety, the trial has reached the halfway point with no technical problems for the gas appliances in the study. Depending on the final trial outcome one of the companies involved has further plans for testing a 30% hydrogen blend.

Here in New Zealand, Future Sure partner Rinnai NZ has been testing New Zealand appliances with renewable gases to see how hydrogen and Renewable DME* respectively will perform when blended with LPG. The gas appliance firm has started testing appliances for functionality, flame stability, ignition and combustion. Rinnai NZ managing director Ray Ferner is leading the programme.

“We need to assure ourselves and customers that gas and LPG appliances will work just as safely and efficiently with renewable gases as they do with natural gas and LPG. Both local and overseas tests will be used to demonstrate safe and effective operation,” Ferner says.

Rinnai is currently trialling 15% hydrogen blends and further testing with higher concentrations is expected to follow. The first wave of testing is being done on continuous water flow hot water systems, but eventually it will cover a full range of devices – including fireplaces, water heaters, space heaters, barbecues and cooktops.

Janet Carson, Chief Executive of GasNZ - says that to get more renewable projects beyond concept stage, a regulatory environment that includes renewable gases is vital.

“Like Germany, New Zealand will also require regulatory changes to regulate renewable gases, so we’ll be following with interest their approach to regulatory change as we prepare to introduce renewable gases into our New Zealand networks,” she said.

*DME = Dimethyl ether. DME is a colourless gas that is a useful precursor to other organic compounds and an aerosol propellant that is currently being demonstrated for use in a variety of fuel applications.