Nortegas has successfully completed the second phase of tests for its H2SAREA project, where they injected a mixture of 10% hydrogen and 90% natural gas for 3,000 hours in a replica of the current natural gas distribution network. The test involved real elements of the distribution network that have been in operation for over 20 years, including installations at domestic user sites.

This achievement is documented in the study titled "Evaluation results of 10% H2 mixture tests and industrial case studies" conducted by the company, and it reveals that they are currently conducting tests with a 15% hydrogen mixture, with plans to finish testing a 20% mixture before the end of 2023. The goal is to assess and analyze the response of the existing network.

The project aims to promote the safe use of hydrogen in the natural gas distribution network, along with other renewable gases such as biomethane or e-methane, to decarbonize the current consumers supplied by the distribution network.

This milestone demonstrates that natural gas distribution networks are ready to handle higher amounts of hydrogen than the one currently allowed by regulations (up to 5% hydrogen). This enables the use of higher percentages of hydrogen, which is crucial for accelerating efficient decarbonization.

During this second phase, Nortegas verified the viability of the infrastructure, noting no leaks with a 10% hydrogen and 90% natural gas mixture, and the proper operation of the components (Regulation and Measurement Stations (ERM), valves, regulators, meters, instrumentation, among others). The study involved the analysis of 552 control points, strategically placed at different critical points in the distribution network (from injection points to domestic installations), verifying their proper functioning and absence of leaks after more than three months of operation with the gas mixture.

Additionally, Nortegas has successfully designed and tested a hydrogen injection position based on direct injection technology.

Asimismo, se han realizado pruebas con mezcla de gas natural y 10% hidrógeno en una instalación de cliente doméstico, concluyendo que dichas instalaciones se han comportado con normalidad.

The tests carried out demonstrate that natural gas distribution networks are ready to handle mixtures of natural gas with 10% hydrogen. Furthermore, no abnormal behavior was observed in the network elements, no leaks were detected, and no material deterioration was found. They also conducted tests with a mixture of natural gas and 10% hydrogen at a domestic customer installation, confirming that these installations behaved as expected.

Original source: Nortegas