Chile begins replacing natural gas with hydrogen

In order to lower greenhouse gas emissions, the Chilean gas operator Gasvalpo will start an experiment in October to inject hydrogen into its natural gas distribution networks.

The Project H2GN plan will be executed in 1,800 households in La Serena and Coquimbo under the Energas brand.

The University of La Serena oversees the hydrogen manufacturing facility at Coquimbo.

The initiative is a component of the Chilean Ministry of Energy and Mines’ recently announced National Strategy for Green Hydrogen.

“This is a groundbreaking program in the nation where green hydrogen is pumped into the natural gas networks, significantly reducing environmental impact without affecting user experience. According to Luis Kipreos, general director of Gasvalpo, “This may be repeated in the rest of the country, adding to the decarbonization targets Chile has set for itself.”

An energy source known as “green hydrogen” may be produced using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. It burns like fuel but doesn’t release carbon dioxide.

Particularly, the electrolysis method is utilized to produce the hydrogen needed for this groundbreaking initiative in Latin America. Electrolysis divides the water molecule without releasing carbon dioxide, and the resultant mixture with natural gas is used for a variety of purposes.

In the initial phase, only 5% of the provided natural gas will be replaced with hydrogen; however, the ultimate replacement rate is intended to be 20%. On the initiative’s website, it is stated that “green hydrogen will only be partially injected into the natural gas supply under the H2GN project, therefore you will find a combination of natural gas and a lower fraction of green hydrogen (maximum 20%) at home.”

“In this approach, the changeover should be almost unnoticeable to consumers and shouldn’t call for any modifications or alterations to appliances. Additionally, because the corporation will fully pay the project’s costs, their monthly rate won’t change, according to a letter sent to eligible homes; the project will start in October.