GREEN HYDROGEN
The Importance of Dedicated Green Hydrogen Pipeline Infrastructure
GREEN HYDROGEN IS THE KEY TO CALIFORNIA’S DECARBONIZATION VISION
Green hydrogen (GH2) is a carbon-free, safe energy carrier that can be utilized to decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors such as maritime shipping, aviation, heavy-duty trucking, firm ispatchable power, high-heat industrial processes, and agriculture.
The Green Hydrogen Coalition (GHC) defines “green hydrogen” as hydrogen that is produced from non-fossil fuel feedstocks and has climate integrity. The GHC supports a well-to-gate carbon intensity framework consistent with the U.S. Department of Energy.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SHARED, SCALED INFRASTRUCTURE
A key obstacle to greater adoption of green hydrogen is that it is more expensive than fossil fuels.1 A significant portion of the at-the-pump cost of hydrogen can be attributed to the cost of delivery of hydrogen to end users. Industry feedback indicates that approximately 50% of the $8-$11 per kilogram cost of delivering and dispensing hydrogen is related to transport and trucking. Today, hydrogen is commonly transported via trucks, which alone is estimated to cost between $4- $5 per kilogram.2 If moved by a 100% dedicated hydrogen pipeline, green hydrogen could be transported for around $0.22 – 0.58 per kilogram.3
Pipelines are a cost-effective solution to transport large volumes of green hydrogen. This is a proven method for transporting hydrogen, with over 1,600 miles of dedicated hydrogen pipeline already deployed in the U.S.4 California already has a nationally leading vision to get started on green hydrogen infrastructure build-out with the proposed Angeles Link project.5
Long-term, California needs a 100% dedicated hydrogen pipeline system.
BUILDING CALIFORNIA’S PATH TO 100% DEDICATED CLEAN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
It is imperative that California engages in comprehensive longterm gas planning that includes establishing a 100% green hydrogen-dedicated pipeline system designed to meet the requirements of the state’s decarbonization goals.
As the state aims to reduce its fossil fuel usage, California should consider how to leverage its existing infrastructure (i.e., pipeline right of ways) to support the green hydrogen economy. This proactive planning approach is key to supporting the growth of reliable and resilient infrastructure aligned with California’s commitment to a sustainable and carbon-free future.
Resources:
- International Renewable Energy Agency. n.d. “Hydrogen.” Accessed June 7, 2023. https://www.irena.org/Energy-Transition/Technology/Hydrogen.
- Department of Energy. 2020. DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program Record. Accessed June 7, 2023. https://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/pdfs/20007-hydrogen-delivery-dispensing-cost.pdf.
- Green Hydrogen Coalition. 2023. “HyBuild Los Angeles™ Phase 2 Report.” Accessed June 7,
2023. https://www.ghcoalition.org/ghc-news/hybuild-la-phase-2-report.. - Department of Energy Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office. n.d. “Hydrogen Pipelines.” Accessed June 7, 2023. https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/hydrogen-pipelines.
- SoCal Gas. “Angeles Link.” Accessed June 7, 2023. https://www.socalgas.com/sustainability/hydrogen/angeles-link.
REPORTS THAT FIND HYDROGEN PIPELINES ARE THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE METHOD FOR DELIVERY
Renewable Hydrogen: The Missing Piece to Achieving 100% Clean Energy in California’s Power Sector
The Importance of Dedicated Green Hydrogen Pipeline Infrastructure
Green Hydrogen: for California’s Clean Energy Transition
