Nortegas Starts H2SAREA Demonstration Project

Spanish natural gas distributor Nortegas has launched the H2SAREA demonstration project to study the impact of hydrogen blending on gas infrastructure and equipment as it increases the proportion of hydrogen in the mixture. The project consists of researching new technology, equipment, and components that will allow natural gas networks to be transformed to distribute hydrogen in different blending scenarios: hydrogen injection systems, advanced compression systems, development of specific smart fixers for hydrogen, research into new materials and components suitable to be used in both 100% hydrogen environments and in variable natural-gas-hydrogen mixes, modular hydrogen separation systems, sensors, burners, and more. The goal is to establish and obtain the necessary technology to progressively transformation its distribution network and use incremental hydrogen/natural gas mixes until 100% hydrogen is achieved.

The H2SAREA project will last three years. The initial research and development will be carried out at the Tecnalia and Ikerlan technology centers. This will include the H2Loop research platform, which will allow new developments to be tested, along with the behavior of materials and components in contact with hydrogen and natural gas-hydrogen mixes. In a first phase, the analysis of the hydrogen injection will be up to 20% and the percentages will then be gradually increased in a second phase up to 100% hydrogen.

The project, led by Nortegas, is being conducted by a consortium whose members ABC Compressors, CAE, SLFIDEGAS, H2Site, Erreka Fastening Solutions, and Orkli. It is also working with two of the main technology centers of the Basque Science, Technology, and Innovation Network: Tecnalia and Ikerlan; and the National Hydrogen Center.

Nortegas, which bills itself as the second largest gas distributor in Spain, operates a 8,500 kilometre long network and conducts business in Spain’s northern regions the Basque Country, Asturias and Cantabria.

Nortegas Starts H2SAREA Demonstration Project

Strategic Research Institute

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