One of the US' first green hydrogen blending projects launches on Long Island
National Grid and the Town of Hempstead have announced a joint project to build one of the first and largest clean hydrogen projects in the US.
The HyGrid Project, located on Long Island, will aid in decarbonizing networks by blending green hydrogen into the existing distribution system and is expected to heat approximately 800 homes and fuel 10 municipal vehicles.
Decarbonizing an existing gas network with hydrogen
The Town of Hempstead’s existing hydrogen facility was developed in 2009 to provide locally produced green hydrogen for vehicles. This project was a national success in demonstrating decarbonized transportation.
In conjunction with the Town of Hempstead, we will now expand the project to blend hydrogen for heating homes and transportation at the same time.
Much of the equipment required to deliver zero-carbon hydrogen is already in place at the site; this includes existing wind and solar equipment for the generation of hydrogen fuel for vehicles, and an adjacent National Grid facility that provides energy for the local neighborhood.
Combining these facilities and installing new equipment will enable the hydrogen production capacity in the town to be increased. This green hydrogen can be safely injected into the National Grid distribution system as a clean energy source for those living near the facility.
The advantages of blending hydrogen with natural gas
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Blending hydrogen for heat and transportation
By blending green hydrogen into the existing distribution system, the HyGrid Project will provide heat for approximately 800 homes and fuel for 10 municipal vehicles.
This exciting project shows that hydrogen blending can be used to decarbonize the existing networks.
Rudy Wynter, President of National Grid New York, said: “We believe that hydrogen can transform the energy industry, and we are on the forefront. This will be the largest green hydrogen blending project for direct use by utility customers in the Northeast and one of the first in the country. This exciting project shows that hydrogen blending can be used to decarbonize the existing networks.
“This vision began 12 years ago and now we have an exciting option that helps meet the goals of New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) by using a safe, reliable and cost-efficient energy system to benefit our customers.”
