Peoples Natural Gas, H Quest, and University of Pittsburgh Collaborate on Hydrogen Energy Project
(P&GJ) — An initiative to produce zero-emission hydrogen energy at a scalable level is underway in Western Pennsylvania, led by Peoples, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, in collaboration with Pittsburgh-based energy technology start-up H Quest and the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering.
The project involves the installation of H Quest’s proprietary microwave pyrolysis unit at Peoples’ training center in McKeesport. This technology transforms natural gas into pure hydrogen (H2) without emitting CO2, producing what's known as turquoise hydrogen. The process, occurring within a unit roughly the size of a shipping container, heats natural gas in an oxygen-free environment, resulting in clean H2 and solid carbon material called carbon black.
Peoples is conducting tests by blending the produced hydrogen with natural gas to evaluate its effects on pipeline operations and household appliances. These tests, carried out within a closed-loop system, don't involve inserting H2 into distribution lines serving customers.
Michael Huwar, President of Peoples, emphasized the importance of technological innovation in achieving decarbonization goals while ensuring affordable gas prices for customers.
Turquoise hydrogen offers a solution to challenges hindering widespread hydrogen adoption by preventing greenhouse gas emissions typically associated with conventional production methods. By extracting carbon as a solid material, the process generates valuable products like carbon black and graphene, which can offset hydrogen fuel costs.
George Skoptsov, CEO of H Quest, expressed gratitude for Peoples' support in piloting their technology, highlighting its potential to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the natural gas industry.
Parallelly, the University of Pittsburgh is conducting material testing to evaluate the influence of hydrogen blends on pipeline integrity. By testing H2–natural gas blends across various compositions, the university aims to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of low-cost energy to customers, with reduced emissions.
Dr. Brian Gleeson, Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, underscored the significance of conducting materials testing under practical conditions provided by the demonstration facility, which will guide materials selection for future H2–natural gas blend delivery systems.
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