In a bid to promote the use of hydrogen for addressing climatic changes, Southern California Gas Co., or SoCalGas, a major gas distribution utility provider, has reportedly partnered with leading catalyst developer, H2U Technologies. The collaboration would involve the demonstration testing of a novel and less expensive PEM electrolyzer, which is a device that generates green hydrogen from water and renewable electricity.
For the unversed, green hydrogen has numerous advantages over battery storage as it can store renewable electricity for multiple months and seasons.
Sources close to the matter have revealed that the cost target of the novel technology that would be deployed accounts for half of the current PEM electrolyzers, and the total cost of the lifetime ownership is expected to be 75% less.
The announcement comes along the heels of SoCalGas' recent commitment to attaining net-zero carbon emissions during its operations as well as the delivery of energy up to 2045 and facilitating investment initiatives for decarbonizing, diversifying, and digitalizing its business.
SoCalGas' research with H2U Technologies would also comprise validation studies pertaining to the performance of newer non-precious metal catalysts and materials. These components would be used in smaller quantities in order to initiate and speed up the chemical process for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The Vice President for Clean Energy Innovations of SoCalGas, Neil Navin, was reported saying that innovations are critical in bringing cost-effectiveness and stability in green hydrogen production. He also addressed their importance in offering clean, safe, and reliable energy solutions to their approximately 22 million Californian customers whilst accomplishing their net-zero emissions goal.
It has also been revealed that SoCalGas' collaboration with H2U Technologies is a part of its Research, Development, and Demonstration program to work with industry experts to recognize, develop, test, and commercialize the transformational new energy technologies. Apparently, these solutions are configured to save energy, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution levels, maintain energy affordability, and improve the safety and reliability of energy delivery systems across California.
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