The United States has an extensive network of approximately three million miles of natural gas pipelines and more than 1,600 miles of dedicated hydrogen pipeline. Hydrogen produced through clean pathways can be injected into natural gas pipelines, and the resulting blends can be used to generate heat and power with lower emissions than using natural gas alone1.
According to The U.S. Energy Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Energy:
•Current natural gas consumption and demand models predict a robust natural gas market through 2050
•US natural gas pipeline network needs to be safe and reliable to deliver natural gas and future non-carbon gaseous fuels like hydrogen
•Workforce training in the pipeline industry has the potential to benefit Disadvantaged Communities now and in the energy transition through 2050
•Policy Recommendations regarding natural gas emissions and retrofitting pipelines for non-carbon gaseous fuels
Infrastructure Investments are Key:
•Reducing fossil fuel consumption of coal, oil, and natural gas will be critical to transitioning to a lower carbon energy system
•Additional investments in domestic natural gas production and transportation will assist the U.S. to reach net-zero emission goals
•Replacing high risk existing natural gas pipelines and installing new natural gas pipelines will prepare the U.S. to transport zero-carbon fuels, increase pipeline safety, and reduce methane releases
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