New energy economy in North eyed
Peter Jackson editor@northlandage.co.nz
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Sarita Parker (021) 434 881 northland@nzme.co.nz
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A plan to blend Northland-generated hydrogen into local natural gas supplies, before switching to delivering 100 per cent hydrogen by 2050, would create a new local energy economy according to Firstgas Group, owner of Rockgas and operator of the North Island’s natural gas pipe networks.
Firstgas Group has released a report detailing Northland’s potential role in a nationwide change toward zero carbon gases over the next 30 years.
Firstgas Group said it could phase in natural gas blends of up to 20 per cent hydrogen from 2030, while a full switch to hydrogen-only could be completed nationwide by 2050.
Hydrogen Project leader Angela Ogier said the change to hydrogen could create dozens of jobs in a potential new regional energy industry, making hydrogen to power factories, homes and transport, as well as storing energy for periods of high demand.
The report found that gas infrastructure in Northland was made of modern materials and equipment that could be repurposed to supply green hydrogen, a zero carbon alternative to natural gas. The hydrogen could be made in Northland, mixed into natural gas and piped to commercial customers such as those in agriculture, horticulture and hospitality, and to residential customers.
“Businesses and households will not need to change their gas appliances just yet to accommodate the blending of hydrogen into natural gas. They will have 20 years or more to switch to hydrogen-friendly appliances when old equipment reaches the end of its life,” Ogier said.