Allianz’ optimism towards the green hydrogen economy; making significant long-term investments into green hydrogen technology.
Here’s an article posted in Allianz that talks about massive investments of Allianz in Green energy.
According to the article,
- Allianz has invested in renewable energy sources such as solar PV and wind farms for almost two decades
- Allianz has directly invested in Ren-Gas, a Finnish green hydrogen and power-to-gas developer
- Allianz has acquired a 75% stake in the gas distribution operator Floene, which aims to transport renewable gases and green hydrogen through pipelines
Allianz has also turned to the concept of blending hydrogen with natural gas, which is an interesting approach. This technology, called Hydrogen-Enriched Natural Gas (HENG), is gaining traction within the green hydrogen community. Let’s explore this further:
- What Is HENG?
- Hydrogen-enriched natural gas (HENG) refers to a mixture of natural gas (mainly methane) and hydrogen.
- The hydrogen content in HENG can vary, typically ranging from a few percent up to around 20% or more.
- Blending hydrogen with natural gas allows for gradual decarbonization without requiring a complete overhaul of existing gas pipelines.
- Benefits of Hydrogen Blending:
- Decarbonization: By incorporating hydrogen, HENG reduces the carbon intensity of natural gas. When burned, hydrogen produces only water vapor, making it a clean fuel.
- Infrastructure Utilization: Existing natural gas pipelines can transport HENG. This avoids the need for separate hydrogen pipelines, which would be costly and time-consuming to build.
- Transition Strategy: Hydrogen blending provides a practical transition toward a hydrogen-based energy system. It allows companies and consumers to adapt gradually.
- Challenges and Considerations:
- Hydrogen Purity: Ensuring the right hydrogen purity level is crucial. Too much hydrogen can affect the combustion properties and safety.
- Materials Compatibility: Existing pipeline materials must be compatible with hydrogen. Hydrogen can cause embrittlement in certain metals.
- Safety Measures: Safety protocols are essential to prevent leaks and ensure safe handling of HENG.
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