Xcel Energy, Minneapolis based operator of nearly 58,000-km of natural gas pipelines in the United States and providing  a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.7 million electricity customers and 2.1 million natural gas customers, is looking to inject and blend hydrogen into its 36,000-mile distribution pipeline and 2,000 miles of transmission pipeline.

This is in line with Xcel's commitment to deliver 100% carbon-free electricity with net-zero gas emissions.

Industrial engineering solutions specialist Worley Group, along with its consulting business Advisian, will evaluate what percentage of injected hydrogen the system can accommodate and highlight any necessary upgrades.

Worley's involvement will entail reviewing all assets, including compression stations, meters and facilities. The team will assess each system area and location to evaluable the maximum allowable hydrogen blending capability.

With the study expected to be complete in July this year (2023), results from the study is hoped to provide Xcel Energy with the data required to guide decisions on how to proceed with upgrades and adaptions to their midstream infrastructures.

“We’re excited to be bringing our global expertise in hydrogen blending and pipeline integrity to the developing US market,” said Oliver Morgan, Global Vice-President of Midstream at Worley.