San Diego Gas and Electric Co. (SDG&E), Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) and Southwest Gas Corp. this week revealed the state could see three separate pilot projects to blend renewable hydrogen into natural gas utility infrastructure. 

Earlier this month the three utilities jointly applied with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to inject up to 20% hydrogen blends into isolated polyethylene (PE) plastic and mixed materials – steel and plastic – natural gas distribution systems sections of their service territories. 

Achieving California’s climate goals, “including reaching carbon neutrality by 2045, will require a broad range of clean energy technologies,” said SDG&E CEO Caroline Winn. Developing hydrogen innovations could be a “game...