ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT

Building upon on PRCI’s legacy of environmental commitment assists members and the industry in achieving a low carbon future and zero emissions.

Low carbon footprint fuels are a foundational component for a sustainable energy society. With energy transitions expected as early as 2026 in some parts of Europe to 2050 throughout much of the United States, the goals demand collaboration with industry stakeholders to optimize the overall transition effort. 

Building upon the rich history of the current energy infrastructure, it is critical to ensure that safety is the driver in this energy transition. Whether transporting a hydrogen blend or 100% hydrogen, there are key technical issues that will need to be overcome.

As a leader in pipeline research, PRCI is positioned to be the primary research body for eliminating emissions and enabling emerging fuels transportation & storage via the global pipeline network.

EMERGING FUELS INSTITUTE

The Emerging Fuels Institute (EFI) works to resolve the technical gaps that exist as the industry transitions to low carbon energy solutions using the existing pipeline asset infrastructure. Many governments are planning or have begun mandating transitions to renewable energy sources to achieve their stated goals of stabilizing the climate, making low carbon footprint fuels a foundational component for a sustainable energy society.

The EFI expanded its global outreach to include 22 members in 2023.

  • Enbridge

    Energy Transfer

    Saudi Aramco

    SoCal

    TC Energy - Chair

    Williams

  • API

    ATCO

    BP

    ConocoPhillips

    ExxonMobil

    Gasunie

    GRTGaz

    KinderMorgan

    National Fuel

    OTD

    PG&E

    Shell

    SICK

    Storengy

    Tenaris

    TOTAL Energies

RESEARCH RESULTS COMPLETED IN 2023

JEFI-00-03 Terminology

JEFI-06-03 Inspection Procedures for pipelines in H2 service - Safety HAZOP

JEFI-04-03 HyTap

EFI-02-01 Renewable Natural Gas Trace Components Database

WHITE PAPERS PUBLISHED

As the focus on the next generation of fuels continues to grow around the world, research is being collaboratively discussed, conducted, and implemented to ensure the safe transport and storage of these fuels. The release of eight technical white papers around emerging fuels and pipeline safety & integrity in late 2022 consolidated global research outputs to define the current state of knowledge surrounding hydrogen and natural gas blends and refine what remains to be learned. The impact of their publication was felt throughout 2023.

TITLES INCLUDE:

  • Hydrogen/Natural Gas Blends and Pipeline Integrity

  • Hydrogen/Natural Gas Blends in Existing Natural Gas Pipelines 

  • Hydrogen/Natural Gas Blending and Safety, Inspection, and Maintenance 

  • Hydrogen/Natural Gas Blending and Separation 

  • Hydrogen/Natural Gas Blend Measurement and Gas Quality 

  • Storage of Hydrogen/Natural Gas Blends 

  • Hydrogen/Natural Gas Blends and Compressor Stations 

  • Hydrogen/Natural Gas Blends and End-User Equipment 

These white papers provide the basis for identifying and establishing the safest and most efficient methods for transporting and storing hydrogen in the world’s energy pipeline systems and will be updated to provide the industry, government, and public with the latest information and be leveraged to support the development of industry guidance for the transportation and storage of hydrogen. 

The US Department of Energy awarded Colorado School of Mines grant funding for their project proposal on “Assessment of Toughness in H-Containing Blended Gas Environments in High Strength Pipeline Steels.” The PRCI Emerging Fuels Institute was active in the proposal development and will be acting in a technical advisory role for the project. The EFI was asked to present at the Colorado School of Mines’ upcoming Advanced Steel Processing and Products Research Center consortium. Opportunities like these help forge strong relationships with premier academic researchers who support the pipeline industry.

The EFI was awarded one of the three PRCI contracts for research projects from the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). JEFI-05-03: Implement Fiber Optic Technology for Underground Gas Storage Well Monitoring aims to establish guidelines and best practices to guide the implementation of the fiber optic technology for continuous downhole integrity monitoring of underground natural gas storage wells with consideration of applications for future underground hydrogen storage.

PROJECT FUNDING AWARDS

EFI INCLUDES CO2

The Executive Assembly approved the inclusion of research dedicated to ensuring the safe transport and storage of CO2 into the EFI. This expansion reflects PRCI’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges in the industry and pursuit of sustainable solutions.

THE EFI NOW HAS TWO DISTINCT RESEARCH TRACKS:

  • Future Fuels continues to focus on exploring innovative technologies for transport and storage of emerging fuels and strategies that drive the future of the energy industry.

  • CO2 will concentrate on researching methods and technologies for the safe transportation and storage of carbon dioxide, an area of critical importance in efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of energy production.