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PNGRB and World Bank to draft a roadmap for hydrogen blending in natural gas

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) and the World Bank have joined forces to develop a comprehensive roadmap for integrating hydrogen blending in natural gas and establishing the infrastructure for their transmission through gas pipelines in the country.

The Joint PNGRB-World Bank Study: Mapping Hydrogen Demand and Supply

The primary objective of the study is to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the rapid implementation of hydrogen blending in India. The study covers the following aspects:

Analysis of hydrogen demand and supply.
Technical assessment of the current pipeline network’s compatibility for hydrogen blending.
Evaluation of the commercial potential of the pipeline sector.
Identification of policy and regulatory bottlenecks.

The study’s recommendations include proposing amendments to the regulatory frameworks to align with the national objective of achieving a hydrogen consumption target of 5 million metric tonnes per annum by 2030. The study is scheduled to be completed within 16 weeks.

Benefits of hydrogen blending in natural gas

Renewable Energy Storage: Blended hydrogen can serve as a form of energy storage, allowing for better grid management during peak demand periods.
Energy Security: Hydrogen can be produced domestically, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and enhancing energy security.
Improved Air Quality: Lowering carbon emissions through hydrogen blending can lead to improved air quality, benefiting public health and reducing pollution.
Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels: By progressively augmenting the proportion of hydrogen in natural gas, the dependence on pure natural gas, a fossil fuel, is diminished

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is a statutory body established under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006.
This board is responsible for overseeing and regulating various aspects related to petroleum products and natural gas in the country.
Its key functions encompass the regulation of refining, transportation, distribution, storage, marketing, supply, and sale of petroleum products and natural gas.