Utility companies test hydrogen-blended fuel systems to cut emissions, but critics question its effectiveness for buildings.

Utility companies are testing a hydrogen-blended fuel system in the US, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of gas lines while maintaining them. Nearly 20 utilities have proposed plans to inject lines with a blend of gas and hydrogen, which emits no carbon dioxide (CO2) when combusted. These companies argue this will help reduce emissions and fight climate change. However, environmental and customer advocates argue that the use of hydrogen blends in buildings, rather than industrial applications, makes little sense. Nearly 30 projects focused on blending hydrogen into gas lines have been proposed or are in operation in more than a dozen states, and many more utilities have hinted at future proposals. The projects as proposed would cost at least $280 million and many utilities are asking customers to pay for them.