environmentliberal

Hydrogen Mixing: A Risky Gamble or a Clever Move?

Rancho Santa Fe, USAWednesday, October 8, 2025
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The Debate

Critics argue that instead of pushing for hydrogen, we should focus on:

  • Speeding up electrification
  • Helping workers in fossil fuel industries transition to cleaner jobs

The Risks

Toxicity and Infrastructure

  • Hydrogen is toxic and can eat away at pipes
  • New pipelines might be needed, which could cost a lot of money

Safety Concerns

  • Real danger of fires and explosions in neighborhoods
  • Leaks are bound to happen

Environmental Impact

  • Hydrogen leaks can cause more global warming than CO2
  • Defeats the whole purpose of blending it

The Costs

  • Building new pipelines
  • Retiring old ones
  • Cleaning up any mess

Who Foots the Bill?

  • SDG&E needs to be:
  • Fair
  • Involve affected communities
  • Open about their plans
  • Cover the costs of any pilot programs without making customers pay

The Verdict

Hydrogen blending might not be the best idea. It's:

  • Risky
  • Expensive
  • Could end up doing more harm than good

Maybe it's time to think twice before jumping on the hydrogen bandwagon.

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