ENVIRONMENT

Hydrogen Mixing: A Risky Gamble or a Clever Move?

Rancho Santa Fe, USAWed Oct 08 2025

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.

questions

    What are the potential economic impacts of constructing new pipelines for hydrogen blending?
    What alternative energy solutions could be explored instead of hydrogen blending to achieve similar goals?
    What are the long-term environmental benefits of hydrogen blending compared to other renewable energy sources?

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