WVU researches work on developing hydrogen-friendly natural gas turbines
Thursday, July 21, 2022
West Virginia University researchers have been working to develop technology that would help natural gas turbines at large power plants withstand the extreme heat and corrosion of hydrogen combustion, according to Natural Gas Intelligence.
The researchers are working to develop coatings that would protect turbine blades from corroding, oxidizing or melting when hydrogen fuel is added to natural gas, and work with the principles and technologies of existing natural gas turbines.
The process of blending hydrogen into natural gas for combustion is “still at the research and development stage and hasn’t been utilized on a commercial scale yet. However, Entergy Corp., Georgia Power, and Southern California Gas. Co. have investigated integrating hydrogen with natural gas to generate electricity.
Learn more: Natural Gas Intelligence > West Virginia Researchers Eye Hydrogen-Friendly Natural Gas Turbines
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.