Accelerating energy transition through sustainable process A carbon-neutral pathway for the production of HCNG eliminates the need for external hydrogen supply or blending infrastructure
Arun Kuniyil, Bhanu Prasad S G, Pramod Kumar, Sriram S, and V.K. Maheshwari HP Green R&D Centre, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
T he energy sector is evolving rapidly as nations and industries push for aggressive decarbonisation goals. With climate change accelerating and a growing international consensus on the need to progress towards net- zero emissions, there is an urgent demand for innovative low-carbon energy solutions that are realistic to implement, adaptable across various scales, and economically viable. Hydrogen, with its zero-carbon combustion profile, is seen as a key enabler for achieving net-zero targets across sectors such as transportation, power generation, and heavy industry. However, large-scale implementation of hydrogen technologies faces considerable challenges, including high production costs, limited infrastructure for storage and distribution, safety concerns, and the absence of safety
regulations. These barriers have contributed to the delays in mainstream adoption, particularly in developing economies. Natural gas, particularly being used in the compressed form (CNG), has long been considered a cleaner alternative to heavier fossil fuels such as diesel and furnace oil. Its relatively high hydrogen-to-carbon ratio results in lower CO₂ emissions per unit of energy. Extensive global supply chains, established distribution networks, and compatibility with existing combustion systems, enable natural gas to bridge the gap between traditional hydrocarbons and emerging low-carbon technologies. Hydrogen-enriched compressed natural gas (HCNG) is a blend of hydrogen with CNG. This scalable solution combines the advantages of both hydrogen and natural gas and proves to be an even more carbon-neutral alternative by enhancing combustion efficiency and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While the infrastructure and technologies for pure hydrogen continue to mature, HCNG provides a viable, cleaner pathway, enabling industries and transport sectors to initiate their decarbonisation goals (see Figure 1 ). Challenges of conventional HCNG production The most common method currently employed is the direct blending of hydrogen with natural gas. While conceptually simple, this approach presents several barriers. The production of hydrogen through conventional steam methane reforming (SMR) results in considerable carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, typically 11 kg of CO₂/kg of H₂. Additionally, SMR is an energy- intensive process that requires high operating
Interim solution towards H economy
H-CNG as fuel by MoRTH India
No modi cation in CNG engines
H-CNG
CNG dispensing infrastructure available
Higher mileage & lower Co emissions
Lower CO emissions
Figure 1 Features and advantages of HCNG
Refining India
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