IEEFA Urges NY State To Reconsider National Grid’s Hydrogen Plans In 20 Year Strategy

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) has shared its views with the New York State Public Service Commission about National Grid’s 20-Year Plan. IEEFA suggests that National Grid should rethink its plan to use hydrogen as an energy source in homes and buildings.

National Grid aims to eliminate fossil fuels from its gas network by 2050. The company plans to achieve this by providing renewable natural gas and green hydrogen to customers. However, IEEFA argues that relying on hydrogen might not be the best approach. They believe hydrogen poses safety risks, has climate-related drawbacks, and may eventually be overshadowed by electric power and battery storage.

Suzanne Mattei, an energy policy analyst with IEEFA, criticized National Grid’s focus on hydrogen, calling it more of a hopeful idea than a practical solution. She points out that hydrogen has significant barriers and limited benefits, making it a less viable option for energy needs.

IEEFA’s comments highlight that National Grid has not provided enough information to help the public and the New York State Public Service Commission fully assess the proposed use of hydrogen. They argue that hydrogen has several issues and unanswered questions, making it an unsuitable choice for the role National Grid envisions. In their view, hydrogen is not yet ready for widespread use, and electrification and battery storage are likely to be better options in the future.