CPS Energy’s hydrogen pilot aims to boost grid reliability

US electric utility CPS Energy has partnered with cleantech startup Modern Hydrogen to produce clean hydrogen from natural gas, aiming to improve grid reliability and reduce emissions.

The effort will pilot Modern Hydrogen’s technology. Instead of combusting natural gas and releasing or capturing CO2, the process breaks down hydrocarbons in the gas to produce hydrogen and solid carbon.

The solid carbon is captured and can be reused in products like asphalt for infrastructure projects.

CPS Energy described the effort as a first step in a long-term strategic investment in producing reliable, cleaner power at scale, as outlined in its Energy Vision 2027.

Tony Pan, CEO of Modern Hydrogen, said the partnership is showing the promise of US natural gas, for both clean power generation, and for better materials to build our infrastructure.

The pilot is intended to be scalable while maintaining reliability and affordability for CPS Energy customers.

Rudy Garza, President and CEO of CPS Energy, said, “By exploring this innovative opportunity to produce clean hydrogen using our existing natural gas system, we are moving forward on our commitment to deliver reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy for our community.”