High Hydrogen Blending (50%+) in Power Generation - Generation Transitions: Practical Realities

This document examines the technical, economic, and practical realities of blending high levels of hydrogen—50% or more by volume—into fuels for gas-fired power generation. While hydrogen blending offers a potential pathway to reduce CO2 emissions and support grid reliability in a low-carbon energy system, challenges remain. These include the scale-up required in clean hydrogen production, reduced energy density of blended fuels, combustion and NO?-control complexities in modern turbines, and the space and safety considerations associated with hydrogen storage. Market uncertainties, infrastructure gaps, and cost competitiveness further constrain near-term deployment. Ongoing R&D, demonstrations, and industry collaboration—such as those led by EPRI—can help to de-risk hydrogen blending technologies, inform stakeholders, and enable future large-scale adoption.

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