California Hydrogen Plan Faces Backlash in Orange Cove

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A quiet battle is brewing in Orange Cove, California, as Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) aims to blend up to 5% hydrogen into the natural gas supply serving the community. The $64 million demonstration project has drawn criticism from residents and experts who argue the funds could be better spent promoting electric appliances, a more direct path to decarbonization. Concerns revolve around hydrogen's properties, including increased flammability, leakiness, and potential to damage appliances and exacerbate indoor air pollution.

Why it matters

This debate in Orange Cove is part of a broader pattern of resistance to hydrogen blending proposals across the U.S. and abroad. Residents are prioritizing safety and affordability over the promise of a futuristic energy solution, while critics argue that gas utilities are using hydrogen to prolong the life of their existing infrastructure and protect profits rather than genuinely addressing climate change.

The details

SoCalGas proposes to blend up to 5% hydrogen into the natural gas system serving approximately 2,000 customer gas meters in Orange Cove. The project is estimated to cost $64 million over 18 months. Critics argue the funds could be better allocated to promoting electric appliances, which offer a more direct and cost-effective path to decarbonization. Concerns include hydrogen's increased flammability, leakiness, and potential to damage appliances and exacerbate indoor air pollution.

• SoCalGas proposed the $64 million hydrogen blending project in Orange Cove.
• The California Public Utilities Commission is expected to make a decision on the Orange Cove pilot project by June.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The California Public Utilities Commission is expected to make a decision on the Orange Cove pilot project by June, which will have far-reaching consequences and potentially set a precedent for hydrogen blending across the state.