en.Wedoany.com Reported - A pilot project has been launched in Chile's Coquimbo region to inject green hydrogen into the natural gas distribution networks of La Serena and Coquimbo. Operated by gas distributor GasValpo, this project marks the implementation of South America's first residential hydrogen blending scheme.

The system currently blends 10% green hydrogen with 90% natural gas, with plans to increase the proportion to 15% by 2026 and a long-term target of 20%. The project initially started with a 3.5% hydrogen blend, which was raised to 5% after the installation of an on-site electrolyzer that produces hydrogen using renewable energy. Authorities estimate that at a 20% blend, the initiative could reduce approximately 340 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

The School of Engineering at the University of La Serena is monitoring the system to assess material compatibility with the existing natural gas network and household appliances, as well as combustion quality and emission performance. GasValpo reports that the hydrogen blend has no noticeable impact on end-users.

Regional authorities describe this pilot as a key step in Chile's broader green hydrogen strategy, leveraging the Coquimbo region's strong renewable energy potential to help reduce dependence on imported fossil natural gas while stabilizing heating fuel costs.

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