Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil and gas firm SOCAR has signed a joint study agreement (JSA) with TES to explore developing a green hydrogen-based electric natural gas (e-NG) project in the country, with an eye on European export.
Produced by combining green hydrogen and captured CO2, e-NG is chemically identical to natural gas and can be used in existing gas infrastructure and applications.
Despite not revealing any details on the location or size of the project, SOCAR and TES have said Azerbaijan’s location offers an “ideal environment” for exploring the scale-up of e-NG.
“e-NG produced in Azerbaijan could be delivered to Europe via the existing gas network infrastructure, such as the Southern Gas Corridor,” a joint statement said.
Originally proposed in 2008, the Southern Gas Corridor is a natural gas supply route from Azerbaijan, across Turkey into eastern European nations before concluding in Italy.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to harnessing the unique benefits of hydrogen through e-fuels leveraging existing infrastructure – what we believe to be the most effective way to unlock hydrogen’s potential,” said TES CEO, Marco Alverà.
Afgan Isayev, Vice-President of SOCAR, added, “By exploring the potential of synthetic methane production, we aim to leverage strategic resources and infrastructure to contribute to global decarbonisation efforts.”
TES has unveiled plans and partnerships globally in a bid to meet its ambition of producing one million tonnes of e-NG per year by 2030.
Bridging the gap: TES’ vision for e-NG
Electric natural gas (e-NG) is emerging as a practical bridging solution in the energy transition, that could extend the use of existing natural gas infrastructure while maintaining grid stability.
Described by many as a “drop-in fuel,” e-NG is produced by combining green hydrogen with recycled carbon dioxide (CO2) through a methanation process. Chemically identical to natural gas, the fuel can be deployed in gas grids for use in power generation, heavy industry, heating, heavy road transportation, maritime and more.
By using green hydrogen and captured CO2, e-NG proponents say the gas can act as a circular and sustainable alternative to natural gas for companies looking to clean up their operations.
For example, Japan wants e-NG to comprise 1% of its gas supply in existing networks by 2030, before it’s increased to 90% by 20501, signifying the role the fuel could play in the energy transition.
Founded just five years ago in 2019, Tree Energy Solutions (TES) began as a company focused on developing large-scale green hydrogen production and distribution projects…
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