2022 USGBC-LA Sustainable Innovation Awards
Energy/Operational Carbon
Project of the Year
SoCalGas is constructing a green hydrogen microgrid and home as part of its [H2] Innovation Experience. The renewable hydrogen microgrid for the [H2] Innovation Experience is a proof-of-concept project for resilient, clean energy using an electrolyzer to convert solar energy to green hydrogen and a fuel cell to supply electricity to a home, neighborhood, or small business.
SoCalGas’ [H2] Innovation Experience is the first project of its kind in the U.S. aiming to show how carbon-free gas made from renewable electricity can be used in pure form or as a blend to fuel clean energy systems of the future. The [H2] Innovation Experience, which will be completed in Q4 2022 in Downey, California, is the first fully integrated demonstration project with solar panels, a battery, and electrolyzer to convert solar energy to green hydrogen and a fuel cell to supply electricity for the home. Green hydrogen will also be blended with natural gas and used in the home's heat pump HVAC unit, water heater, clothes dryer, and gas stove. The home will function and feel just like a regular home at approximately 2,000 sq. ft.but use reliable and clean energy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
SoCalGas research has shown that with clean fuels like renewable natural gas and green hydrogen, coupled with carbon management, California can reach 100% net zero goals more affordably, more equitably and with less risk of power disruptions, customer conversion barriers, and technological limitations. This home will be a proof of concept that can be replicated and scaled to make a global impact.