As energy demand surges in Texas, the challenge of balancing reliable power with ambitious emission reduction goals takes center stage. At POWERGEN International 2025, Kurt Lyell, Solar Program Manager at HDR, will unveil an innovative concept that could redefine carbon-neutral energy solutions.
“The most pressing challenge in the utility industry is balancing cost efficiency with environmental sustainability,” Lyell told Power Engineering. “As the sector transitions to cleaner energy, this balance is crucial for long-term viability and public support.”
In his session, part of the show’s Unlocking Hydrogens Power Potential track, Lyell will present a case study on a 400 MW natural gas peaking plant integrated with a green hydrogen facility in West Texas. This design envisions harnessing the state’s abundant solar and wind resources to produce green hydrogen, which would then be blended into existing natural gas pipelines.
Over a year, the energy from hydrogen would offset the plant’s natural gas consumption, achieving carbon neutrality without sacrificing operational efficiency.
Lyell’s presentation will explore the project’s economic feasibility, exploring the levelized cost of energy and potential pathways for large-scale hydrogen adoption.
He said attendees will understand the key challenges, including infrastructure adaptation and regulatory hurdles.
Lyell brings over two decades of experience in renewable energy development worldwide.
His session, A Hydrogen-Blending Solution in Texas, is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, from 3 pm to 3:45 pm.
POWERGEN is February 11-13 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. Register for the POWERGEN technical conference program here.
