April 2026 Technical Dinner Meeting

16th floor of the Telus Sky Building

685 Centre Street SW, Suite 1670

Topic:

Making Hydrogen Blending Real: Cost, Safety, and Operational Readiness for Alberta’s Gas Network

Presentation Abstract:

This session presents a practical, end‑to‑end view of hydrogen blending as a near‑term decarbonisation pathway for Alberta’s gas network, moving from cost and safety analysis through to operational and organisational considerations for delivery.

Drawing on a recent Alberta hydrogen blending study, the presentation examines the technical feasibility, capital and operating cost drivers, and key safety risks associated with blending hydrogen into existing gas infrastructure. The analysis demonstrates that hydrogen blending, at controlled blend levels, can be delivered safely using established engineering controls, targeted asset management strategies, and evolving standards, while highlighting the conditions under which costs can be reduced and more equitably allocated.

Building on this foundation, the session then turns to what it takes to operationalise hydrogen blending in practice. This includes operational readiness, workforce and organisational preparedness, safety management, stakeholder coordination, and the governance frameworks required to transition from pilot projects to scaled deployment. Particular focus is given to how utilities, regulators, and project sponsors can manage risk, maintain public confidence, and integrate hydrogen blending into day‑to‑day operations.

Together, the session positions hydrogen blending not as a theoretical concept, but as a credible, deliverable step toward a lower‑carbon, resilient energy system in Alberta, highlighting the decisions, capabilities, and next steps required to move from policy intent to operational reality.

Adrian Anderson is a Senior Consultant in cost and risk advisory, supporting clients on complex energy and infrastructure investments critical to the energy transition and long‑term security of supply. He provides independent, strategic advice to owners and delivery teams across major capital programmes, helping to shape resilient investment decisions in an increasingly uncertain delivery and market environment.

Adrian brings a whole‑life, systems‑based perspective to cost assurance, quantitative risk analysis, and commercial strategy, enabling clients to balance affordability, deliverability, and sustainability. His work focuses on strengthening governance, improving cost confidence, and supporting the successful delivery of major energy projects that contribute to secure, low‑carbon, and resilient energy systems.

Kerri Knox, a certified CBCP, serves as a leader within Arup’s Management Consulting team, specialising in operational readiness and business continuity. She oversees projects involving people, operations, and technology, with experience in incident-specific and enterprise-level coordination and planning. Working with clients to understand their business requirements and objectives, Kerri manages projects according to the ten professional practices outlined by Business Continuity CBCP guidelines. She designs and facilitates stakeholder engagements across multiple departments or agencies, ensuring the alignment of project goals and deliverables, and collaborates with colleagues from various technical backgrounds to advise and implement strategies. Kerri holds a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies from Royal Roads University, integrating coursework from the MBA programme and the Master of Emergency and Disaster Management to deepen her expertise in business resilience and continuity planning.

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