Green Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical element in the universe, but is barely available in its elemental form on Earth. Hydrogen is currently produced from natural gas or coal, a process that emits large amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere. The CO2 can be captured eventually, but the process still remains reliant on fossil fuels. Hydrogen can also be made by splitting water into its constituent elements (hydrogen and oxygen) by using renewable electricity. In this case, it is referred to as green hydrogen, and is CO2 emission-free and renewable. The usage of green hydrogen could be best prioritized in ‘hard-to-abate’ sectors where direct electrification is not possible, or as chemical material for an end product, like for example fertilizers.
Renewable electricity
A key step to make the energy transition successful is to manage the production, supply, demand, distribution, and storage of renewable electricity.
Sunshine
Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy through photovoltaic panels. Sunshine also gives us the possibility to convert it into heat through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. This heat could be used in the processing industry, and replace the usage of fossil fuels.
Wind as a resource
Wind energy harnesses the kinetic energy of moving air by using large wind turbines on land or on water. Onshore and offshore wind energy technologies for generating electricity have become an important contributor to the energy transition.
Making waves
Still at an early stage of development, ocean energy derives from technologies that use the kinetic and thermal energy of seawater – waves or currents – to produce electricity.
Sustainable transport
The transport sector is a major consumer of energy, and a significant portion of global energy consumption comes from non-renewable sources, such as oil. Sustainable transport is any type of transport that does not rely on the world’s fossil resources to power it.
Battery electric vehicles can be charged with renewable electricity from sources such as solar or wind. This represents a case of direct electrification in which energy losses are minimised. This approach is particularly suitable for passenger cars. It is also increasingly used for trucks and boats on inland waterways.
Green hydrogen can also be used as a clean transportation fuel. It can extend the range of heavy duty trucks, trains and ships. It is a solution for applications in which batteries cannot provide the required power and length of operation.
Biomass, or CO2 from the air, can be used to synthesise high energy density, hydrocarbon-like liquid fuels for sectors that require them, such as shipping and aviation.
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