Hydrogen can help reduce carbon emissions, but it needs to be done
(Tyra Horngren, Climate Works Center) Hydrogen, a key element in reducing carbon emissions, can be used to reduce carbon emissions to prevent global warming, but only if produced in a manner that produces no emissions. The element is hydrogen, which can replace fossil fuels such as heavy industry, shipping, and aviation. If Australia is ready to seize this opportunity, it will help to do so. The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) is set to take place in November to discuss efforts to reduce global carbon emissions. Hydrogen is already being used as a chemical feedstock in refineries and industrial processes, but almost all of it is ‘brown’ or ‘grey’ hydrogen derived from emissions-producing coal or natural gas. It is also important to ensure Australia has sufficient supply to meet emissions reduction targets and protect Australian industry in a carbon-free global economy. The process of producing and using zero-emission hydrogen is called electrolysis, which is more expensive than producing brown hydrogen and requires electrolysis. To make hydrogen effective in tackling carbon emissions in the US, countries need to produce and use zero- emission hydrogen. Australia is reviewing its National Hydrogen Strategy, which aims to become a global leader in hydrogen by 2030. The country’s 16 million tons of hydrogen could be exported by 2030, including hydrogen exported as various hydrogen-based fuels.
Pubblicato : 2 anni fa di Sakina Kaukawala in Environment
Melbourne. For Earth, which faces a major challenge in reducing carbon emissions to possibly prevent global warming, one of the most abundant elements in the universe can help, and that element is hydrogen. Hydrogen can provide an effective carbon reduction solution for some industries, but only if it is produced in a way that produces no emissions. If Australia is ready to seize the opportunity, Australia will help to do so. The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) is going to be held in November. Its purpose is to help efforts to reduce carbon emissions to limit ‘global warming’ to the internationally agreed target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. Zero-emission hydrogen produced using renewable energy is known as ‘green’ hydrogen. This green hydrogen can replace fossil fuels where renewable electricity is not a viable option, such as heavy industry, shipping and aviation. It can also provide new export opportunities to countries. Many countries are developing hydrogen strategies
In terms of time, many countries have begun to formulate hydrogen strategies, but more work needs to be done to ensure that the global hydrogen supply chain develops rapidly at the necessary scale. Having some of the best renewable energy resources in the world and being located close to major energy users in Asia, Australia is well positioned to make the most of green hydrogen business opportunities. Hydrogen is already being used in refineries It is also important to ensure the country has sufficient supply to meet emissions reduction targets and protect Australian industry in a carbon-free global economy. Hydrogen is already used as a chemical feedstock in refineries and industrial processes, yet almost all of it is ‘brown’ or ‘grey’ hydrogen derived from emissions-producing coal or natural gas. The need to produce and use zero emission hydrogen To make hydrogen effective in tackling carbon emissions, countries need to produce and use zero-emission hydrogen. Water molecules consist of hydrogen and oxygen. Green hydrogen is produced by using renewable energy to split these molecules and this process is called electrolysis. The process is currently more expensive than producing brown hydrogen and requires an electrolyzer, water sources and large amounts of renewable energy.
Countries with abundant renewable energy resources can gain a competitive advantage in green hydrogen production, providing a new, green export opportunity. Hydrogen is also expensive to transport compared to other fuels. Green hydrogen must first be compressed or liquefied by cooling to 253 degrees Celsius below zero.
must be converted to ammonia or methanol
Converting hydrogen to a different fuel, such as ammonia or methanol, can facilitate export. Because ammonia and methanol are easy to store and transport and are already traded worldwide. Green hydrogen can be converted to ‘green’ methanol by reacting with carbon dioxide from biomass sources, while ammonia can be produced in a process using green hydrogen and nitrogen. Ammonia can be used directly or it can be converted to hydrogen after it reaches its destination.
Global action is needed
Large-scale green hydrogen production and trade requires global action, not only to increase demand for green hydrogen, but also to phase out fossil fuel-based hydrogen production. It can also provide growth opportunities while reducing the cost of green hydrogen production while ensuring supply-chain transparency across borders.
16 million tons of hydrogen will be exported by 2030
Countries rich in renewable energy resources or seeking to diversify their energy exports have focused on developing hydrogen export capacity. The International Energy Agency estimates that by 2030, 16 million tons of hydrogen could be exported, including hydrogen exported as various hydrogen-based fuels. There are 41 countries with hydrogen strategies at the national level.
Australia is reviewing its National Hydrogen Strategy
In 2020, Japan built the world’s first liquid-hydrogen import terminal, and other countries are following suit. Australia is reviewing its National Hydrogen Strategy, which aims to become a global leader in hydrogen by 2030. The Australian Government has announced funding for clean hydrogen development through the ‘Hydrogen Headstart Programme’.
A lot needs to be done
It has also established international partnerships to advance the development of a clean hydrogen industry worldwide. In 2022, Australia exported the world’s first shipment of liquid hydrogen to Japan, using hydrogen produced from coal and biomass, meaning it was not emission-free. Much needs to be done now if Australia is to take advantage of the economic opportunities offered by hydrogen, reduce carbon emissions and play its part in limiting global warming. (360info.org)
Temi: Climate Change, ESG