C-MACC Hydrogen Weekly Update 8
Can we get away without buckets of hydrogen – Unlikely?
Key Points
- Assuming that there are constraints on hydrogen availability, yet still a need to decarbonize, we look at alternatives and conclude that we would either need a lot more power or more crops, or both.
- Shipping is the one space that would be very hard to decarbonize without hydrogen – although some biofuel routes are possible – some are experimenting with wind power – looks to be a niche.
- The problem with crop-based solutions is the increase in farming needed, this may destroy other carbon sinks (deforestation) and need a step change in nitrogen fertilizer availability – more hydrogen.
- Our view is that the availability of cheap renewable power is likely one of the largest impediments to making abundant green hydrogen, so when alternatives just call for more power, we have an issue.
- We look at a new batch of projects – none of which make economic sense without premium pricing, but it looks like the Europeans are now in the lead with blue hydrogen/ammonia.
Upcoming session led by C-MACC at the World Chemical Forum – September 12-14.
We invite you to register for the event and join our hydrogen panel session “The Role of Hydrogen in Decarbonizing Chemicals” on September 14th at 3:00 pm. Please contact Graham Copley to learn more.
