FOCUS Green hydrogen:
FOCUS Green hydrogen: Driving the energy transition and decarbonisation Green hydrogen is a game-changer in the global pursuit of decarbonisation and renewable energy adoption. Thomas Roos, CSIR Senior Researcher. The global shift towards renewable energy sources and decarbonsation is gaining momentum, and one of the key players in this transition is green hydrogen. Green hydrogen, produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity, has emerged as a promising solution for achieving the goals set by international agreements like the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal. In this thought leadership article, we will delve into the significance of green hydrogen and its potential to revolutionise the energy landscape. The power of green hydrogen Green hydrogen offers a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources. While the term “green hydrogen” is often used broadly to describe hydrogen produced from any non-fossil fuelbased source, its strict definition pertains to hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity. Essentially, green hydrogen represents renewable electricity stored in chemical form, enabling long-term energy storage and facilitating decarbonisation efforts. Addressing global decarbonisation goals The importance of green hydrogen lies in its ability to support the decarbonisation goals outlined in the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal. While direct renewable electrification is the most efficient and cost-effective decarbonisation approach in many cases, there are scenarios where it is not always feasible. One such scenario involves regions with high energy demand but limited renewable electricity supply, as exemplified by Japan. Japan, facing energy constraints and limited natural resources, plans to transition its economy towards hydrogen-based solutions, including fuel-cell vehicles, fuel-cell-powered homes, and combined-cycle power stations fuelled by green ammonia. South Africa, with its abundant solar and wind resources, can seize the opportunity to export green ammonia to Japan, thus supporting both countries’ decarbonisation efforts. Decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors Green hydrogen also holds immense potential in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors, particularly heavy-duty, long-range transportation and carbonintensive industrial processes. Battery-powered solutions face limitations in terms of range, power density, weight and charging time, making green hydrogen itself a viable option for long-distance trucking. Green hydrogen is used to make sustainable aviation fuel (e-kerosene) for commercial aviation and green ammonia or green methanol as sustainable bunker fuel for maritime shipping. Additionally, carbon-intensive industries like iron and steelmaking, cement production, ammonia manufacturing and plastics production can benefit from green hydrogen and its derivatives, including green ammonia and green methanol, to decarbonise their operations. NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2023/24 12
FOCUS CSIR: Driving renewable energy in South Africa. Germany’s green hydrogen journey Germany, in pursuit of its decarbonisation targets, acknowledges the crucial role of green hydrogen. The National Hydrogen Strategy of the German Government highlights the need for 2.7-million to 3.3-million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030, with only a fraction of this amount producible domestically. Germany will rely on imports, including from renewable-rich countries like South Africa, to meet its demand. Multiple German Federal Ministries are actively funding projects to develop the green hydrogen economy in South Africa, creating a symbiotic development relationship. The oversubscription of recent funding initiatives demonstrates the growing market appetite for green hydrogen projects. The CSIR’s role in the energy transition The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is well-positioned to support the energy transition and the development of green hydrogen. Leveraging its extensive capabilities, the CSIR plays a crucial role in various projects and collaborations, driving research, implementation and policy development related to green hydrogen. Green hydrogen is a game-changer in the global pursuit of decarbonisation and renewable energy adoption. With its ability to store renewable electricity in chemical form, green hydrogen offers solutions to address challenges in energy demand, hard-to-abate sectors, and international decarbonisation targets. ■ This thought leadership article was written by Thomas Roos, M Eng (Mech), 1995, Stellenbosch, a senior researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa. Invest in green hydrogen and drive the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable world. Together, we can make a difference, one hydrogen molecule at a time. Email: THroos@csir.co.za
