Renewable energy, particularly green hydrogen, is identified as a crucial element in the decarbonization efforts aimed at challenging sectors like steel, cement, aviation, and long-haul shipping, according to industry experts. Li Zhenguo, Founder and President of LONGi Green Energy Technology Co Ltd., highlighted this perspective during an event at the COP28 United Nations climate change conference in Dubai.
Challenges in Achieving Full Decarbonization
While renewable energy is projected to cover 70% of future energy consumption, approximately 30% is expected to remain dependent on fossil fuels in challenging sectors. Green hydrogen is identified as the optimal solution for achieving deep decarbonization in this remaining portion, presenting a potential substitute for fossil fuels in these industries.
Current Status of Hydrogen in the Global Energy Mix
Despite the potential of green hydrogen, its current share in the global energy structure is less than 1%, with the majority dominated by gray hydrogen produced from coal and natural gas, constituting 96%. The main barrier to the broader adoption of green hydrogen is its higher manufacturing cost, being two to three times that of fossil fuel-produced hydrogen.
Urgency to Make Green Hydrogen Production Cost-Effective
Addressing the urgency to make green hydrogen production more cost-effective, Li Zhenguo emphasized the need for clean, low-carbon, and low-cost methods. He suggested leveraging low-cost solar power generation for hydrogen production, emphasizing the potential of constructing PV power stations near hydrogen production facilities with abundant sunlight resources.
Benefits of Solar Power Generation for Hydrogen
Highlighting the benefits of using solar power for hydrogen production, Li Zhenguo pointed out that the energy output of a single unit of a solar power module during its lifecycle is 100 times greater than the energy consumed in its production. Additionally, sunlight, being evenly distributed globally, serves as an endless and renewable resource, making it a viable solution for reducing the cost of hydrogen production.
Challenges in China’s Energy Transition
Zhang Jie, Vice President of the Energy Investment Professional Committee of the Investment Association of China, emphasized the need for hydrogen in various industries within China’s chemical sector. In sectors like coal-to-chemical, hydrogen derived from coal is a vital raw material for downstream products. One of the significant challenges in China’s energy transition lies in transforming renewable energy into hydrogen to support the production of these essential products.
Source: chinadaily.com.cn
