London — Building out the hydrogen economy will require a combination of pricing transparency and commoditization as industry makes projects affordable over the coming decade, panelists said at the World Hydrogen virtual summit March 9.
Published July 2021 by Hydrogen Europe
Key Recommendations
1. Create a distinct hydrogen GO, separate from electricity and gas.
2. Encourage the use of GOs in addition to PPAs to prove the renewable character and CO2 intensity of the electricity procured for the production of renewable hydrogen.
3. Initiate the development of a global system for Hydrogen Guarantees of Origin (HGOs), with track-and-trace and auditing functionality.
4. Set clear ground rules that avoid false or misleading claims. Enable the cancellation of H2 GOs, and the issuance of a natural gas GO when physical volumes are blended.
Hydrogen has seen unprecedented momentum and is fast becoming a systemic element in the EU’s transition towards a climate-neutral society in 2050. It will become the other leg of the energy transition – alongside renewable electricity – by replacing unabated fossil fuels and ensuring greater systemic synergies. Clean hydrogen[1] is not the backdoor to the continued use of unabated fossil fuels, nor is it the trojan horse of the natural gas industry greenwashing its way towards competitive markets.
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Published July 2021 by Hydrogen Europe
Executive Summary
Hydrogen Europe considers the revision of the Regulation setting CO₂ emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles[1] to be a key legislative initiative to help the EU deliver upon its 2030 climate targets and to reinforce its global leadership in zero-emission vehicles, particularly hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Consequently, we call on the EU institutions to maintain the level of 2025 targets while strengthening the 2030 targets, provided the enabling framework conditions are in place, and a holistic approach is taken. As the Regulation covers different vehicle types, these differences should be reflected when it comes to targets, with dedicated sets for each vehicle category; in this respect, the key role of fuel cell electric vehicles for both segments should be acknowledged.
Low carbon and renewable fuels have a central role to play, and this should be considered in the text by including a provision giving an option for manufacturers to take part in a voluntary crediting mechanism for renewable fuels of non-biological origin, which would be linked to an obligation to invest into zero-emission vehicles.
Another key element of the proposal should target the overall system and resource efficiency: its role should be carefully analysed and recognised in the proposal. The uptake of low and zero-emission vehicles will be severely hampered if not supported by an efficient system.
Lastly, Hydrogen Europe calls for the allocation of emission premiums to upskilling, reskilling and hydrogen refuelling station deployment. In addition, Europe needs technicians and automotive personnel to have all necessary skills and competencies to work on hydrogen vehicles since they have fundamental differences from internal combustion engine vehicles.
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Wednesday 16 June 2021
London, UK – The London-based sustainable events, business council and training provider has published the initial group of senior decision makers from global companies in the energy and hydrogen industry, who will be a guiding force behind the SEC World Hydrogen Series of Events.
In line with the recent and much-needed global momentum towards low carbon hydrogen energy, the Sustainable Energy Council enlisted the group of leaders to give focus to the World Hydrogen Event Series proceedings to ensure that key industry challenges and opportunities are addressed, enabling participants to take relevant, informed decisions which will drive further collaboration and accelerate the hydrogen industry roll-out world-wide.
The founding members of the SEC World Hydrogen Advisory board are:
Hydrogen is widely seen as a key element in the global race towards Net Zero. The Sustainable Energy Council World Hydrogen series of events bring together governments and companies across the entire supply chain to enhance global partnerships and ensure hydrogen plays a pivotal role in the energy transition.
Allard Castelein, President & CEO, Port of Rotterdam said: “The energy transition is a fascinating journey. Finding the best route towards a net zero economy, we have to learn from one another and set up new partnerships. Rotterdam has the ambition to become Europe’s largest hydrogen hub, and it is my pleasure to participate in this Advisory Board.”
Paul Bogers, Vice President – Hydrogen, Royal Dutch Shell: “As hydrogen continues to rapidly accelerate into the mainstream of the energy sector, it is now critical that everyone in the industry comes together in order to help create the conditions for the successful delivery of a global hydrogen market. At Shell this means continuing to work with our peers across the industry, which is why I am delighted to become a founding member of the SEC World Hydrogen Advisory board. I am excited to get to work with my fellow board members to drive the conversation forward and help hydrogen play its role in reaching net zero emissions globally.”
Andrew Horvath, Global Group Chairman, Star Scientific Limited said: “Star Scientific is honoured to be invited to join this prestigious board. It is welcome recognition of our Hydrogen Energy Release Optimiser, or HERO, which companies and governments around the world are recognising as the missing link in the demand case for hydrogen deployment, without combustion, for industrial heating and energy purposes. We are also proud to be asked to bring the Australasian perspective to the Sustainable Energy Council’s deliberations on hydrogen.”
Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, Secretary General, Hydrogen Europe said: “I am honoured to be a founding member of the SEC World Hydrogen Advisory Board among such esteemed experts in the field. Hydrogen Europe is committed to provide a significant contribution, bringing together stakeholders from across the whole hydrogen value chain. Our collective efforts will enable meaningful exchanges on the future of the EU energy system and the role of clean hydrogen.”
Max Correa Achurra, Head of the Fuels & New Energy Division, Ministry of Energy, Chile said: “Chile is rich in renewable energies, which combined with our robust institutions, transparent and non-discriminatory regulation, and advanced energy markets, will unlock the potential to produce the cheapest green hydrogen on the planet. To exploit the full potential of this clean energy carrier, we have laid out a National Green Hydrogen Strategy that sets ambitious goals. Attracting international sources of financing for these projects, public-private cooperation and dialogue is key to understand and reduce critical barriers for hydrogen deployment. I look forward to working with the SEC Hydrogen Advisory Board to bring our perspectives to the table and continue enhancing crucial international cooperation.”
Noé van Hulst, Chair at IPHE, Hydrogen Advisor at IEA & Gasunie said: “The global momentum for clean hydrogen is incredibly strong, as we can see from the increasing number of countries with hydrogen strategies and public funding commitments, as well as the private sector investment appetite. What we need now, is the appropriate regulatory framework to scale-up clean hydrogen rapidly and de-risk the huge private investment required. We also need smart policies that aim at creating integrated markets and facilitate the entire value chain across borders, including infrastructure and storage. I am happy to join this advisory board.”
Horst H. Mahmoudi, CEO & Executive Chairman, Smartenergy said: “We are committed to decarbonize. Through our strong engagement in the development and structuring of renewable hydrogen projects we have gained substantial practical experience on how to unleash the potential of green H2 projects and how to overcome the roadblocks. I am thrilled and honoured to be among the founding members of the SEC World Hydrogen Advisory Board.”
David Burns, VP Clean Energy, Linde said: “As the world is shifting toward a new energy system where hydrogen is set to play a key role, it is paramount to create programs that promote the dialogue between industry stakeholders. This is necessary at both a regional and a global level, and in ways that contribute to the creation of a robust knowledge base focused on the many ways hydrogen can help reach the Paris Accord goals. With over 100 years of experience in the field, Linde is well-equipped to support this mission and I am personally very glad to be part of the founding members of the SEC World Hydrogen Advisory Board, along with other well-known leaders in the energy industry.”
Chris Hugall, Managing Director of the Sustainable Energy Council said: “We’re delighted to welcome these leading experts as the founding members of the SEC World Hydrogen Advisory Board. I look forward to working closely with the Board ensuring SEC continues to deliver highly relevant, solution-focused programmes facilitating international collaboration and access to the latest hydrogen information and business opportunities.”
Find out more about the SEC World Hydrogen Advisory Board and its members here: https://www.sustainableenergycouncil.com/hydrogen-advisory-board/
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Notes to Editors:
About the Sustainable Energy Council
The Sustainable Energy Council is the world-leading events producer, business council and training provider for the sustainable energy and infrastructure industries. Our close relationships with 60+ Governments worldwide, as well as an extensive network of industry stakeholders, make us the trusted partner of choice for the global sustainable energy industry. More information https://www.sustainableenergycouncil.com/
Published June 2021 by Hydrogen Europe
Key recommendations:
Hydrogen Europe supports the EU’s objective to achieve climate neutrality. We advocate for hydrogen as an enabler of a carbon neutral society. The production of renewable hydrogen contributes to decouple the deployment of renewable energy from grid bottlenecks unlocking the full potential of renewable energy to replace fossil energy carriers in all sectors of our economy. Furthermore, hydrogen enables the integration of ever-growing amounts of renewable energy into “hard to abate” sectors such as steel, chemicals, and transport, including refineries, maritime and aviation.
From the outset, it is important to state that we strongly believe that the revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED) should be more ambitious in contributing to climate targets and accelerating the transition to a more integrated system with hydrogen being a key part of this effort. The existing renewable energy target for 2030 should be revised upwards in line with the new ambition of the 2030 target plan to facilitate faster decarbonisation and the growth of renewable energy. An increase in this target is also an important driver for much needed additional renewable electricity into the system.
Hydrogen Europe does not challenge the direct use of renewable electricity where most efficient. Hydrogen Europe considers that all new electricity demand should be met with new renewable generation. This remains valid for electrolysers and the subsequent electricity demand these generate. Hydrogen production helps accommodate growing shares of renewables, unleashing their potential and enabling the decarbonisation of those sectors where direct electrification is not an option.
We fully recognise the importance and support the principle of additionality, namely the idea that additional renewable electricity consumption must always be covered by additional renewable capacity. Hydrogen Europe has expressed concerns regarding the practical implementation of additionality principle criteria not the principle itself. Furthermore, given the lack of clarity, we raise concern over the possible extension of these criteria to other sectors (beyond the scope of the RED), the subsequent impact on the deployment of renewable hydrogen, meeting the targets set by the EU Hydrogen strategy and ultimately the long-term EU climate objectives.
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Published June 2021 by Hydrogen Europe
Hydrogen Europe is the organisation representing the interests of the European hydrogen industry. It fully adheres to the European Union’s target of climate neutrality by 2050 and supports the European Commission’s objectives to develop and integrate more renewable energy sources into the European energy mix.
In December 2015 in Paris, a global climate agreement was reached at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 21). The Paris Agreement is seen as a historic and landmark instrument in climate action. However, the agreement is lacking emphasis on international maritime transport and the role that this sector will need to play in contributing to the decarbonisation of the global economy and in striving for a clean planet for all.
Hydrogen, hydrogen-based fuels (such as ammonia) and hydrogen technologies offer tremendous potential for the maritime sector and, if properly harnessed, can significantly contribute to the decarbonisation and also mitigate the air pollution of the worldwide fleet. Hydrogen Europe will be the catalyst in this process the decarbonisation and also mitigate the air pollution of the worldwide fleet. Hydrogen Europe will be the catalyst in this process.
The pathway towards hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels for the maritime sector does not come without technological and commercial challenges let alone regulatory barriers.
This paper aims at showcasing the importance of an ambitious maritime EU-policy to address those challenges and it contains policy requests on EU initiatives such as the necessity to include the maritime sector in the European Emission Trading System as well as setting targets on the demand of hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels and explain why even that is not enough. The current state of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) discussions on the decarbonisation strategy are progressing slowly but there is no time.
Why should the EU take the lead? The IMO discussions on the decarbonisation strategy are progressing but this must be accelerated in order to meet the European Green Deal objectives of carbon neutrality by 2050. Measures to improve the energy-efficiency of the ship by 2030 will not be sufficient, we must act now. If the EU aims to reduce emissions overall by 55% in 2030 compared to 1990, a shift from fossil fuels to zero-carbon fuels for shipping will be required. As the lifetime of ships is high, the introduction of zero-emission vessels must start now.
In its communication on a sustainable and smart mobility strategy (SSMS), the European Commission has acknowledged the importance of taking the lead in decarbonising the maritime sector very clearly, laying down the priorities in the transport sector for the next ten years. This includes a target of zero emission marine vessels market-ready by 2030, boosting the use of renewable fuels in the maritime sector as well as an emphasis on the creation of zero-emission ports.
In the face of inevitable climate change, Martin Stopford and eminent maritime economist describes the coming decade as “the 4th industrial revolution at sea”. It is in the EU’s best interests to manage this revolution effectively over the decades to come.
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Published June 2021 by Hydrogen Europe
Hydrogen has seen unprecedented development in the year 2020. From innovative niche technology, it is fast becoming a systemic element in the European Union’s (EU) efforts to transition to a climate-neutral society in 2050. It will become a crucial energy vector and the other leg of the energy transition – alongside renewable electricity – by replacing coal, oil, and gas across different segments of the economy. The rapid development of hydrogen is important for meeting the EU’s climate objectives and preserving and enhancing the EU’s industrial and economic competitiveness, securing jobs and value creation in this high-tech sector.
Europe is currently leading in hydrogen technology, and European companies and knowledge institutions can be instrumental in advancing technological developments and industrial scale-up. It is imperative that Europe maintains this leadership position and seizes the current momentum for hydrogen technologies. The EU is well placed to become the birthplace of a global hydrogen economy denominated in Euro currency.
It is time that hydrogen moves from an afterthought to a central pillar of the energy system. The “Fit for 55 Package” presents a unique opportunity to begin putting into place a concrete and fit for purpose framework for the development of a clean hydrogen economy. In this paper, you will find Hydrogen Europe’s recommendations on how hydrogen can:
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Published in May 2021
ENTSOG, GIE and Hydrogen Europe have joined forces on a paper that answers a number of fundamental questions about gaseous and liquid hydrogen transport and storage. This paper provides an objective and informative analysis on key concepts, terminology and facts and figures from different public sources.
1» WHAT ARE THE PATHWAYS THAT ALLOW FOR THE INTEGRATION OF HYDROGEN IN THE EXISTING GAS INFRASTRUCTURE AND MARKET?
There are three pathways for the integration of hydrogen into the gas system: the injection of hydrogen and its blending with natural gas in the existing gas infrastructure, the development of a dedicated hydrogen network through conversion of the existing gas infrastructure or via the construction of new hydrogen infrastructure and finally via methanation, consisting in capturing CO2, combined with hydrogen in order to produce e-methane, injected in the gas network. Those models are complementary and depend on the production technology, the concerned zone or even the temporality of the projects. Today the gas infrastructure can accommodate any form of low carbon hydrogen, independently from the technology used for its production, such as electrolysis, gasification of biomass, steam methane reforming combined with capture of CO2 or steam methane reforming of biomethane, electrolysis of molten salt.
2» WHAT IS HYDROGEN BLENDING?
Hydrogen blending is the injection in the existing gas infrastructure of a share of hydrogen into the overall volume of gaseous energy carriers. With exceptions related to injected shares and areas of application, the respective hydrogen blending levels may not substantially affect the capacity of the gas infrastructure [1].
3» WHAT IS HYDROGEN DEBLENDING?
Hydrogen deblending is the reverse process of hydrogen blending and allows to extract pure hydrogen for dedicated uses (e.g. hydrogen fuel cells, feedstock) as well as reasonably hydrogen-free natural gas. For hydrogen deblending, different designs of membrane plants and combinations with other technologies are used (e. g. polymer membrane, carbon membrane, metal membranes, glass/ceramic membranes, membrane-PSA) to separate hydrogen from gaseous energy carriers. There are several important factors to be considered when choosing the most suitable technology, such as permeability, selectivity, stability of the membrane material, effects of discontinuous operation on the operation, design of the membrane plant, effects of different hydrogen concentration on the separation process. Hydrogen separation effectiveness depends on the hydrogen concentration in methane. It is also important to ensure proper management of the separated hydrogen. However, the technology is currently under development and additional R&D analysis is needed.
4» HOW MUCH HYDROGEN CAN BE BLENDED INTO THE EXISTING GAS PIPELINES?
The maximum allowable hydrogen concentration depends mainly on pressure fluctuations, structure and existing defects. However, widespread knowledge to date indicates that, for some grid sections, certain blending percentages (e.g. 2%–10% in volumetric terms) are technically feasible with few adaptations in some Member States. Although additional tests are needed some operators consider 20% the upper bound due in particular to the requirements for downstream users to be adapted beyond this point2 (Figure 1). As regards to technical regulation, blending of hydrogen is explicitly recognized by a few Member States.
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Published April 2021 by Hydrogen Europe
Written by Paul Jenné & Mark Pecqueur.
Preface by Jorgo Chatzimarkakis – Secretary-General Hydrogen Europe
Preface by Bart Biebuyck, Executive-Director of the FCH JU (Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking)
Introduction
The idea of writing a book on hydrogen and fuel cells did not cross my mind when, in 2004, these very words caught my professional attention for the first time in the business I have been employed in my entire life.
Now, more than 15 years later, I feel the urge to share a piece of history and tell my story, from idea to vision and from vision to reality, enough to firmly believe that we can collectively change the world, at least a little bit.
This notion of making the world a better place was new to me. I never expected or experienced greater motivation when it came to pursuing sales and business objectives beyond and alongside the call of duty. Now that I have reached a sacred old age, I understand what we want our children and grandchildren to enjoy and share. And suddenly, the opportunity arises, giving me the chance to do something with the authority I received at the end of a long career.
I am acting from my own experience as a market development manager in a Flemish family business with an international scope, Van Hool in Lier. The family bond and the international scope have encouraged me to start and maintain my professional life, leaving no doubt that this long period has impacted my world view. Fortunately, there is nothing wrong with that.
The family context has offered the company the opportunity to maintain its fundamental values. It has allowed us to develop a business vision in line with those values, without necessarily being guided by market analysis, strict business plans or shareholder return policies. The decisions taken were the outcome of a growing awareness that the way forward was the right one, given the challenges of today and the world in which we want future generations to live. This attitude has always been part of the founder’s motive (‘The Way is Ahead’), fuelled by values such as the need for continuous innovation and progress (stagnation is losing ground), the firm belief in our combined abilities and a fair degree of Flemish stubbornness and pride.
We cannot continue to pollute the air and exhaust the land as we have done in recent decades. We can do something about it – right here, right now – on our own territory, in the spirit of the saying, ‘let everyone sweep in front of their own door, and the whole world will be clean’.
Such drivers have proven powerful enough to lead to action, but not without acknowledging that the word ‘new’ has a limited expiration date if it is designed to meet rapidly changing market conditions within an internationally competitive framework. Whether the products relate to all low-floor buses, modern trolleybuses, hybrids or even hydrogen buses, all developments were primarily instigated by the belief that it had to be done.
Even if part of the company’s culture was and always has been to initiate and sustain change, the driving force was a common, undocumented but genuine understanding that we were moulding the future, and in doing so, serving the company as well as its employees. It is safe to say that the implementation of ever-higher levels of technology was built on the company’s financial strength, and largely in a step-by-step process, with both feet firmly on the ground. You must put your money where your mouth is.
Read the full book publication here
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Original article published on S&P Global Platts, 9 March 2021
Written by: Jeffrey McDonald
London — Building out the hydrogen economy will require a combination of pricing transparency and commoditization as industry makes projects affordable over the coming decade, panelists said at the World Hydrogen virtual summit March 9.
With more than 30 governments globally launching hydrogen strategies, the hydrogen policy focus is becoming more clear. However, incentivizing supply and demand remains a challenge, particularly as companies consider their appetite for risk, said Joaquin Narro, managing director at Alcazar Investment Management.
“The path to hydrogen commoditization is full of opportunities but it is also riddled with dangerous pitfalls,” Narro said.
Finding the right risk appetite amid market uncertainty is critical for driving projects in the early stages as hydrogen economy takes shape over the course of the decade, panelists said at the World Hydrogen Summit virtual conference.
Project risk for low-and-zero carbon hydrogen is largely tied up with feedstock costs, along with finding long-term customers, according to Astrid Behaghel, energy transition expert and hydrogen coordinator for BNP Paribas.
“Long-term financing is what we are missing at the moment — whether it’s from government or long-term offtakers,” she said.
Projects are not yet bankable, and need guidance for what schemes are needed, said Shiva Dustdar, head of innovation at the European Investment Bank.
The bank is advising a number of projects now where the bankability lies on the upstream generation side of renewable energy, but is lacking on the demand side, she said.
The challenge is trying to go closer to the customer, and trying to map investor risk appetite.
“We are interviewing along the corporate value chain, and determining what will it take for the public side to make it worth the capital,” she said.
Mobility markets provide a potential near-term solution, said Oliver Bishop, general manager of Shell Hydrogen.
Industry is able to provide large quantities of hydrogen, but at lower margins, he said.
“Transportation is closer to where it needs to be at parity to conventional hydrocarbon fuels,” he said.
In addition to hydrogen refinery projects, Shell currently has over 50 refueling stations in North America, Europe and Asia.
Over time, building cross-sectoral demand where industrial users provide hydrogen as a feedstock to spur mobility will be crucial for success, Bishop said.
Once projects are in place, developing a cross-border, global hydrogen market will require a combination of pricing and commoditization, Narro said. although measuring carbon intensity appears to be the answer, he said.
“Low carbon hydrogen uniformity is required to draw investors,” Narro said. “Hydrogen needs to be commoditized.”
Creating a carbon intensity product around hydrogen is the answer, Narro said. Such a mechanism could be created by different grid operators or linked to CO2 prices, he said.
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