Forward thinking about the trends and events that will shape our energy future.
Electrolyzer; Image Credit: Enertrag/Silke Reents; Article published on LinkedIn August 27, 2024.
From Wind to Hydrogen: What an Operating Green Hydrogen Plant Really Looks Like.
If you're actively following the green hydrogen sector, it's likely you've seen the digitally created futuristic renderings of green hydrogen plants, overlayed at ports and industrial centers, with photoshopped solar fields and wind turbines in the background. But, what does an operational green hydrogen facility actually look like?
I'm extremely fortunate to have onsite working experience at an operating green hydrogen plant, powered by wind energy. It's at the Enertrag Prenzlau facility located north of Berlin, Germany. Having worked with Enertrag developing large scale green hydrogen projects internationally, I eagerly visited the Prenzlau facility on many occasions to satisfy my own curiosity, reviewing equipment and sketching up rough piping and process flow diagrams in my notebook.
Green Gas.
The Cost to Produce Green Hydrogen.
The price of Hydrogen at the pump in Germany is €9.50/kg-H2, but what does it cost to produce?
Hydrogen (H2) has been widely produced and utilized throughout our recent history. However, eager focus is now on Green Hydrogen produced via the electrolysis of water utilizing renewable electricity. Electrolysis splits water molecules into separate molecules of hydrogen and oxygen, with zero carbon associated in the process.
The deployment of Green Hydrogen presents opportunities to further decarbonize the industrial, heat, transport and mobility sectors. These sectors are considered more challenging to address with respect to emissions reduction.
Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm, North Sea.
The North Sea, an Enhanced Natural Resource.
We are in an era where innovation is harnessing wind and solar energy, yielding electricity that is more competitive in price than that derived from carbon based sources such as coal, natural gas, and other liquid fuels. We also hear of the development of unique biomass, hydrogen and marine energy technologies, as players in our future energy mix. When we look back at history we have defined timber, fish, land, petroleum and water as our common natural resources, these often being exclusively owned and controlled by individuals and national states. Now, imagine if we re-defined the term natural resource in the context of future energy, to 'Enhanced Natural Resource;' something greater than the singular resources we are used to discussing. Consider the following definition that I propose:
Glacial Power.
How Does COVID-19 Impact Clean Energy and our Climate Future?
The effects of COVID-19, or Novel Corona Virus ('nCoV') feel all too real to us at this moment. Most can likely say they have already experienced consequences of the nCoV pandemic either in health, emotional wellness, financial impact or by the global response. Trust that this shock will over time subside, and the crisis will become one of those stories of days past, that we tell a younger generation over a comforting cup of tea. However, when we visualize ourselves in the future telling that story, we should wonder what that future looks like. To me, the following question comes to mind.
Mölsheim, Germany.
Building Local Acceptance of Renewable Energy Development in Europe.
I had the pleasure of attending the 'Achieving a Win-Win(d): Socially-Inclusive Wind Energy across Europe' conference in Berlin last week, where the discussion of socially inclusive wind energy development centred on building local community acceptance. Wind energy amongst other renewable energy forms plays a major role in Europe's climate objectives and energy transition strategy. With the density of onshore wind energy development increasing in central Europe, and foreign developers actively investing in projects, achieving local community acceptance even for renewable energy projects is becoming a more complex negotiation between stakeholders. The challenges facing future wind energy can be extended to other types of renewable energy development.
Let’s Work Together.
Toro is always excited to look at new opportunities, and is comfortable working internationally. Please get in touch and we can talk about starting the process.