Decarbonisation Technology - August 2023 Issue

Energy production accounts for around 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from the combustion of fossil fuels. Ultimately, the aim of the energy transition is to minimise emissions from the production and use of energy. BP identified four drivers in the transition: growing renewable energy, increasing electrification, declining demand for fossil hydrocarbons, and developing demand for low carbon intensity fuels, most notably hydrogen. I would add a fifth, developing carbon capture storage and usage. Globally, in 2021 low-carbon energy sources (renewables plus nuclear) accounted for 18% of primary energy consumption and 37% of the electricity generation mix. The energy supply transition is most visible in the growing ubiquity of solar panels and wind turbines for power generation. Countries with the highest share of renewables in their energy mix tend to have a higher share of hydro (for example, Norway) and/or nuclear power (for example, France). However, the overall picture tends to hide trends such as the positive shift from coal to natural gas. Clearly, much more needs to be done to increase the share of renewables in the supply mix, and in this edition of Decarbonisation Technology we look at the underused potential of geothermal energy. The demand transition involves switching from a fossil-based fuel to a lower carbon energy source, most apparent in the rollout of battery electric vehicles for light-duty road transport. Wherever feasible, switching to electric furnaces is being deployed in industrial manufacturing, including refinery furnaces. When direct electrification is not feasible, alternatives such as hydrogen are being pursued. However, as one article in this edition points out, it is important to consider a life cycle analysis approach to ensure that fuel switching does not inadvertently lead to increased emissions. Steam methane reforming with carbon capture can be a viable route to low carbon intensity hydrogen, which also makes use of existing capacity. Recently, the UK government announced 13 fuel switching projects, two of which are discussed herein with case studies on glass manufacturing and the whisky industry. Refineries are progressing towards a circular carbon economy through investments to maximise their use of renewable feedstocks for the production of sustainable hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals, such as biofuels for hard-to-electrify transport sectors and bio-ethylene. Recent regulatory drivers such as the US IRA, RefuelEU, and the revised IMO GHG strategy support these investments. They are critical initiators for the hydrogen economy and the development of e-fuels. Dr Robin Nelson

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Cover Story Distillation columns