Decarbonisation Technology - May 2023 Issue

In April 2023, the Decarbonisation Technology European Summit opened with a discussion on the need to balance the transition to renewable energy and sustainable fuels while ensuring the security and reliability of affordable energy supplies for the consumer. Progress with the energy transition is noteworthy as companies move on from agreeing targets and developing plans to project implementation. Innovation is at the forefront of this transition, touching every aspect and incorporating existing as well as emerging technologies. Investments in renewable sources of electricity, particularly solar and wind power, are reducing the reliance on imported gas and thereby improving energy security. Similarly, the progressive substitution of oil with renewable biogenic feedstocks is underway. Industrial clusters are encouraging investment in new infrastructure for the supply of hydrogen and the transport, storage, and utilisation of carbon dioxide (CO 2) . First-of-a-kind demonstration plants are being commissioned, for example, to gasify the organic fraction of household waste to produce a range of low-carbon transport fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Successful full-scale trials using hydrogen in commercial steel and glassmaking furnaces were highlighted. Other notable points included the utilisation of CO 2 for the production of chemicals and fuels. Perhaps the biggest highlight is the spirit of co-operation and the emergence of partnerships across different industries with government, academia, and other stakeholders. It is good to report such success and encouraging progress with the energy transition. Yet the road to net zero is clearly long and difficult. Over the next two decades, investment must increase exponentially. Even though we are likely to overshoot the 1.5ºC target, we must endeavour to minimise the amount and duration of the overshoot. With this in mind, reducing methane emissions between now and 2030 can make a vital contribution. This magazine will follow reports from the monitoring entities (IEA and IMEO) and highlight actions taken by companies to deliver on their commitments. None of this should surprise those employed in the transition, especially the contributors and readers of Decarbonisation Technology magazine. In this edition, we are pleased to share a special feature on hydrogen safety. Other topics include the integration of a range of low-carbon technologies, electrolytic hydrogen production, and waste-to-fuels. These are followed by the production and economics of SAF and marine fuels, as well as carbon capture storage and utilisation in hard-to-abate industries, such as cement. Together these articles emphasise that decarbonisation covers the whole value chain, from the energy source to the end user.

Managing Editor Rachel Storry

rachel.storry@emap.com tel +44 (0)7786 136440

Consulting Editor Robin Nelson robin.nelson@ decarbonisationtechnology.com

Editorial Assistant Lisa Harrison lisa.harrison@emap.com

Graphics Peter Harper

US Operations Mark Peters mark.peters@emap.com tel +1 832 656 5341

Business Development Director Paul Mason info@decarbonisationtechnology.com tel +44 844 5888 771

Managing Director Richard Watts richard.watts@emap.com

EMAP, 10th Floor Southern House Wellesley Grove, Croydon CR0 1XG

Cover Story Distillation columns