(296c) Assessment of Low-Carbon Technologies in Energy Transition

A number of new approaches are emerging as the world transitions to net-zero carbon. Use of hydrogen as universal fuel, carbon capture from concentrated point sources, and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) from the atmosphere are some of the possible technologies being implemented at scale. In this presentation, we assess the overall effectiveness of these technologies in achieving carbon neutrality. We also consider energy and water requirements of selected processes.

Momentum is building for a hydrogen-based economy. Large-scale use of hydrogen for a variety of industrial processes is common. In the current resurgence of interest in hydrogen, new methods of production, storage and end-use are being considered. Hydrogen is viewed as the fuel of choice to store excess renewable energy and use when dictated by demand. Energy requirements and efficiencies for common hydrogen production processes will be presented.

Renewable energy usage is also considered for capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or from concentrated point sources, and for decarbonizing industrial processes. Energy requirements for established and emerging carbon capture and storage processes will be catalogued. Water usage over the life cycle of selected processes will also be presented. A combined assessment of energy and water usage along with carbon avoided will help highlight the net-zero carbon pathways.