Liang says
The Hydrogen UK Annual Conference on 12th March provided me with an excellent opportunity to expand my knowledge and gain insights into the current landscape of decarbonisation industries. The keynote sessions delivered by representatives from three prominent companies across the hydrogen (H2) value chain emphasised the critical importance of H2 development. Its versatility and emission-free nature make H2 a key player in addressing pressing global challenges.
As an emissions-free fuel, H2 offers a solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors, potentially serving as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Its capacity for energy storage and grid balancing, particularly necessary given the intermittency of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, ensures improved energy security. Embracing an H2-based economy holds transformative potential, promising to reshape multiple sectors, revamp commercial structures, and foster a more sustainable, decarbonised, and resilient future.
The emergence of the H2 economy offers numerous economic opportunities across the entire value chain, spanning infrastructure development, technology innovation, production, and distribution. Businesses, particularly those involved in blue H2 production, stand to benefit significantly, especially in regions where green H2 storage is limited and there is high demand for H2 in home heating. Manufacturers of electrolysers and renewable energy generators are poised to capitalise on the increasing demand for clean H2. Additionally, for construction companies, engineering firms, and utilities eyeing sustainable infrastructure investments, the expansion of H2 infrastructure, including refuelling stations and pipeline networks, presents a promising market.
National-scale H2 infrastructure initiatives are anticipated to drive down production costs, particularly with the scalability of offshore wind energy, potentially making green H2 economically viable with minimal subsidy support. Large-scale H2 infrastructure also facilitates international trade, enhancing global energy security, fostering economic opportunities for both exporting and importing countries, promoting collaboration and innovation in H2 technologies, and contributing to the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Efficient H2 storage and transport systems are essential to maximise the benefits of low-cost production and international trade, with green ammonia playing a pivotal role in facilitating the interaction between the ammonia and H2 industries.
Exploring the 72 exhibitions featuring cutting-edge technologies, projects, and products across H2 value chains was truly exciting. The conference prompted me to reflect on the coexistence of opportunities and risks within the field. Challenges such as access to water, decarbonisation, the supply of blue H2, optimal demand management, initiatives in transportation and storage sectors, investment incentives, and scalability of H2 projects became evident. The considerations surrounding the import and export of H2 imply the importance of balancing local demand, cost structures, and power grid deployment. Poor public perception and engagement cause localised resistance to H2 economy development. Clear policies play crucial roles in maintaining market confidence and ensuring regulatory attractiveness throughout the value chain.
The transition towards H2 requires a robust business model supported by government interventions to stabilise the markets. Offshore wind assets have emerged as a promising avenue for large-scale H2 production, contingent upon thorough suitability assessments and installation tests. Advances in nuclear technology, coupled with collaboration among major chemical companies, hold significant promise for applications in CO2 management and alkaline electrolyser technology in the coming decade. The UK has a relatively clear and stable policy environment, together with high-quality education and a rich talent reserve, which position it favourably for the safe development of the H2 industry. These competitive advantages equip the UK to attract global investment and access international markets effectively.
Hydrogen UK Annual Conference provides such a valuable communication platform that enables me to better align my research with societal needs, industry requirements, and market dynamics by engaging both industry professionals and policymakers. I hope the Hydrogen UK conference will be better and am looking forward to the next encounter!