The pivotal role of collaboration in accelerating the shift to hydrogen adoption, a potential key to solving the net zero puzzle. Bryan Tan reports.
The global imperative to combat climate change has put the spotlight on reducing carbon emissions, driving industry experts and regulators to gather and chart a course towards a greener and more sustainable future. Prominent speakers shared their insights on the pivotal role of collaboration in accelerating the shift to hydrogen adoption, a potential key to solving the net zero puzzle.
The discussions, which took place at the Singapore Energy Summit during SIEW 2023 on 23 October, focused on a Special Session on "Hydrogen as the Future of Net Zero Energy". In the panel were:
- Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, Minister for Environment; Climate Action; Racing and Gaming, Western Australia;
- Vipul Tuli, Chairman, South Asia, Chief Executive Officer, Hydrogen Business, Sembcorp Industries;
- Takao Tsukui, Executive Vice President, International Sales and Marketing, Mitsubishi Power; and
Ronnie Chalmers, Chief Executive Officer of the Asia Pacific Hub, Air Liquide.
Collaboration across borders
Mr Chalmers emphasised the need for hydrogen producers, technology providers, and government regulators to work together in investing in and developing hydrogen supply chains. He highlighted the globalised nature of hydrogen supply chains, where countries rich in renewable energy, such as Saudi Arabia, could potentially export green hydrogen to economies like Singapore.
In today's complex energy landscape, collaboration—whether it is sharing ideas, technologies or resources—is crucial to overcoming the roadblocks that impede the rapid upscaling of hydrogen, a key component in the net zero journey.
Clear policy and regulations
Minister Whitby stressed the importance of clear regulatory frameworks and policy transparency for informed decision-making by investors and businesses. He also emphasised the pivotal role of governments in providing the right incentives, such as subsidies and carbon pricing, to kickstart the hydrogen industry. Standardisation and alignment of regulations and standards across different geographies are vital to ensure seamless integration and operation of hydrogen-based technologies on a global scale.
Mr Tsukui shared that his company is "putting in a lot of investment in the technology to ensure that their gas turbines are ready to utilise hydrogen". Towards this end, Mitsubishi Power is "building about 2 gigawatts of power in Singapore's industry". He also mentioned that the next couple of years are crucial for the industry in establishing the supply chain system, with support from governments and other technology producers.
Navigating multiple pathways towards emerging technologies
Mr Tuli spoke about the viability of hydrogen as technology innovation keeps evolving. With numerous competing technology pathways, developers and governments face the dilemma of making strategic bets in this evolving landscape.
He said: "In my 30 years in the industry, I have never seen this breadth, depth and intensity of technology innovation. So today, as a developer, it's not our job to develop the technologies but it's our job to be the smartest picker and chooser of the technologies."
It was noted that the Singapore government's efforts to shortlist developers for an ammonia Request for Proposal will be a crucial step in addressing these challenges and creating viable markets. This will be one of the first commercial projects in the world to test and deploy the use of ammonia as a fuel. Ammonia is one of the more promising hydrogen carriers that companies are exploring as it has a high hydrogen energy content. The selected developer will work with the Government to jointly develop an end-to-end ammonia solution for power generation and bunkering on Jurong Island.
The transition to a net zero world presents a colossal challenge, but the panellists expressed optimism that the world can achieve the target if the right conditions are met. Collaboration between multiple stakeholders, clarity in government policies, and diversifying technology will be essential in unlocking the potential of hydrogen for a net zero future.
As the world works together to overcome barriers, develop hydrogen economies, and pave the way for a more sustainable energy future, we are hopeful in answering the question: Can hydrogen unlock the net zero puzzle?
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