Policies Championing Hydrogen Technologies for Clean Energy
The challenge of climate change remains, despite recent worldwide events that compete for world attention and funding. There remains a global movement towards embracing sustainable energy practices, powering decarbonisation and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across diverse industries. Within this landscape, hydrogen is emerging as a key technology.
When produced via eco-friendly methodologies, hydrogen represents a realistic hope for achieving a sustainable and cleaner future. Leading the charge in this decarbonisation mission are innovative technologies including Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC), Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC), Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysers (PEMEL), and Alkaline Electrolysers (AEL).
A recent analysis released by Versiv Composites in partnership with Alternative Energy Driven Solutions GmbH uncovers how these technologies are transitioning from concepts to drivers of sustainable energy advancements. For the mobility sector, PEMFC and AFC technologies are becoming crucial alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. At the same time, PEMEL and AEL technologies play a pivotal role in fabricating "green" hydrogen, giving more credibility to H2s potential to decarbonise.
Progressive global policies and breakthroughs in renewable energy sources are paving the way for these technologies to be more impactful.
In line with the findings of the white paper, there is a growing trend is the formulation of new governmental policies worldwide designed to fast-track the application of fuel cells and electrolysers. With an eye on the objectives of the Paris Agreement, European nations are increasing investments in renewable energy ventures and promoting the manufacture and use of green hydrogen. The European Union's Hydrogen Strategy, aiming for the deployment of 40 GW of renewable hydrogen electrolysers by 2030, is evidence of this and influencing the development of PEMEL and AEL technologies.
Technological breakthroughs within the renewable energy sector are making the mass production of green hydrogen increasingly viable. For example, advancements in solar and wind power have led to a consistent drop in electricity costs – an essential factor for electrolysis –propelling the commercial growth of PEMEL and AEL technologies and presenting green hydrogen as a viable contender against conventional energy sources.
The conversation around these technologies is also evolving, emphasising the need for a cohesive approach towards energy policy, technological progress, and market development. The focus isn’t just on the technologies' efficiency but on their potential to integrate and cultivate a sustainable energy ecosystem. This means tacking challenges related to energy storage, distribution, and creating a regulatory environment conducive to innovation while safeguarding environmental and safety standards.
Despite potential setbacks from global happenings, the resilience of this sector is becoming more apparent, but it's crucial that stakeholders and innovators continue to showcase technologies that underline hydrogen's role in sustainable energy.
By maintaining a focus on propelling these innovative technologies forward, we edge closer to a sustainable energy future. The German steel industry's commitment to hydrogen underscores the positive momentum in this direction.
For an in-depth exploration of the PTFE fuel cells and electrolyser technologies spearheading this shift, download our free comprehensive White Paper.
