Technologies for Energy Transition

Abstract

The production of fuel and chemicals in many countries is based on fossil sources but concerns about reservoir limitations and greenhouse gas emissions are shifting the focus towards solutions to increase the efficiency of processes and decarbonise these markets: the objective of this paper is to provide an overview on low-carbon intensity technologies that are instrumental to the decarbonisation of the energy industry. Hydrogen is the most promising low-carbon intensity energy vector. However, it is mainly produced through hydrocarbon steam reforming which generates 9 to 12 metric tons of CO2 per ton of produced hydrogen. A key factor in driving the energy transition and achieving a low-carbon future is therefore the potential to obtain low carbon intensity hydrogen – through carbon capture solutions producing blue hydrogen, using biofeedstocks within adapted steam reforming applications to produce biohydrogen, or via water electrolysis utilizing renewable power. The blue hydrogen technology described in this paper results in more than 90% CO2 emissions reduction due to the integration of an advanced steam reforming solution with pre-combustion carbon capture. While blue hydrogen, which is produced from hydrocarbons, is able to significantly reduce the emissions to the atmosphere, but still produces some CO2, biohydrogen is instead a carbon neutral solution achived via modified steam reforming of liquid biofeedstock. This technology has the potential to be carbon negative when enhanced with a carbon capture system. Another aspect of the decarbonisation process, Substitute (or Synthetic) Natural Gas (SNG) from biomass gasification, biogas upgrading and power-to-gas systems is the most promising and immediate solution among the hydrocarbon-based fuels. SNG product has great market possibilities in refining, and automotive sectors or for injecting into pipelines for the upgrading and re-purposing of distribution networks. The product is a clean carbon alternative to conventional natural gas that can be distributed using the existing grid infrastructure. Wood is pleased to present this paper to introduce the above-mentioned technologies for hydrogen and SNG, with the aim to provide viable and alternative solutions to industrial operators who are looking to support the economy decarbonisation securely and create a more sustainable future.