RacetoNetZero

Some of the issues that effects the climate, are the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide, which trap heat in the atmosphere and are leading to a warmer planet.

Climate change is mainly driven by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases trap heat, leading to a warming of the planet e.g., burning fossil fuels, improper waste management practices, that could lead to the release of carbon dioxide and methane.

Transitioning to green or renewable energy sources is a crucial strategy for mitigating climate change. Green energy refers to energy sources that have a minimal or no negative impact on the environment and produce very low levels of greenhouse gas emissions. This is where Power to X can use the green or renewable energy to make hydrogen, methane, or other biofuels.

There are some obstacles for the transitions to green or renewable energy sources.
Such as:
• Initial costs: The upfront investment required to establish the infrastructure for solar power, land-based wind turbines, and energy storage, can be higher compared to traditional fossil fuel-based technologies.
• Intermittency and reliability: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent, meaning that their generation depends on weather conditions. This can make it challenging to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply, especially during periods of low sun or wind.
• Energy storage: Effective storage systems are needed to ensure a consistent energy supply. Hydrogen and methane can be used to storage energy.
• Policy and regulatory barriers
• Permitting and land use

Renewables

Solar energy is a type of renewable energy derived from the sun and there are two main ways to capture and utilize solar energy.
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems: Solar PV systems convert sunlight directly into electricity.
• Solar thermal systems: Solar thermal systems utilize the sun´s heat to generate steam or hot water.

Wind energy is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the kinetic energy of moving air (wind) and converts it into usable power, usually electricity.
• Renewable: Wind is a natural resource that will continue to be available as long as the wind keeps blowing.
• Energy independence: Wind energy can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and imported energy, enhancing energy security.

Biogas is a renewable energy resource produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials. It primarily consists of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and small amounts of other gases.
• Biogas applications. Biogas can be used for various purposes, such as
– Electricity generation. Biogas can be burned in engines or turbines to generate electricity.
– Heat production. biogas can be used for heating applications, such as in industrial processes, residential heating, and district heating systems.
– Vehicle fuel. Biogas can be processed to remove impurities and then used as a vehicle fuel, often referred to as “biomethane.”

Carbon capture (CCS) refers to the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes, power plants, and other sources before they are released into the atmosphere. The captured CO2 is then transported and stored or utilized in various ways to prevent its contribution to climate change.
CCS is viewed as a transitional technology that can help mitigate climate change by reducing CO2 emissions from industries and sectors that are challenging to decarbonize. It can play a role in achieving net-zero emissions by capturing CO2 from sources that are difficult to eliminate entirely.

Green Fuels

E-fuel, short for “electro-fuel” or “electro-synthetic fuel”, refers to a type of synthetic fuel that is produced using electricity derived from renewable sources, such as solar or wind energy. It is a form of energy carrier that can be used to store and transport energy in a more versatile manner than direct electricity. E-fuels are a potential solution for sectors that are difficult to electrify directly, such as aviation, heavy industries, and long-haul transportation.
E-fuels are typically produced through a multi-step process that involves capturing CO2 from the air or from industrial processes, and then combining it with H2 (usually derived from water electrolysis using renewable electricity) to create hydrocarbon molecules. These molecules can resemble conventional fossil fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, or aviation fuels.

Hydrogen is a chemical element with the symbol H and atomic number 1. It is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe, making up 75% of its elemental mass. Hydrogen is a fundamental building block of matter and plays a crucial role in various chemical and physical processes.
Hydrogen is highly reactive and can form compounds with a wide range of elements, including oxygen, carbon, and metals. These compounds are essential for life and various industrial processes. One of the most well-know compounds is water (H2O), where two hydrogen atoms are bonded to one oxygen atom.
Hydrogen as an energy carrier is of particular interest in efforts to transition away from fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. When produced using renewable energy sources (such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power), hydrogen can be a carbon-neutral fuel, as the only byproduct of its use is water.

eMethanol, or green methanol, is methanol (CH3OH) produced from sustainable sources like captured CO2 and renewable hydrogen. It’s a cleaner alternative to conventional methanol, reducing carbon emissions and aligning with global decarbonization efforts. eMethanol is used as a fuel, in chemical manufacturing, and as an energy carrier.

Ammonia (NH3) can be used as an alternative fuel in the marine environment. It is also commonly used in the agricultural industry, for making fertilizers.
It is mostly produced by using the “Haber-Bosch process”, which involves combining nitrogen gas with hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst at high temperatures and pressures.
When used in fuel cells or burned in engines, ammonia´s primary combustion byproducts are nitrogen and water vapor, making it a potentially cleaner energy carrier compared to fossil fuels.
Ammonia plays a critical role in various sectors, especially in agriculture and chemical production. However, its production and use also come with challenges related to safety, environmental impact, and sustainability.

eSAF and similar synthetic fuels have gained attention as a potential solution to reduce carbon emissions in sectors where electrification may be challenging, such as aviation and shipping. They are part of a broader effort to decarbonize various industries and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. However, the adaptation and scalability of eSAF depend on advances in technology, infrastructure development, and supportive policies.

Some of the key points regarding eSAF are as listed below.

Carbon neutrality: When produced using renewable electricity and CO2 captured from the atmosphere or industrial processes, eSAF can be considered a low-carbon or carbon-neutral energy source. The CO2 emissions associated with burning eSAF are offset by the CO2 used in its production.
Energy storage: eSAF provides a means to store surplus renewable energy in a form that can be easily transported and used in various applications, including transportation, industry, and power generation.

Versatility: ESAF can be used as a drop-in replacement for conventional fossil fuels, making it compatible with existing infrastructure and systems.
Reduced emissions: The use of eSAF in sectors like aviation and long-haul transportation can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as it offers a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Challenges: Challenges associated with eSAF production include the cost of renewable electricity, the availability of renewable hydrogen, and the need for suitable carbon capture technologies for CO2 sourcing.

PtX

PtX covers a series of technologies, all of which are based on electricity being used to produce hydrogen. In Denmark, they talk about PtX, while abroad they call it green hydrogen or “electro fuels” (“e-fuels”). Both terms describe the process where electricity and water are converted into hydrogen through electrolysis. The hydrogen can be used directly in e.g., trucks, ferries, or industry, but it can also be further converted into other fuels.
The further conversion can be done with nitrogen from the air to produce ammonia or with CO2 to produce fuels such as methanol or jet fuel. The CO2 can, for example, come from biogas plants or be collected from cogeneration plants, waste incineration or industry, and can both be used for PtX (Carbon Capture and Utilization, CCU) or deposited underground (Carbon Capture and Storage, CCS).

Electrolysis is the process of using electricity to split water (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). This is achieved in an electrolyzer, a device that houses an anode and a cathode separated by an electrolyte. When electricity is applied, water at the cathode splits into hydrogen and hydroxide ions. The hydrogen gas is collected, and the hydroxide ions move to the anode, releasing oxygen and completing the cycle.

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen (or another oxidizing agent). It operates like a battery but does not require recharging. Fuel cells are efficient, clean, and versatile energy conversion devices that can be used to generate electricity for various applications.

Fuel cells can vary based on the type of electrolyte used and the specific reaction occurring at the electrodes. Different types of fuel cells include proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), alkaline fuel cells (AFCs).

Power to X can be used in many different applications, and here are some of the possibilities for the X.

Hydrogen (H2) production:
• Excess renewable electricity is used to electrolyze water, producing H2. The produced H2 can be used as a clean fuel for transportation, industrial processes, or energy storage: The H2 can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity for various applications, including vehicles and stationary power generation.

Synthetic natural gas (SNG)
• Excess renewable electricity is used to produce SNG by converting H2 and captured CO2 into methane. This SNG can be injected into natural gas pipelines or used as a fuel.

Ammonia production
• Excess renewable electricity is used to produce ammonia (NH3) through the Harber-Bosch process. NH3 can be used as a clean fuel, in fertilizers, or as a chemical feedstock.

Methanol production
• Excess renewable electricity is used to produce methanol by combining CO2 (captures from the air or industrial processes) and H2. Methanol can be used as a fuel or chemical feedstock.

PtX technologies have a wide range of feasible end applications across various sectors. These applications leverage surplus renewable energy to create valuable products, address energy storage challenges, and reduce CO2 emissions. Here are some notable applications for PtX.

Transportation:
• E-fuels
-PtX can produce synthetic fuels (e-fuels) like hydrogen, synthetic natural gas (SNG), synthetic gasoline, and synthetic diesel. These e-fuels can be used as clean alternatives for aviation, long-haul trucking, and other forms of transportation.
• Hydrogen fuel cells
-PtX-produced hydrogen can power fuel cell vehicles, including cars, buses, and trains, providing zero-emission transportation solutions.
Energy storage:
• Hydrogen storage
– PtX can store surplus renewable energy in the form of hydrogen, which can be converted back to electricity when needed. this energy storage can help balance grid supply and demand, especially in regions with intermittent renewable energy sources.
• Synthetic fuels as energy carries
– E-fuels can serve as energy carries, allowing for the transport of energy over long distances and across sectors. They can be used for power generation or industrial processes when needed.
Agriculture:
• Ammonia as fertiliser