This report is brought to you by Sustainable Circular Economy, a boutique firm in Vancouver, Canada, dedicated to assisting companies to to do the world a world of good by focusing on real sustainability and the circular economy that considers life-cycle impacts on people, the planet and profitability.
A major concern is, “What’s the Plan for sustainability if the pronouncements do not work out?” Transiting to the use of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel is not an easy task, but many people talk as if it is easy to move from fossil fuels to alternate, environmentally friendly fuels.
Don’t get me wrong; I am not an antagonist for “not switching to environmentally sustainable solutions.” I am deeply concerned that we get this right – we have one chance and I ask the question, “What is the Plan for sustainability if the pronouncements do not work?”
In it report on the use of potentially sustainable alternatives for the offshore shipping industry, DNV, a global leading quality assurance and risk management company operating in more than 100 countries has ruled out the use of pure hydrogen as a clean fuel for international shipping.
Why Is Hydrogen Ruled Out as a Sustainable Fuel?
Because of its poor energy density and other challenges, not the least being safety. They suggest that pure hydrogen will not be in the forefront of the shipping industry’s 2050 plans, losing out to biofuels, fossil fuels and hydrogen derivatives. They categorize hydrogen as unsuitable for use as a shipping fuel.
The Problems with Pure Hydrogen as a Sustainable Fuel?
Liquid hydrogen requires cryogenic temperatures of below minus 253°C, making it difficult to handle and store at sea.
And compressed and liquid hydrogen have poor volumetric energy density of 1.2kWh and 2.4kWh per litre, respectively, meaning that huge storage tanks would be required to ship and burn it over long distances, in a setting where space is at a premium.
Are there Alternatives for Sustainable Fuels?
There are and DNV has suggest 24 alternatives that may work. They suggest a full decarbonization scenario, biofuels, synthetic fuels made with biomass such as bio-marine gas oil (bio-MGO), bio-LNG and bio-methanol, would take a sizeable share of the fuel mix across the board of variables.
They also suggest that green hydrogen-derived fuels, such as ammonia, methanol, e-LNG or e-MGO make a contribution in scenarios where biomass or CCS availability is limited, or where renewable electricity is abundant and cheap.
Most importantly too, they emphasize that all novel alternative fuels would have to contend with heightened safety considerations and nascent regulation, especially hydrogen, which has a high flammability rate, and ammonia and methanol which are both highly toxic
To view the report by DNV, please CLICK HERE
Sustainable Circular Economy – Who are We?
We are not just another company or program to implement, or policy to follow. We understand that personal and business activities impact the earth and its resources. We focus our efforts to protect and enhance our living environment while helping people and businesses on a pathway to do the world a world of good.
We will help you achieve results:
Based upon the principles of the Circular Economy, we help individuals and businesses to:
a) Eliminate waste and pollution
b) Circulate products and materials to their highest value
d) Assist with a pathway to sustainability
Contact Sustainable Circular Economy today!
Do you want to know if your company is doing the world a world of good? Contact us today. It is the right time to seize the new era of opportunity and innovation through integration of a circular economy and sustainability into your life and your business.
Best wishes from all of us at Sustainable Circular Economy.
Sustainable Circular Economy
Vancouver, Canada
wayne@sustainablecirculareconomy.ca
+1 604 788 7261
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