The world is seeking to reduce its carbon footprint and limit the effects of climate change, leading to a major transition in the global energy sector. The shift towards renewable energy sources is gaining momentum, and green hydrogen is playing a key role in this transition. Companies are producing green hydrogen using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, making it a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. This article will explore the latest developments in green hydrogen production technologies and how they are revolutionizing the energy landscape.

The Role of Green Hydrogen in the Energy Transition

As the world seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and limit the effects of climate change, people are increasingly viewing clean hydrogen as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Green hydrogen is seen as a key enabler of the energy transition because it can power a range of applications, including transportation, industrial processes, and power generation. Clean hydrogen produces no harmful emissions, making it a clean and sustainable energy source, unlike traditional fossil fuels.

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Green Hydrogen vs Traditional Fossil Fuels

The clean and sustainable nature of green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, provides one of the key advantages over traditional fossil fuels. While fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas are non-renewable resources that emit harmful emissions when burned, clean hydrogen has the potential to provide a clean and sustainable alternative. Moreover, clean hydrogen is versatile and can power various applications, including transportation, industrial processes, and power generation. In contrast, fossil fuels are less versatile, primarily used for transportation and power generation.

Production Techniques

Several techniques are used to produce green hydrogen, including electrolysis, biomass gasification, and photobiological processes. The predominat method for producing clean hydrogen is electrolysis, which involves passing an electric current through water to separate it into hydrogen and oxygen. Heating organic materials such as wood chips or agricultural waste produces a gas that can be converted into hydrogen in the process of biomass gasification. Photobiological processes utilize algae or other microorganisms to produce hydrogen through photosynthesis.

Latest Advances

Advancements in green hydrogen production technologies are driving down the cost of producing hydrogen, making it more competitive with fossil fuels. One of the key areas of research is reducing the cost of electrolysis, which is currently the most widely used method for producing clean hydrogen. Researchers are exploring new materials and catalysts that can improve the efficiency of electrolysis and reduce the cost of production.

Another area of research is using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power to produce green hydrogen. As the cost of renewable energy goes down, the cost of production will decline too, making it more competitive with fossil fuels.

Green Hydrogen Applications in Various Industries

Sustainably produced hydrogen finds wide applications in various industries, including transportation, industrial processes, and power generation. within the transportation sector. It can also power fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), which emit no harmful substances and offer a longer range than battery electric vehicles (BEVs). In the industrial sector, it serves as a cleaner alternative. In power generation, it produces electricity by using the green hydrogen to power vehicles and equipment.

Learn more about hydrogen Hydrogen

Challenges and Limitations

Although renewable hydrogen offers numerous benefits over traditional fossil fuels, it also presents various challenges and limitations that require attention. The cost of production emerges as one of the most significant hurdles. Despite the declining cost of producing clean hydrogen, it still remains more expensive than conventional fossil fuels. This has an impact on viable market entry for the time being, but technological advancements are making green hydrogen a much more viable option.

The lack of infrastructure for producing, storing, and transporting hydrogen poses a challenge. Although there are some hydrogen refueling stations for FCEVs, they remain relatively rare compared to gasoline stations. Furthermore, the limited capacity for storing hydrogen can make it challenging to use in industrial processes or power generation.

Future of Green Hydrogen Production and its Implications

Clean hydrogen production is looking bright despite the challenges. As the world seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and limit the effects of climate change, people are increasingly viewing clean hydrogen as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Technological advancements in clean hydrogen production are driving down the cost of production, making it more competitive with fossil fuels. Additionally, governments and private companies are already investing heavily in clean hydrogen production, which is expected to drive further innovation and advancements in the field.

The shift towards green hydrogen production has significant implications. As more industries and applications adopt clean hydrogen, it has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions and pave the way for a more sustainable energy future.

Investment Opportunities in Green Hydrogen Production

The growing interest in green hydrogen production presents many investment opportunities in the field. Companies involved in clean hydrogen production, such as electrolyzer manufacturers or renewable energy companies, are likely to experience significant growth in the coming years. Furthermore, investors can explore opportunities in hydrogen fuel cell technology, which powers FCEVs and other applications.

Conclusion: A Key to Sustainable Energy Future

The potential in green hydrogen production presents many investment opportunities in the field. Companies involved in clean hydrogen production, such as electrolyzer manufacturers or renewable energy companies, are likely to experience significant growth in the coming years. Furthermore, investors can explore opportunities in hydrogen fuel cell technology, which powers FCEVs and other applications.

Check out one of our clean hydrogen projects baltichydrogengroup.com

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The ground test was conducted on an early concept demonstrator using green hydrogen created by wind and tidal power. It marks a major step towards proving that hydrogen could be a zero carbon aviation fuel of the future and is a key proof point in the decarbonisation strategies of both Rolls-Royce and easyJet.

Rolls-Royce AE 2100 Engine !

The Rolls-Royce AE 2100 is a turboprop developed by Allison Engine Company, now part of Rolls-Royce North America. The engine was originally known as the GMA 2100.

While Saab 2000 Turboprop used the GMA 2100 in 1989 , Lockheed Martin and Alenia used the AE 2100 for its C-27J Spartantactical airlifter In June 1997. 

General Performance Using Aviation Turbine Fuel :

• Maximum power output : 4,637 shp (3,458 kW).
• Overall pressure ratio : 16.6:1
• Air mass flow : 36 lb/s (16.3 kg/s)[16]: 83–84 .
• Specific fuel consumption : Takeoff: 0.460 lb/(hp⋅h) (0.209 kg/(hp⋅h); 0.280 kg/kWh).
• Power-to-weight ratio : 2.76 shp/lb (4.54 kW/kg).

Both companies have set out to prove that hydrogen can safely and efficiently deliver power for civil aero engines and are already planning a second set of tests, with a longer-term ambition to carry out flight tests.

The test took place at an outdoor test facility at MoD Boscombe Down, UK, using a converted Rolls-Royce AE 2100-A regional aircraft engine. Green hydrogen for the tests was supplied by EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre), generated using renewable energy at their hydrogen production and tidal test facility on Eday in the Orkney Islands, UK.

Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Grant Shapps, said :

“The UK is leading the global shift to guilt-free flying, and today’s test by Rolls-Royce and easyJet is an exciting demonstration of how business innovation can transform the way we live our lives.

“This is a true British success story, with the hydrogen being used to power the jet engine today produced using tidal and wind energy from the Orkney Islands of Scotland – and is a prime example of how we can work together to make aviation cleaner while driving jobs across the country.”

Grazia Vittadini , Chief Technology Officer, Rolls-Royce, said :

“The success of this hydrogen test is an exciting milestone. We only announced our partnership with easyJet in July and we are already off to an incredible start with this landmark achievement. We are pushing the boundaries to discover the zero carbon possibilities of hydrogen, which could help reshape the future of flight.”

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said: “This is a real success for our partnership team. We are committed to continuing to support this ground-breaking research because hydrogen offers great possibilities for a range of aircraft, including easyJet-sized aircraft. That will be a huge step forward in meeting the challenge of net zero by 2050.”

Following analysis of this early concept ground test, the partnership plans a series of further rig tests leading up to a full-scale ground test of a Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 jet engine.

The partnership is inspired by the global, UN-backed Race to Zero campaign that both companies have signed up to, committing to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

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Why the Gulf States Are Betting on Hydrogen

Why are Gulf oil and gas producers so keen to promote hydrogen energy? This question is addressed in a new discussion paper by Natalie Koch, political geographer and fellow at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS). She concludes that for political and corporate leaders in the Gulf states, pivoting towards hydrogen serves to maintain the social, political, and economic status quo. Questions of energy justice are likely to remain, however.

The oil- and gas-producing countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are famous for their economic dependence on the hydrocarbon system, with revenues from oil and gas exports accounting for the bulk of state finances. The GCC, also known as the Gulf Council, was established in 1981 in Abu Dhabi by Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The GCC fosters cooperation in the areas of foreign and security policy, promotes economic and scientific cooperation, and works to strengthen ties between the peoples of its member states.

Across the Gulf states there is broad resistance to moving away from oil and gas economies, writes Natalie Koch, IASS Fellow and Professor of Human Geography at the University of Heidelberg. Alternative energy aspirations are nonetheless spreading in the region – especially among the younger generation.

Solar power has received the most attention and funding within the GCC over the past decade, writes Koch. However, renewable energy generation capacities across the region are still negligible, as Koch explains: At the end of 2020, the region had 146 GW of installed power capacity, of which renewables accounted for 3,271 MW. Of this, solar PV technologies were the most dominant technology (71%), followed by concentrated solar power (23%), biomass and waste (4%), and wind (2%).

Now the Gulf region is shifting its focus to hydrogen. As Koch explains, local leaders have both an economic and political interest in joining the hydrogen rush, with the Dubai Future Foundation announcing its intention to help hydrogen energy “move from hype to reality”.

96 percent of hydrogen currently produced from fossil fuels in Gulf states

In the Gulf states fossil fuels are currently used to produce 96 percent of hydrogen. The bulk of this is produced using natural gas in a process called “steam methane reforming” (SMR). The resulting product is referred to as “gray hydrogen”, while “brown hydrogen” derives from coal gasification. Both methods of production are greenhouse gas intensive. So-called “blue hydrogen” is also produced through natural gas-SMR. However, this production process is categorized differently as it is paired with carbon capture and storage (CCS). As very little of the hydrogen produced today is “green”, blue hydrogen is commonly framed as a bridge to a green future.

The limited capacity of renewables in the Gulf is significant for the story that blue hydrogen production will just be a short build-up to the ultimate goal of green hydrogen production – without vast renewable energy capacities, there will be no green hydrogen. According to Koch, existing solar farms in the Gulf states are “little more than a drop in the bucket of their overall energy mix”, which continues to be dominated by oil and gas.

She suggests that if the myth that blue hydrogen is a minor detour on the road to green hydrogen takes hold internationally – as it seems to have done in some parts of the world – then these privileged industries are especially well positioned to tap into their existing infrastructures to produce blue hydrogen for potentially decades. As energy insiders know, writes Koch, “Once infrastructure is in place, path dependency has an astonishing power to keep people buying even after they realize that the myth of a “green” future has been a lie all along.”

Business as usual in a new hydrogen economy?

With a new hydrogen economy, much of the Gulf states’ existing oil and gas infrastructures could continue to be used. For example, there is already an established practice of producing hydrogen at oil refineries. In addition, it can be stored and transported through many of the existing infrastructures. Domestic production of hydrogen in the Gulf is seen as a way to maintain local industries that are only economically viable today because of their access to cheap, subsidized fossil energy, such as the steel, aviation and shipping industries.

Koch suggests that Gulf leaders could use hydrogen initiatives to show that they recognize their countries’ challenges and that they are “doing something” and demonstrate the paternalist care that is an important part of their local legitimacy. There is a risk, she warns, that Gulf states could appropriate the hydrogen dream as a strategic tool in preserving authoritarianism, as it offers opportunities to maintain economic and political power structures within the context of a global energy transition. However this process plays out, questions of energy justice are bound to remain.

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Provaris Energy has announced that its 26,000m3 compressed hydrogen carrier (H2Neo) has been reviewed, verified and approved by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

This showed that the company’s H2 tank can be incorporated into its H2Neo Carrier.

This is a world’s first achievement and is a critical milestone approval. It has arrived after having undergone extensive Front End Engineering Design (FEED) work and review activities by the ABS. According to a recent news release issued by Provaris, “It confirms that our innovative and cost-effective multi-layered hydrogen tank can be incorporated into our H2Neo Carrier and meets the requirements for Ship Classification.”

The company will next be moving ahead along their world-scale H2 shipping journey. As such, they intend to build and test a prototype compressed hydrogen tank and ready themselves for ship construction at certain shipyards.

The ABS testing of the compressed hydrogen carrier speaks to the design, construction and safety.

ABS is among the largest and best recognized Classification Societies focused on excellence in design and construction as well as ship safety.

“The success of our FEED design stage and corresponding approval milestone is the result of extensive design and engineering works by Provaris’ team of discipline experts and consultants that have actively contributed to the development of Provaris’ innovative H2Neo hydrogen
carrier,” said Per Roed, Chief Technical Executive Officer at Provaris. “Through our close collaboration with ABS throughout this three-year process, we are confident that our compressed hydrogen carriers can safely and effectively establish the maritime transportation of hydrogen at a time when storage and transport remain key to unlocking markets with ambitions for hydrogen imports at scale from 2026.”

“ABS recognizes the potential that hydrogen shows in supporting a sustainable, lower carbon future, added Patrick Ryan, Senior Vice President of Global Engineering and Technology at ABS in a recent statement about the compressed hydrogen design approval. “Safe and efficient storage and transportation of hydrogen at sea will be critical to the development and viability of the global hydrogen value chain. We have been working closely with Provaris, initially granting AIP in 2021 and subsequently reviewing their comprehensive FEED level package for the H2Neo.”

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The EU member states are currently in the process of dynamic changes related to the energy transformation and the decarbonisation of the European economy. Hydrogen is expected to be one of the key fuels in the EU’s energy transformation.

Now, the gas transmission systems operators (TSOs) are moving in good collaboration from European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) vision to action. On December 14, 2022 TSOs from six EU countries signed a cooperation agreement on a cross border project, Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor.

The European TSOs Gasgrid Finland (Finland), Elering (Estonia), Conexus Baltic Grid (Latvia), Amber Grid (Lithuania), GAZ-SYSTEM (Poland) and ONTRAS (Germany) have signed a cooperation agreement to develop hydrogen infrastructure from Finland through Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to Germany to meet the REPowerEU 2030 targets.

The TSOs have initiated a project called Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor that will strengthen region’s energy security, reduce the dependency of imported fossil energy and play a prominent role in decarbonising societies and energy-intensive industries along the corridor.

It also has significant potential to contribute to the EU’s greenhouse gas emission reduction target by replacing today’s fossil-based production and fossil fuel consumption in industry, transport sector, electricity and heating, with these based on new renewable fuel, i.e., green hydrogen.

Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor supports diversification of energy supplies, and accelerated roll-out of renewable energy allowing in particular for achieving the EU target of 10 million tonnes of domestic renewable hydrogen production by 2030.

The corridor can transport green hydrogen produced in the Baltic Sea area to supply consumption points and industrial clusters along the whole corridor, as well as in central Europe.

In addition, when the hydrogen infrastructure develops further around the Baltic Sea, a strong market for hydrogen can be created enabling access to abundantly available and competitive renewable energy resources.

The project strongly supports EU hydrogen strategy and REPowerEU plan. In addition, the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor will support several regional and EU climate targets, such as the EU Green Deal, Fit for 55 package.

Going forward

Taking into account the complexity of the project, project partners take proactive steps toward project implementation. In 2023, during the first phase of the project development, the project partners will conduct a pre-feasibility study.

Based on the pre-feasibility study recommendations, a decision on continuation of the project development would be made. Following phases in the project would include engineering and permitting phase, construction and commissioning.

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A new Emergen Research hydrogen fuel cell market analysis showed that the market size reached $4.26 in 2021 and is predicted to achieve a 22.8 percent CAGR from that year through until 2030, the end of the forecast period.

Rising demand for the zero-emission technology as backup power is the market’s primary driver.

Hydrogen fuel cell-based backup power is being adopted to an increasing degree by data centers due to their zero carbon emissions, high efficiency, and reliable power performance. The Emergen Research report points to this trend as a primary driver for revenue growth in this market throughout the length of their forecast period.

Energy centers are increasingly looking to the technology as an energy cost-saving opportunity to decrease the amount of wasted energy when power is generated. Furthermore, their reliability as a power source means that they can be confident there will be continuous power for extended period of time if needed. This is a critical feature for data centers, which require a reliable power source to ensure smoother operations.

Several organizations have been adopting hydrogen fuel cell backup power sources for their data centers.

Last August, Microsoft tested fuel cells as backup power for its own data centers, calling the test a success when the tech performed precisely as hoped. This showed the technology giant – and other companies around the world – the potential for replacing conventional diesel-powered generators with practical, zero-carbon emission equipment that offered a considerably more practical experience than what batteries could have provided. In fact, at that time, Microsoft director of data center research Sean James called it their equivalent to a “moon landing.”

Last February, NorthC, a data center company from the Netherlands announced that it was replacing its backup power generators at its Groningen facility to equipment powered by green hydrogen. This, according to the company, represented a first for data centers in Europe.

The NorthC backup system consists of a 500KW hydrogen fuel cell module that is expected to reduce the location’s diesel consumption by tens of thousands of liters of diesel per year. This will also avoid the production of about 78,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

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Due to the recent spike in gas prices, green hydrogen made with renewable energy is currently cheaper to produce than grey hydrogen made from natural gas, according to London-based analytics company icis.

ICIS calculated that the price of grey hydrogen reached highs of £6 per kilogram (kg) in the UK in early October, an increase from £1.43/kg in April. Meanwhile, the price of green hydrogen under a renewable energy power purchase agreement (PPA) of £45 per megawatt hour (MWh) has remained constant, at £3.39/kg.

Blue hydrogen produced from natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS) is even more expensive than grey hydrogen due to the added costs of CCS, the analysis states.

This price correlation extends to Europe, says ICIS. “Gas and power prices have surged across the continent, therefore any [renewable] PPA-derived hydrogen around the region we modelled would likely be competitive now.”

Although the price of blue and grey hydrogen would fall with a drop in the cost of natural gas, the price volatility seen this year highlights the risks of continuing to rely on imported fossil fuels for Europe’s energy, the analysis concludes.

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The windmills of Neshtifan

The Early Years

Humans have been harnessing the power of the wind for over two thousand years.

In the first century AD, Heron of Alexandria – mathematician, inventor and engineer – created something he called the windwheel. He used this windwheel to power a pipe organ, making “flute-like” noises.

Evidence of wind power then vanishes until the 7th or 8th century AD, when we find windmills being used to grind flour and pump water in Iran.

The next major development in our story was the discovery of electricity in the 1700s, even though it took at least another 100 years before the right mind came along.

Enter James Blyth, the world’s first wind power engineer.

Blyth built the first wind turbine in Scotland in July 1887. His 10 m high, cloth-sailed wind turbine was installed in the garden of his holiday cottage at Marykirk in Kincardineshire and was used to power the lighting in the cottage, making it the first house in the world to have its electricity supplied by wind power.

Blyth offered the surplus electricity to the people of Marykirk for lighting the main street, however, they turned down the offer as they thought electricity was “the work of the devil.”

He later built a wind turbine to supply emergency power to the local Asylum in Montrose, but at the time the technology was not considered to be economically viable. [Source]

Hot on Blyth’s heels, American Charles Brush was building his first electricity-generating wind turbine in 1888 in Cleveland, Ohio. The turbine’s diameter was 17 meters (50 feet), it had 144 rotor blades made of cedar wood, and it generated about 12 kilowatts (kW) of power. [Source]

We next meet a Danish man called Poul la Cour.

Inventor, scientist, meteorologist AND a teacher, la Cour was a major force in the development of what we now recognise as modern wind turbines. It was la Cour who realised that turbines with fewer blades are more efficient, and also that regulators could be used to provide a steady supply of energy.

The 20th Century on

Throughout the 20th century, individuals and companies around the world developed the technology to a utility-scale level.

The pace of development has been accelerating since the 1970s, thanks to a combination of material science, engineering and government incentives. The first windfarms were built, providing electricity to thousands of homes.

In the 1980s the Danes installed the first offshore wind turbines, starting the industry which now dominates the renewable energy world.

Turbines themselves have grown in size and efficiency, as you will see in the diagrams below.

How much does a wind turbine cost?

This depends on a few things, but mainly if the turbine will be onshore or offshore.

With the added challenges and costs of the logistics, offshore turbines cost significantly more than onshore.

Costs are worked out on a ratio, measuring the amount of capital expenditure (CAPEX) to generate 1 megawatt (MW).

The average value of the actual capex costs reported for onshore wind farms completed in 2016-19 was £1.61 million per MW; for offshore wind it was £4.49 million per MW (including transmission) or £3.99 million if the very expensive Hywind project is excluded. 

One way to look at all the costs involved in a comparative way is called levelised cost of energy (LCOE).

How big are wind turbines?

You can see in the graphic above how much they’ve grown over the years, and what they look like compared to some well-known landmarks and buildings.

The latest giants are GE’s Haliade X-13, which has 220 metre rotors (that’s 107 metres per blade!) and stands over 250 metres tall.

With the world’s largest swept area exceeding 43,000 m2, the new Vestas V236-15.0 MW “delivers industry-leading performance and moves the boundaries of wind energy.” 

What is the future for Offshore Wind?

With tens of billions of dollars already committed to developing offshore wind projects around the world, its future as a major electricity provider is assured.

There are also two areas which can be further developed to help establish the industry even further:

Wind to Hydrogen

A rapidly developing technology is using wind turbines to power electrolysers which then create Hydrogen, known as Green Hydrogen when made using renewable energy.

Floating offshore

The next frontier for wind power is into deeper water, where fixed platforms and foundations aren’t possible. Using the vast knowledge experience of the oil & gas industry, solutions are being developed to install floating wind turbines.

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Concentrated solar power (CSP) is an approach to generating electricity through mirrors. The mirrors reflect, concentrate and focus natural sunlight onto a specific point, which is then converted into heat. The heat is then used to create steam, which drives a turbine to generate electrical power. The process can be repeated continuously because CSP technology can store the heat produced. It can therefore be used on days where there is no sun, or before sunrise and after sunset.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), CSP generation increased by an estimated 34% in 2019. Although this exponential growth is impressive, there’s still some way to go until CSP reaches its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which requires an average growth of 24% through 2030.

How does concentrated solar power work?

CSP technologies use a mirror configuration that concentrates the sun’s solar energy onto a receiver, which converts it to heat. The heat is then converted into steam to drive a turbine that produces electrical power. CSP plants can use thermal energy storage systems to store the power until it’s needed, for example during periods of minimal sunlight. The ability to store energy is what makes CSP a flexible source of renewable energy.

CSP systems can also be combined with other power sources to create hybrid power plants. For example, CSP can be integrated with thermal-fired power plants that use fuels like coal, natural gas and biofuel.

There are four types of CSP technologies:

1. Parabolic trough systems – Through this system, solar energy is concentrated by curved, trough-shaped reflectors, which are focused onto a receiver pipe. The pipe usually contains thermal oil, which is heated and then used in the thermal power block to generate electricity in a steam generator.
2. Power tower systems – These systems use mirrors called heliostats that track the sun and focus its energy onto a receiver at the top of a tower. A fluid (often, molten salts) is heated inside the receiver and is used to generate steam, which drives a turbine generator.
3. Linear fresnel systems – A large number of collectors are set out in rows. The mirrors are laid flat on the ground and reflect the sun on to the receiver pipe above. Similar to trough and tower systems, fresnel can integrate storage in a power block or generate steam directly.
4. Parabolic dish systems – A parabolic-shaped dish acts a concentrator that reflects solar energy onto a receiver mounted on a structure with a tracking system that follows the sun. The collected heat is then generated by a heat engine. The dish can attain very high temperatures, which makes the system potentially well-suited for use in solar reactors.

The advantages of concentrated solar power

Perhaps the most obvious advantage of CSP is that it’s renewable. Its supply will never be exhausted and be can used continually, so it’s a sustainable energy source. It also reduces carbon footprint. Unlike fossil fuels, which emit carbon dioxide when burned, CSP uses the earth’s natural resources, which is kinder to the environment. It can improve the quality of air and reduce the rate of climate change.

CSP also provides a relatively continuous source of electricity, particularly in comparison to solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power, which provide intermittent supplies. Because CSP plants can store solar energy in the form of molten salts, the electricity generated is predictable and reliable.

CSP can be easily integrated into existing steam-based power plants. Even those running on fossil fuels can be used for CSP systems. The operating cost of a CSP plant is also lower than nuclear and hydrocarbon-based plants because the operations and maintenance is simpler.

Concentrated solar power can be used in combination with other energy sources, providing a more secure energy grid. When used in the energy mix, CSP can help meet future electricity demand. It can also aid oil recovery as the steam it produces can be used to concentrate heavy oil so it’s easier to pump.

It also has potential to be used as a transportable form of energy. For example, renewable energy consultancy Ecofys published a study to assess the feasibility of CSP being used as a technology to produce cost-effective hydrogen that could act as an energy carrier to power transportation.

The disadvantages of concentrated solar power

Despite the many benefits of CSP, it does have its downsides. For one, it’s largely dependent on location. Similar to solar PV and wind power, CSP plants require a large area of land to operate, which makes it uneconomical in populated areas.

Concentrated solar power uses a lot of water to drive steam turbines and to cool thermochemical reactors. Although seawater may be seen as a possible solution, this could present solar radiation issues for the surrounding landscape. Similarly, CSP plants can attract animals with its light, and the heat can be fatal for some species.

CSP plants are also expensive to run. Thermal energy storage materials that can withstand high temperatures are costly and difficult to source. Molten salt, for example, has a limited operating range because it solidifies at low temperatures and decomposes at high temperatures.

Competition from other energy sources like solar PV and fission-based nuclear power means that CSP doesn’t always receive the development it needs to become a primary energy source. As breakthroughs continue in other areas, concentrated solar power runs the risk of becoming obsolete.

How efficient is concentrated solar power?

The efficiency of a CSP system varies depending on several factors. The type of system, the engine and the receiver all make a difference to how efficient a concentrated solar power system will run. However, according to a statistic cited by EnergySage, most CSP systems have an efficiency of between 7 and 25%.

To provide some context, hydropower systems can achieve up to 90% efficiency and wind turbines can achieve efficiencies of up to 59%. Solar PV efficiencies are similar to concentrated solar power systems with most photovoltaic panels achieving an efficiency of between 14 and 23%.

Where is concentrated solar power used?

According to online publication, NS Energy, global CSP installations grew at a rate of 24% from 765MW in 2009 to 5.4GW in 2018.

Most of the world’s CSP plants are in Spain, accounting for over 42% of all CSP installations worldwide. The Planta Solar 10 (PS10) in Spain was the first commercial utility-scale solar power tower in the world. The country plans to double its CSP capacity by 2025, to 4.8GW as part of a ten-year energy plan.

Morocco currently has the largest CSP project in the world – the Ouarzazate Solar Power Station, which has a capacity of 510MW. It comprises three plants in total and started operating in 2016, using parabolic trough technology. It provides power consumption to around 1.1. million Moroccans.

However, the Moroccan plant is due to lose its rank to Noor Energy 1, Dubai’s 700MW CSP project, which is currently under construction. The plant, which will use a combination of parabolic trough and solar tower technologies, doesn’t have a completion date, but is part of the Dubai government’s ‘Vision 2021’ initiative to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly development.

The USA is also known for its CSP projects and currently has 52 plants, the largest being the 392MW Ivanpah facility in California. However, there haven’t been any new CSP projects in the USA since 2016.

What is the difference between solar PV and concentrated solar power?

Perhaps the biggest difference between solar PV and CSP is the way in which electric power is produced. CSP systems convert the sun’s energy using various mirror configurations that drive a heat engine and produce electrical power.

Photovoltaic solar panels, on the other hand, use the sun’s light, rather than its energy. Unlike CSP, PV converts light into electricity directly. The solar PV cells absorb light (rather than reflect heat), which stimulates electrons that create a current. The direct current (DC) is captured and converted into an alternating current (AC) using inverters so it can be distributed on the power network.

CSP systems store energy through Thermal Energy Storage technologies (TES), so power can be used when there isn’t enough sunlight. PV systems, however can’t store thermal energy because they use direct sunlight, rather than heat. For this reason, CSP systems are better for energy storage and efficiency.

What are some environmental impacts of using concentrated solar power?

Because CSP plants require a lot of space, they’re often situated in arid, or ‘sun belt’ regions, where access to fresh water is scarce. Wet cooling towers are required for cooling the thermal cycle and water is also needed to clean the mirrors to maintain their reflectivity. The prospect of using large amounts of fresh water in these areas is often criticised, especially when water demand in the Middle East and North Africa is on the rise.

Another environmental impact of CSP plants is the visual impact they have on areas. A common environmental criticism is that CSP plants disturb the views of natural landscapes far more than other energy sources like wind power plants.

Despite the lack of agriculture in sun belt regions, they still have environmental value and provide habitats for threatened species. The arid nature of these regions also means that it takes longer for the landscape and community to recover from the effects of disturbance. For example, animal populations can be affected by the infrastructure that’s required to operate a CSP plant.

CSP plants use more materials than conventional fossil-fired plants, many of which aren’t recyclable. Concentrated solar power plants also produce toxic substances like biphenyl, which when burnt at high temperatures, can produce dioxins that stay in the environment for many years and can be harmful to humans.

Greenhouse gas emissions are linked to CSP plants as the nitrous salts used in energy storage emit nitrous oxide (N20), which damages the ozone layer.

Concentrated solar plants can also have a negative impact on flora and fauna. For example, traffic routes and building works can disturb the surrounding ecosystem and cause mortalities to local fauna.

What does the future hold for Concentrated Solar Power?

While the global solar industry has experienced rapid growth over the past decade, the emergence of concentrated solar power has had quite an impact. According to Solar Spaces, there are over 130 CSP projects globally, with a total installed capacity of 5,500 MW.

While CSP tariffs are lower than ever before, there are still several challenges facing concentrated solar power. For one, CSP plants are expensive to establish, operational costs are high and there’s a lack of funding available to finance new projects. However, once the CSP supply chain improves and investors start to see the opportunities in CSP, research will help drive down costs and the future will start to look brighter for concentrated solar power.

In terms of technological development, research is underway to explore how CSP can make fuel out of air and light. According to the IEA, by the end of the century, CO2 will need to be removed for the air to keep global temperatures below two degrees. Concentrated solar power looks set to play a key role in assisting with the removal of carbon dioxide.

Researchers at the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are researching how CO2 can be captured from air and removed using amino acid chemistry.

Similarly, direct air capture company, Climeworks have developed carbon removal technology that can capture atmospheric carbon with a filter, using low-grade heat as an energy source.

The post Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), Explained appeared first on MP Industries.

According to Statista, global wind power capacity reached 743 GW in 2020, up from 650 GW in 2019 despite delays on projects due to COVID-19. The exponential rise of wind power installations demonstrates its growing popularity around the world.

Driven by advances in technology and global policies fighting climate change, wind power is becoming more financially sustainable. China and the USA remain the world’s largest wind power markets, with countries in the UK and Europe, North America, and India also driving the trend at a rapid pace.

How does wind power work?

Wind turbines work when air turns the carbon-fibre blades attached to the units. The blades are connected to a motor, which turns kinetic energy into electricity. The energy is transferred to a gearbox, which converts the slow spinning of the blades into a high-speed rotary motion. This then turns a drive shaft quickly enough to power an electric generator.

Traditionally, onshore wind turbines dominated the market, however, in recent years, advances in technology have led to the development of offshore wind farms.

For more information on the history of wind power, take a look at our post on how wind turbines have evolved.

What is onshore wind? 

Onshore wind power refers to turbines located on land rather than over water. They are typically located in sparsely-populated areas with low conservation value. According to the International Energy Association, onshore wind electricity generation increased by 12% in 2019. Capacity additions also grew by 22% after stagnating for a couple of years.

Advantages of onshore wind

Besides the obvious advantages of sustainability, what else is advantageous about onshore wind? 

Less expensive
The infrastructure required for onshore wind power is significantly less expensive than what’s required for offshore wind. In some cases, it’s half the cost and can provide investment payback as quickly as two years. It’s also the least expensive form of renewable energy compared to solar and nuclear power sources, which means it’s more affordable to consumers. Because they’re cost-effective, onshore wind farms tend to be larger, producing more energy per site.

Shorter cables
With less distance between the turbines and the consumer, there’s less voltage drop-off in the cabling.

Quick installation
Onshore wind turbines are quick to install and can be constructed within a few months, unlike other energy sources like nuclear power stations, which can take over two decades to build. When in operation, onshore wind turbines also have low maintenance costs.

Low impact on surroundings
Onshore wind farms have less physical impact on their surrounding areas. Toxins aren’t released, the site can be farmed around, and there’s very little impact to wildlife. 

Disadvantages of onshore wind

Varying wind speeds
The speed of onshore wind turbines is somewhat unpredictable. Because wind speed and direction vary on land, achieving consistent power generation can be challenging. As a result, wind speed and direction need to be carefully monitored to plan for energy generation.

Potential wind blockages
Physical blockages from buildings and surrounding landscape like hills or mountains can also cause production inconsistencies. For this reason, onshore wind can’t produce energy year-round and can only achieve around 2.5 MW, compared to offshore wind’s approximate 3.6 MW.

Intermittent energy
Because onshore turbines don’t run year-round, they require fossil-fuel backups when the wind speed is slow. As we come to rely more heavily on wind farms for our energy, increasing amounts of fossil fuels will also be required.

Visual and sound factors
Onshore wind farms can be an eyesore on the landscape. Wind turbines that are built on high ground to generate more power can be imposing on surrounding residential areas. Wind turbines also aren’t silent, meaning they cause noise pollution if located near a residential area. To illustrate, up close, a wind turbine sounds like a lawnmower.

Overall, the advantages of onshore wind and the sustainable energy it can create outweighs the potential disadvantages. 

What is offshore wind? 

Offshore wind power refers to wind farms that are located over shallow open water, usually in the ocean, where there are higher wind speeds. The term ‘offshore wind’ can also refer to inshore water areas like lakes and fjords. Most offshore wind farms use fixed-foundation wind turbines in shallow water. However, as technology advances, wind farms will be able to be built over deeper waters. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, offshore wind will surge to over 234 GW by 2030, led by Asia-Pacific.

Advantages of offshore wind

More energy generated
Offshore wind speeds are typically faster than on land, and even small increases in speed can produce large increases in energy generation. As such, fewer turbines are needed to produce the same amount of energy as an onshore turbine.

More wind consistency 
Wind speeds offshore don’t vary as much and the wind direction doesn’t change as often, so offshore turbines are more consistent (meaning more reliable power generation).

Less visual impact
Offshore turbines don’t have as much visual impact as those on land. They don’t interfere with land usage, and there are no physical obstacles that can interrupt the wind flow. For this reason, offshore wind farms can be made larger and generate more energy than those onshore, with less physical impact.

Bigger turbines
Offshore turbines can also be built taller than those onshore, which means they can harness more wind energy and produce more electricity.

Disadvantages of offshore wind

Higher cost
Creating the infrastructure for offshore wind farms can be expensive and complex, especially over deeper waters. 

Maintenance & repairs
Sea waves and very high winds can damage turbines, so they need more maintenance than their onshore counterparts. Offshore wind farms are also difficult to access, which means longer wait times for repairs. 

Noise & visibility 
The underwater noises from turbines can impact fauna and other marine life. Further, not all offshore wind farms are built out of public view. Some are built within 26 miles of the coastline, so can still be an eyesore for local residents. 

Less local jobs
Unlike onshore wind farms, those offshore have a limited capacity to benefit local economies. As the manufacturers’ offices are situated inland and often far away from the offshore site, jobs aren’t created in the local community and other investments aren’t made.

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