[ editorial ]
Dear readers ,
As I write these lines , July 2023 is ‘ virtually certain ’ to break records as the hottest month ever recorded , according to scientists . If confirmed , this will be just another in a long line of records recently broken , underscoring the climate emergency unfolding before our eyes and evidenced by the increasing occurrences of extreme weather events such as wildfires , heat domes , droughts , and floods . Furthermore , it is manifested in the rapid decline of glaciers and sea ice around Antarctica , as well as the rising ocean temperatures . While not everyone faces equal exposure to extreme weather , there is undeniable evidence that these occurrences are on the rise .
Green hydrogen is widely regarded as a vital component of a sustainable energy future , with technological advances playing a pivotal role in facilitating its widespread adoption . The current issue of the Hydrogen Tech World magazine introduces a number of innovations and solutions developed to make green hydrogen cost-competitive with fossil fuel-based alternatives , while also addressing storage , transport , and safety challenges .
However , the availability of clean technologies alone will not guarantee successful decarbonisation . Equally significant is the responsible application of these technologies . Recently , I engaged in a discussion on LinkedIn , which implicitly questioned the ‘ cleanliness ’ of hydrogen to be produced by electrolysers developed by a company that has partnered with an oil major to validate its technology . The argument put forth was that oil and gas companies have been generating electrolytic hydrogen using nonrenewable , fossil-based electricity . This raised scepticism about the involvement of such companies in renewable projects and green technologies , thereby potentially affecting the credibility of clean-tech companies partnering with them .
My primary objection to this perspective is the implicit assumption that electrolyser manufacturers have control over the electricity choices made by the end users of their equipment . I argued that while electrolyser companies are indeed developing equipment capable of producing renewable hydrogen , the power source used to operate the equipment falls beyond their purview .
Upon further reflection , however , I wonder whether there might be legal and feasible avenues for electrolyser companies to influence the application of their technologies . For instance , could / should they prioritise certain types of clients , such as heavy industries , or those with access to off-grid renewable electricity ?
I am eager to hear your thoughts on this matter and would be delighted to consider publishing them in an upcoming issue of the magazine . The next issue of Hydrogen Tech World is scheduled for release in October . If interested in contributing to it , please do not hesitate to contact me at m . matosec @ kci-world . com .
As summer enters its second half , I wish you a relaxing remainder of the season and much pleasure in reading this magazine !
Matjaž Matošec
Editor-in-Chief
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 11 | August 2023 3