COLUMN
Hydrogen and Net Zero Emission Goals
To combat climate change and create a clean energy future , fundamental changes in the refining industry are necessary to reduce Green House Gases ( GHGs ) and methane emissions . Many governments worldwide are currently trying to achieve net zero by 2030 . Some of the clean energy plans will eliminate coal as a fuel source for electricity , boost renewable energy , such as wind and solar energies , and ideally reduce carbon emissions by 90-95 %.
By following specific initiatives , organizations will implement practises that could result in the realization of net zero methane emissions . These changes are inputted with the intention of reducing environmental methane emissions .
By Gobind Khiani – Consulting Fellow-Piping / Pipelines
Paving the Path Towards Sustainability
Organizations are diligently working towards creating sustainable practices without impacting the production or supply chain . There are therefore several methods currently set in place to help reduce GHG and methane emissions by 70 to 80 %.
• The first , and most obvious , method is taking the appropriate steps to maintain refining facilities and their applications . Replacing aging piping and other equipment in a refinery , such as , cast iron main lines and older service lines .
• The second practice is to rehabilitate outdated infrastructure and retire well rehabilitation .
• While it is important to re-evaluate existing structures and mandates , adapting to new technologies and operational practices is another method that often aids with emission reduction . It is beneficial to increase damage prevention practices , implement leak reduction methods , and retire older assets . This creates a pathway for practical and sustainable performances .
• Implementing best practices such as compressor engine rod packing , station emergency testing as well as distribution system leak surveys , and maintenance alignment . These are achievable and practical measures that can be taken to reduce emissions .
Although this may seem like a non-exhaustive list , the industry faces several obstacles when it comes to emission reduction .
Hydrogen and Steel Applications
The introduction of negative GHG and methane , also know as renewable natural gas , can further mitigate the occurrence of GHGs and emissions . New strategies and technologies are being constantly explored to coincide with the net zero emission goals .
The use of renewable gases and hydrogen , as an alternate source of energy , is a topic in the industry that has been steadily gaining momentum . Hydrogen comes
TYPES OF HYDROGEN
Green Hydrogen : It is made by using clean electricity from renewable energy source like solar or wind power to electrolyse water into its core elements of hydrogen and oxygen . No carbon is produced as a result .
Yellow Hydrogen : It is produced through electrolysis using solar power .
Pink Hydrogen : It is produced through electrolysis powered by nuclear power plant and has no emissions ; it can also be referred as purple hydrogen or red hydrogen .
Blue Hydrogen : It is mainly produced from natural gas by using steam , producing hydrogen and carbon dioxide which then must be captured and stored to make it truly low carbon .
Turquoise Hydrogen : It produces hydrogen and solid carbon from methane . It counts as low carbons if it is powered by renewable and if the carbons permanently stored or used for something else .
Grey Hydrogen : It is created in the same way as blue hydrogen , but the carbon emissions aren ’ t captured as part of the process .
Black and brown hydrogen : It is produced by suing coal or ignite to make hydrogen is most environmentally damaging way to make hydrogen .
32 Valve World Americas | September 2022 • www . valve-world-americas . net