The objectives of climate neutrality in 2050 that are defined in the European Green Pact are very ambitious and to achieve them the industry faces a great challenge of technological and energy adaptation of its productive processes.
The final objective of Net Zero to 2050 is clear, but as important as the goal is the way to reach it. This path should help the industry gain competitiveness and to grow the weight of the industrial fabric, taking advantage of the opportunities that arise in this transition context.
In the opinion of María Higueras, Director of Industrial Market at the Naturgy marketer, “we can only achieve the energy transition if we maintain the balance between the fulfillment of the sustainable development objectives, the supply guarantee and affordable prices for all the sectors that at all times guarantee the competitiveness of the industrial fabric.”
Higueras is convinced that “the transition to an economy of zero emissions implies a technological, regulatory and business challenge that requires the joint work of all the entities involved, as well as a global strategic vision and a regulatory framework that facilitates the necessary investment.”
The industry, key to the economy
In Spain, according to the Industrial Policy Chair, of the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) the industrial sector represents approximately 16% of GDP; It is the second most important branch of activity in terms of contribution to the National Gross Domestic Product, together with employment, after the services sector and according to the World Covenant occupies the fourth place in the European Union, after Germany, France and Italy.
In addition, according to the Foundation for the Promotion of Innovation, the Spanish industry promotes innovation and the adoption of new technologies, which contributes to the competitiveness and productivity of the economy, since it represents almost 50% of business investment in R&D and more than 90% of exported goods.
Likewise, the industry, according to the world pact, plays a crucial role in the transition to a more sustainable economy, promoting energy efficiency, circular economy and emission reduction. In Spain, the industry is responsible for 20.5% of the final energy consumption and 24% of direct emissions.
For the industrial market director in Naturgy’s marketer, María Higueras “The industrial sector is clearly committed to the decarbonization objectives, but needs a regulatory and fiscal framework, together with an industrial policy, which encourage companies to invest in these low -broadcasting processes.”
“They need to know how much energy is going to cost them in 5 or 10 years to include it in their investment equation. They are aware that they have to travel along the decarbonization route, but there is a lot of uncertainty about how to address the process,” he adds
Green hydrogen production
The Naturgy Energy already works on different projects related to green hydrogen, specifically in collaboration with Enagás, promotes the largest hydrogen plant in Spain, which is in León and in collaboration with the Energylab Technology Center, they promote the mixed renewable gas unit that unites the development of biomethane with that of hydrogen.
Also, participate in the Distech2 project, which has the collaboration of four strategic partners: Grupo Cobra, ISFOC, Aipra and Naturgy itself, a key initiative for the development of disruptive technologies in the production and use of green hydrogen.
This disruptive approach is not limited only to hydrogen production. The project addresses the complete value chain, from the creation of advanced materials to the integration of the hydrogen produced in the latest generation systems such as solid oxide fuel batteries (SOFC), which convert hydrogen into high efficiency electricity and usable heat. In addition, Naturgy will work with the IREC and Leitat technology centers, who will contribute to the research and development of new technological solutions for green hydrogen.
4 green hydrogen applications
Energy: It acts as a strategic storage for renewable energy, allowing it to be used in moments of high demand or low production. It can also be transformed into electricity through fuel cells, becoming a flexible solution for local generation.
Industry: In industrial processes that require high temperatures, such as steel and cement manufacturing, green hydrogen can replace coal and natural gas as a source of energy. In addition, it can be used as raw material in the production of ammonia and other essential chemicals.
Transport: Green hydrogen is a viable alternative for long distance vehicles, such as trucks, trains and airplanes. In addition, buses and cars driven by hydrogen fuel cells are already in development in different parts of the world.
Domestic use: Green hydrogen can be used to heat homes and buildings, replacing natural gas into heating and hot water systems, providing a more environmental option.