green hydrogen
Credit: Thomas Galler/Unsplash
Wind farm plans in Chile raise environmental concerns
Chile’s ambitious green hydrogen strategy faces opposition as conservationists worry about its impact on the Magallanes region's bird sanctuary and ecosystems.
In short:
- Chile aims to become a top green hydrogen exporter, leveraging the Magallanes region's renewable energy potential.
- Conservationists warn that extensive wind farm development could harm Bahía Lomas, a crucial site for migratory shorebirds.
- The region's diverse ecosystems and endangered bird species are at risk from poorly planned hydrogen projects.
Key quote:
"We value hydrogen as a possible option of decarbonization, we’re just alerting about the way it’s being aggressively promoted and developed, particularly in this region."
— Diego Luna Quevedo, specialist in policy and governance for Manomet Conservation Sciences.
Why this matters:
Advocates for green hydrogen argue that this initiative could position Chile at the forefront of sustainable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering economic growth. However, conservationists are voicing concerns that the construction and operation of green hydrogen facilities could disrupt the local wildlife, particularly the bird populations that the Magallanes region harbors.
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Credit: ismagilov/Big Stock Photo
California faces challenges with hydrogen energy plan
Gov. Gavin Newsom's initiative to expand hydrogen as a renewable fuel in California is under scrutiny due to potential environmental risks.
In short:
- California is trying to boost its hydrogen fuel industry with significant federal support, despite concerns over increased emissions.
- The proposed state Senate Bill 1420 seeks to define clean hydrogen sources, but may still allow for pollution-heavy methods.
- Critics argue the plan may not effectively reduce overall emissions and could divert clean energy from other uses.
Key quote:
“If we want to move away from fossil fuels, we have to ask, ‘What is the alternative?’ It all points to renewable hydrogen.”
— Janice Lin, President, Green Hydrogen Coalition
Why this matters:
Hydrogen fuel, often lauded for its ability to power vehicles and industries without emitting carbon at the point of use, holds promise for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the environmental benefits touted, the production of hydrogen, especially through methods that rely on natural gas, can lead to increased emissions of methane and other pollutants unless carefully managed. This aspect of hydrogen fuel production has sparked a debate about whether the technology will indeed lead to a net reduction in emissions or merely shift the problem elsewhere.
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Exploring the potential of green hydrogen to rejuvenate oceanic dead zones
In an innovative approach to tackling oceanic dead zones, Douglas Wallace contemplates using the oxygen by-product from green hydrogen production to revive these lifeless marine areas.
In short:
- Douglas Wallace's research explores using surplus oxygen from hydrogen production to address the low-oxygen zones threatening marine diversity.
- The proposed World Energy GH2 project in Stephenville could produce sufficient oxygen to mitigate the Gulf of St. Lawrence's dead zone.
- The feasibility of this oxygenation plan hinges on overcoming significant engineering and environmental challenges, alongside the uncertain future of hydrogen fuel markets.
Key quote:
“About 15 percent of the deeper parts of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are getting close to the threshold where a lot of marine animals will struggle to live.”
— Douglas Wallace, oceanographer at Dalhousie University
Why this matters:
During the electrolysis process used to create green hydrogen, oxygen is produced as a by-product. Instead of letting this precious oxygen go to waste, researchers and environmentalists are exploring innovative ways to harness it to breathe new life into depleted marine ecosystems.
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Photo by American Public Power Association on Unsplash
Natural hydrogen: a potential clean energy source beneath our feet
As studies show far more natural hydrogen underground than believed, well-funded efforts to drill for the gas are underway around the globe. Boosters see a plentiful green replacement for fossil fuels, but skeptics say its large-scale use may not be practical or cost-effective.
Credit: J Brew/Flickr
Green hydrogen plans take shape for former Alcoa site at Cherry Point
A rebirth of the former smelter site as a hydrogen factory could hinge on finding an affordable, high-volume supplier of clean electricity.
Green renewable hydrogen needed urgently, leaders say, but industry faces challenges
At a renewable hydrogen conference in Portland, leaders in Oregon said low-emissions hydrogen is needed to meet climate goals.
| BigStock Photo ID: 473144503 |
| Copyright: Macrovector. |
What is green hydrogen and why is it touted as a clean fuel?
Green hydrogen is being touted around the world as a clean energy solution to take the carbon out of high-emitting sectors like transport and industrial manufacturing.
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