Conference on "GREEN HYDROGEN, AN ALLY IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION"

Bet of the European Union

The European Union has set itself the goal of producing 10 million tons of green hydrogen by 2030 and importing another 10 million tons from outside the EU's borders. The EU Economic Recovery Fund is already considering allocating investments for the production and facilities around green hydrogen to rebuild the European economy after the Covid-19 pandemic. This 2023 there is a budget of 800 million euros to support the production of green hydrogen. In Tarragona, an investment of 230 million euros is planned for the construction of the largest green hydrogen plant in Spain, a project led by Repsol, Enagás, Iqoxe and Messer, with a capacity of 150MW and which should be operational in 2025.

What is green hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is hydrogen obtained from water through an electrolysis process based on electricity extracted from renewable energy sources, in a process that does not generate carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Green hydrogen is considered a substance that allows energy to be stored, not a carrier in itself, and can be released in a controlled manner, unlike fossil fuels such as natural gas. For this reason, its potential to contribute to combating climate change and decarbonizing industry and the economy is considered.

This technology is based on the generation of hydrogen - a universal, light and highly reactive fuel - through a chemical process known as electrolysis. This method uses electric current to separate the hydrogen from the oxygen in the water, so if this electricity is obtained from renewable sources, we will produce energy without emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Green hydrogen is already known as the substitute for fossil fuels in industries that are difficult to decarbonize, heavy transport, shipping and aviation. Both governments and the economic sector have recognized that hydrogen is an essential pillar for a fully sustainable energy transition.

This energy source has advantages such as:

1.) It is 100% sustainable: green hydrogen does not emit polluting gases either during combustion or during the production process.

2.) Storable: Hydrogen is easy to store, which allows it to be used later in other uses and at times other than when it was produced.

3.) Versatile: Hydrogen can be transformed into electricity or synthetic fuels and used for commercial, industrial or mobility purposes.

Currently, it is estimated that 99% of the hydrogen that is generated today is non-renewable, while green hydrogen is a renewable energy.

The day will take place on Thursday, May 11, at the Tarragona Seminary, with the following program: