Turning Solar Energy Into Fuel (The Solar Era, Part 3)
Dec 2, 2024
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Join Raffi Garabedian, co-founder and CEO of Electric Hydrogen, as he tackles the challenge of transforming solar and wind energy into affordable clean hydrogen fuel. They dive into the hurdles faced in creating effective hydrogen infrastructure and discuss the crucial role of political support in clean tech investments. Learn about the global perspectives on renewable energy policies, innovations in hydrogen production, and the exciting potential for hydrogen across industries. Plus, enjoy a lighthearted chat about tools and music!
Solar energy's declining costs make it a viable option for generating clean hydrogen, essential for sectors like aviation and shipping.
The transition to hydrogen as a fuel requires innovative technology and supportive policies to enhance economic viability and infrastructure development.
Deep dives
The Role of Hydrocarbons in Civilization
Hydrocarbons, including oil, natural gas, and coal, are foundational to modern civilization, providing essential energy for heating, transportation, and manufacturing. They are integral not only in powering vehicles and industries but also in agricultural processes, such as producing fertilizers. However, the carbon emissions released when hydrocarbons are used contribute significantly to global warming. As a result, there is a pressing need for alternative energy sources that can replace hydrocarbons while meeting our energy demands.
The Promise and Limitations of Solar Energy
Solar energy has seen a remarkable drop in costs, with prices becoming so low that it is nearing free access during peak sunlight hours in certain regions. This success positions solar power as a vital contributor to sustainable energy solutions, powering homes and industries. However, solar energy faces challenges in applications requiring high energy demands, such as aviation and shipping, and struggles with energy storage for prolonged periods. These limitations drive the exploration of clean hydrogen as a potential solution for energy storage and transport.
Development of Clean Hydrogen from Renewable Sources
Clean hydrogen, generated through the conversion of renewable energy sources like solar, is being investigated as an alternative to hydrocarbons. This method involves creating hydrogen using electrolysis powered by excess renewable energy during times of low demand. The burning of hydrogen emits only water vapor, making it a much cleaner fuel option. However, challenges remain in adapting existing infrastructure for hydrogen use and ensuring the economic viability of hydrogen production through innovative technologies.
The Future of Hydrogen Production and Adoption
The journey towards adopting hydrogen as a mainstream fuel involves significant technological and economic transformations. The most promising applications for hydrogen include its use in refining processes, steel production, and as a clean fuel for shipping and aviation. Moreover, ongoing policy frameworks in regions like Europe are fostering the development of hydrogen infrastructure by providing incentives for its adoption. Successful implementation of hydrogen technology is crucial for decarbonizing high-emission industries and achieving broader sustainability goals by 2030.
Solar power and batteries are becoming cheap and ubiquitous. Great. But there are problems batteries can’t solve – like fueling ships and planes. One way to solve those problems: Use solar power to create hydrogen, and turn that hydrogen into fuel.
Today’s guest is Raffi Garabedian, the co-founder and CEO of Electric Hydrogen. Raffi’s problem is this: How do you turn solar and wind energy into clean hydrogen that’s cheap enough to compete with fossil fuel?
This is the last of three episodes we’re doing about the solar-power revolution. Listen to the previous episodes on your podcast player or at our website: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/whats-your-problem