In the run up to RenewableUK's Green Hydrogen Conference in Birmingham, Event Partner Schneider Electric delves into the digital transformation of the energy industry in our latest guest blog.
Green hydrogen is a powerful tool in the quest for decarbonization, and digital tools can help accelerate the deployment of this promising technology. Green hydrogen, produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources, is a clean and versatile energy carrier that can be used in a wide range of applications, from fuelling transport to providing industrial heat and electricity.
However, the widespread deployment of green hydrogen requires significant investments in infrastructure and technology, and this is where digital solutions can make a difference. By using data analytics and digital twins, companies can optimize the production, storage, and distribution of green hydrogen, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
One key advantage of digital solutions is the ability to model and simulate complex systems, such as hydrogen production plants or hydrogen distribution networks. By creating digital twins of these systems, companies can test different scenarios and optimize their performance, reducing the risk of costly mistakes and downtime.
Digital tools can also help manage the variability of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which are used to power the electrolysis process. By using predictive analytics and machine learning, companies can forecast energy production and demand, and adjust the hydrogen production accordingly. This not only ensures a steady supply of green hydrogen, but also maximizes the use of renewable energy sources, reducing the need for fossil fuels.
Another area where digital solutions can make a difference is in the monitoring and maintenance of hydrogen production and storage facilities. By using sensors and IoT devices, companies can monitor the performance of equipment and detect issues before they cause downtime or safety risks. This not only improves the reliability of the hydrogen production process, but also reduces maintenance costs and increases safety.
The potential of green hydrogen is enormous, and digital solutions can help unlock it faster and more efficiently. According to a recent report by the Hydrogen Council, green hydrogen could account for up to 18% of global energy demand by 2050, reducing carbon emissions by up to 6 billion tonnes per year. However, to achieve this vision, significant investments are needed in both green hydrogen production and digital infrastructure.
Governments, industry leaders, and technology companies must collaborate to create the policies, regulations, and incentives needed to accelerate the deployment of green hydrogen and digital solutions. This includes investing in renewable energy sources, building new hydrogen production and storage facilities, and developing new technologies to improve the efficiency of the electrolysis process.
In addition, companies must adopt a collaborative approach to data sharing and analytics, breaking down data silos and creating a shared data infrastructure that can be used by all stakeholders. This will enable companies to derive key insights from the data, build desirable capabilities, and achieve desired business outcomes faster.
The deployment of green hydrogen and digital solutions is not just a business opportunity, but also a moral imperative. The world is facing multiple crises, from climate change to pandemics to food insecurity, and we need all the tools at our disposal to address them. Green hydrogen and digital solutions can help us build a more sustainable and resilient future, but only if we act now and act together.
In conclusion, green hydrogen is a key technology in the transition to a low-carbon economy, and digital solutions can help accelerate its deployment and optimize its performance. By using data analytics, digital twins, and IoT devices, companies can reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve safety in the production and distribution of green hydrogen. However, to realize the full potential of green hydrogen and digital solutions, we need to break down data silos and collaborate across sectors and industries. This will enable us to build a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
To hear more from Schneider Electric and other hydrogen experts, sign up for Green Hydrogen this May 2023 at the ICC Birmingham.