Renewable hydrogen key to decarbonisation
Ten solar and wind organisations have launched a joint initiative highlighting the role of renewable hydrogen in decarbonising Europes economy, aligned with the European Green Deal.
The ‘Choose Renewable Hydrogen’ initiative urges that, amidst the COVID-19 health crisis and its economic implications, Europe prioritises the most efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective pathways to decarbonisation. It asks that the European Commission make the right choices for the upcoming energy system integration and hydrogen strategy.
Giles Dickson, CEO WindEurope, which created the initiative, said: “Renewables are nearly half our electricity now. But electricity is only a quarter of our total energy consumption. The rest is mostly fossil and less efficient than electricity. We need to electrify as much of this other energy as we can. And wind will be key – the EU Commission and IEA say it will be half of Europe’s electricity by 2050.
“But we cannot electrify everything. Some industrial processes and heavy transport will have to run on gas. And renewable hydrogen is the best gas. It is completely clean. It will be affordable with renewables being so cheap now. And it will be energy made in Europe creating jobs and growth in Europe. Hydrogen in the Recovery Package? Yes, but make it renewable hydrogen!”
Hydrogen produced in Europe via electrolysers powered by 100% renewable electricity, such as solar and wind, has zero greenhouse gas emissions, increases the EU’s energy security, and, when produced by grid-connected renewables, presents an optimised form of sector coupling.
In addition to WindEurope, the initiative includes Akuo Energy, BayWa r.e., EDP, Enel, Iberdrola, MHI Vestas, SolarPower Europe, Ørsted and Vestas.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
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