Energy Transition Outlook 2019

Hydrogen and CCUS: safe, reliable and affordable solutions

Gaseous or liquid fuels have important advantages in terms of energy density, and the cost of transport and storage. The ongoing need for such fuels underlines the importance of carbon capture technologies and hydrogen (and derivatives thereof) as a key element of the zero-emissions economy. This was underlined by the conclusions of the CCC report summarised below.

The foundations are in place. Policy development has begun for many of the components needed to reach net-zero GHG emissions: low-carbon electricity (which must quadruple its supply by 2050), efficient buildings and low-carbon heating (needed throughout the building stock), electric vehicles, carbon capture and storage (CCS), diversion of biodegradable waste from landfill, phase-out of fluorinated gases, increased afforestation and measures to reduce emissions on farms.

Hydrogen and CCUS industries will be required ‘at scale’ by 2050 in order to achieve a net-zero emissions economy

300

100 120 140 160 180 200

Direct air capture with CCS

Power Generation

Fossil CCS (hydrogen production) Fossil CCS (industry)

Transport Heat in homes

250

Electrolysis

200

MTCO 2 e

Shipping

150

BECCS (all sectors)

0 20 40 60 80

Gas reforming

TWH/yr

100

Industry

Fossil CCS (power generation)

50

0

Hydrogen Demand in 2050

Hydrogen Production in 2050

CO₂ captured and stored in 2050

Source: CCC

These show the recognised potential of CCUS and hydrogen technologies across a range of applications including flexible power generation, domestic and industrial heating and transport, and energy intensive industries.

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