The transition to a carbon-free energy model It is one of the main challenges facing the world in the coming decades. Specifically, the electricity generation sector needs to radically adapt its methods and technologies to move away from fossil fuels and embrace sustainable, clean, and efficient alternatives.
In this article, we are going to take a deep dive into strategies, technological advances and tools who are leading this change. We'll analyze everything from the role of green hydrogen to energy storage systems and the electrification of industry, unpacking their potential, real-world applications, and the projects already underway.
Why is it urgent to decarbonize electricity production?
The global energy system is responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions., with electricity generation being one of the main sources of emissions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), industry alone accounts for approximately 24% of COâ‚‚ emissions, while transportation accounts for another 16%. A large part of these emissions are due to the use of coal, gas, and oil in industrial processes and logistics.
To meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement To keep global warming below 1,5°C, global emissions must be reduced by 8% annually until mid-century. This has prompted a global transformation, driven by climate policies, technological innovation, and market and societal pressure.
Climate regulation and competitiveness: drivers of change
European regulations are accelerating the energy transformationSome of the most relevant are:
- Reform of the emissions trading system (EU ETS): It is expanding to sectors such as the maritime sector and is raising the price of carbon.
- European Climate Law: sets the EU to be climate neutral by 2050.
- CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism): will add costs to imported products with a high carbon footprint.
These measures are creating a real competitive advantage for companies that invest in decarbonization, not only because of access to green financing, but also because of strategic positioning in more demanding and environmentally conscious markets.
Green hydrogen: clean energy for heavy industry and transportation
El green hydrogen It is produced by electrolysis of water using renewable electricity. Unlike gray hydrogen, which is generated from natural gas, green hydrogen does not emit COâ‚‚ in its production, making it a central energy vector in the decarbonization of industries that are difficult to electrify directly.
- Steel industry: replaces coal in iron ore reduction.
- Production of ammonia and fertilizers: replaces conventional hydrogen (grey).
- petroleum refining: decarbonizes intensive chemical processes.
- Heavy and maritime transport: viable alternative when batteries are not sufficient.
In Europe, pioneering projects have already been launched, such as:
- HYBRIT (Sweden): produces fossil-free steel, supplying products to companies like Volvo. Commercial operation is expected in 2026.
- Basque Hydrogen Corridor: brings together more than 70 entities to create a complete ecosystem of production and use.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCUS): A Solution for Irreducible Sectors
Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technology It allows the capture of COâ‚‚ generated in industrial processes for reuse or storage in geological formations. It is especially useful in industries where it is difficult to completely eliminate emissions, such as cement, steel, or chemical processes.
Although it still faces challenges such as its high cost and the need for infrastructure, there are real projects that demonstrate its viability:
- Porthos Project (Netherlands): COâ‚‚ storage in gas fields.
- Northern Lights (Norway): cross-border carbon transport and storage.
- Greensand Project (Denmark): COâ‚‚ storage in old oil wells.
The EU has allocated more than $2.000 billion in funding to accelerate the development of CCUS.
Flow batteries: large-scale energy storage
flow batteries They are one of the most promising solutions for storing large amounts of energy and facilitating the integration of renewables. They work by using liquid electrolytes, which can be stored in separate tanks and circulated through a cell to generate electricity.
Among its main advantages include:
- Longevity: Over 20,000 cycles without significant degradation.
- Security: they generate less heat and have a lower risk of fires.
- Sustainability: Some models use low-toxic, recyclable electrolytes.
They are ideal for:
- Stabilize electrical networks in the event of peak demand or intermittent generation.
- Support industrial processes continuous against power outages.
- Reduce energy costs shifting consumption to cheaper times.
One of the most interesting projects is the one carried out in Germany by BayWa re that combines flow batteries with solar and wind power, forming a hybrid system with 10 MWh of capacity.
Electrification of industrial processes: key to reducing emissions
Reduce the use of fossil fuels in thermal and energy-intensive processes It is one of the main goals of decarbonization. The electrification of equipment and processes allows for more direct use of renewable energy.
Among the processes already electrified are:
- Heating and drying in the food, textile or paper industries.
- High temperature processes using electric arc furnaces in the steel industry or the ceramics industry.
- Compression and pumping in chemistry and refining, replacing heat engines.
The use of industrial heat pumps It is another way to reuse waste heat and reduce fossil fuel consumption. A recent example in Spain is that of Keraben Group, which implemented an electric atomization system in the ceramics industry, achieving large reductions in emissions.
What challenges do we face in industrial decarbonization?
Despite the progress, The energy transition faces obstacles:
- High initial costs of technologies such as green hydrogen or CCUS.
- lack of infrastructure for COâ‚‚ transport or robust electrical networks.
- Policies still changing which generate uncertainty in some sectors.
- Resistance to change by some industries or regions.
To address them, the EU has launched initiatives such as PERTE of Industrial Decarbonization, with a planned public investment of 3.100 billion euros, which seeks to mobilize up to 11.800 billion in private investment.
Projects and real cases that are already paving the way
Numerous companies are leading this transformation with practical and scalable applications of the technologies we have mentioned:
- Las Cruces Copper Mine: selected by the EU to receive financial support, focusing on reducing emissions with renewables.
- Koxka (Navarra): Refrigeration company that has re-emerged by focusing on energy efficiency and product sustainability.
In addition, calls for new decarbonized manufacturing facilities in Spain are being promoted, with 150 million in subsidies and another 100 in loans for 2024.
The technologies for decarbonizing electricity production are ready and growing. From green hydrogen to energy storage and carbon capture, everything points to a profound transformation that will help save the planet and will also provide a crucial competitive advantage in today's global market.
