In the bustling, resource-scarce city-state of Singapore, the quest for cleaner, more cost-effective energy solutions has led researchers to scrutinize the potential of hydrogen as a fuel and power source. A recent study published by the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), part of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), has shed new light on the most viable pathways for hydrogen supply, with significant implications for the energy sector.
The research, led by Yinjin Lee, delves into the cradle-to-gate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and landed costs of over fifty hydrogen supply chains, stretching from Malaysia and Australia to Singapore. The findings, published in Energy Conversion and Management: X, reveal a complex landscape where the most sustainable and economical solutions are not always the most obvious.
Currently, producing hydrogen locally using steam methane reforming with carbon capture (a process known as blue hydrogen) emerges as the lower-emission option compared to importing solar-generated green hydrogen from Australia. The latter, despite its renewable origins, incurs substantial emissions during conversion to ammonia (NH3) and transportation. “The emissions from converting hydrogen to ammonia and the subsequent transportation processes are significant,” Lee explains. “This highlights the need for technological advancements in both conversion and transportation methods.”
However, the story doesn’t end with current technologies. The study also projects the impacts of future developments and policy changes, such as Singapore’s carbon tax and improvements in renewable energy technologies. By 2030, the emissions and costs of power generated from imported solar-powered hydrogen could plummet by up to 74% and 70%, respectively. This dramatic shift could make green hydrogen a formidable contender in Singapore’s energy mix.
The research also identifies turquoise hydrogen, produced through the thermal decomposition of methane, as the most economical solution when considering emerging technologies. This process, which is still in its early stages, could potentially bridge the gap between cost and sustainability.
For the energy sector, these findings present both challenges and opportunities. Companies investing in hydrogen technologies will need to stay abreast of rapid advancements and policy changes. Meanwhile, policymakers must create an environment that fosters innovation and incentivizes the adoption of low-carbon technologies.
The study underscores the importance of a holistic approach to decarbonization, one that considers not just the origin of energy but also the entire supply chain. As Lee puts it, “It’s not just about where the hydrogen comes from, but also how it gets to us.” This nuanced understanding could shape the future of hydrogen as a viable, sustainable energy source, not just for Singapore, but for the world.
The research also highlights the potential for regional cooperation, with Malaysia and Australia playing significant roles in Singapore’s hydrogen supply chains. This could open up new avenues for collaboration and investment in the energy sector.
As Singapore continues to strive for a greener future, studies like this one will be instrumental in guiding its path. The energy sector would do well to take note, for the future of hydrogen is not just about sustainability, but also about economic viability and regional cooperation. The journey towards a hydrogen-powered future is complex, but with research like this, it’s also full of promise.