Energy & Decarbonization

With growing interest into the integration of fuel cells for stationary power, many commercial players have chosen to adopt either proton exchange membrane (PEM) or solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). However, alternative fuel cell technologies like alkaline fuel cells (AFCs), molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs), phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFCs) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) still compete for market share.

Across the globe, over 140 countries have set a net-zero target, with many committed to reaching net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. This Herculean task will require many emission reduction technologies in tandem - and the groundwork must be laid now. CCUS (carbon capture, utilization, and storage) solutions have been identified as one such vital tool with the ability to decarbonize existing industry assets.

Utilizing alternatives to helium where possible could allow for a greater conservation of helium, which could prove to be necessary for the market going forward. IDTechEx reports that since 2005, there have been 4 supply shortages of helium, each resulting in high price volatility, with the price of helium having almost doubled since 2021.

As the world grapples with the environmental impact of traditional plastics, bioplastics derived from carbon dioxide (CO2) and waste materials present a promising solution. This emerging sustainable market seeks to address two critical global challenges: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and managing waste.

Monday 2 December 2024 - Background on the hydrogen value chain, from production to end-use applications; Significant developments in low-carbon hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and industrial applications in late 2023 and 2024; Overview of various fuel cell technologies; Major trends for fuel cells in automotive and stationary power markets; Market outlook

SAF has emerged as a crucial decarbonization tool offering up to 80% emissions reduction while being drop-in compatible with existing aircraft engines and infrastructure. This article discusses the key SAF production technologies and market drivers.

Hydrogen and its derivatives (e.g. ammonia, methanol) will be crucial in decarbonizing diverse sectors and serving as energy carriers for global renewable energy transport. As a result, the market is seeing increased commercial interest from technology providers, engineering services, and project developers eager to capitalize on this expanding opportunity.

Wednesday 20 November 2024 - Reflections on 2024: Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR); Commercial, technological, and infrastructural factors set to grow CCUS deployment; Trends in both compliance and voluntary carbon markets; Discussion of upcoming CCUS projects expected to reach key milestones such as Northern Lights/Longship and Occidental's Stratos; Analysis of emerging technologies in carbon dioxide removal (including direct air capture and direct ocean capture) and carbon dioxide utilization (i.e. CO2-derived e-fuels)

Biofuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel, are making their way onto the fuel scene, providing a more sustainable approach to acquiring highly demanded fuels. E-fuels are also emerging quickly, showing even more sustainable fuel manufacturing approaches with long-term benefits.

The electrification of vehicle fleets globally continues to create demand for rare earth magnets. With China being the largest electric vehicle market, rare earth permanent magnet motors are expected to retain the majority of the electric motor market share.