Change, to stop climate change
EDITOR's NOTE: Zero is the objective. Zero emissions, net zero, carbon neutrality, zero carbon footprint… are the slogans of the moment. Every company/ organization has a plan to achieve the objective.
I believe, it is not just an aim to reach; it is our responsibility, our purpose, and a diehard attempt to save the planet. This year promises to lead the way; how we pave the road is what is crucial.
The transportation sector generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions, it also has the highest reliance on fossil fuels. So, fuel change is a priority in mitigating climate change. Electric mobility is today on every nation's roadmap. From the birth of the idea to the first viable EV, leading to the forefront of battery technology, has been a long and fruitful journey. Every year brings with it new development, newer battery chemistries and even alternative fuels.
While Li-ion was heralded as the most suitable to power EVs, the recent supply-chain disruptions and availability of the coveted minerals, made us think but alternatives. This has made manufacturers and auto OEMs explore other suitable battery chemistries with easily available materials – Al-air, Na-ion, Zn-air, RFBs, SSBs… Not to forget the more recent hydrogen cells.
Energy transition will only make sense when it is powered by renewable energy sources
Ashok Thakur, Editor-in-Chief, ETN
There is a global buzz about the prospects of green H2 as the fuel of the future. There has been a flurry of investments in H2 projects that are in various stages of construction. The electrolyzer market is seeing a growth spurt too, as a result. There is still a lot of development that needs to take place to make green H2 production commercially viable. Currently, only about 3 percent of the H2 produced is green, most of the production still depends on fossil-fuels. This needs a change too; to renewable fuels or energy.
Once H2 production is effectively powered by renewable energy, net zero can take effect. Same goes for EV recharging. Energy transition will only make sense when it is powered by renewable energy sources. It is a slow-moving change, but as long as we are moving, we will get there.
What is also encouraging is the supportive role of governments globally; favorable policies and programs are lending an impetus to the industry's efforts. Energy security of a nation, like its financial stability, should be a matter of importance.
Change is inevitable; there is no single solution for sustainable energy needs. Development is good when it parallelly works at preserving and conserving the environment. Progress demands change. And like I have said before now is a good time to be in the energy storage sector.
