Over the past three decades, global warming and carbon emissions have become major concerns worldwide. Various industries have been accused of contributing to these issues. The construction sector, in particular, has become a focal point due to its significant contribution to annual carbon emissions. The built environment is responsible for a staggering 39% of global carbon emissions, including both operational and embodied emissions. The former are from day-to-day operations, while the latter are related to the creation, transportation, and disposal of construction materials. The industry has adopted a sustainability-based approach to its projects, starting from the design phase up to demolition. Potential solutions include modified business models, sustainable construction methods, and the use of more sustainable materials. Eco-Conscious Construction: Understanding the Essence of Prioritizing Sustainable Materials The use of conventional building materials, such as steel, concrete, cement, bricks, and glass, among others, presents multiple challenges. Firstly, according to the United Nations Environment Programme and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, building/construction materials contributed approximately 10% of the world’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2019. The industry is not only a significant emitter but also a major consumer of raw materials. The production of construction materials involves extensive extraction of finite natural resources, leading to resource depletion. Additionally, the production of such materials is energy-intensive and often results in the generation of tons of waste. These challenges highlight the urgency of transitioning towards more sustainable material alternatives to address environmental impact, conserve resources, and align with contemporary standards of responsible construction. Sustainable building materials have unique characteristics based on their life cycle. They can be eco-friendly, low-maintenance, energy-efficient, locally sourced, biodegradable, and contribute to water conservation. They can also have unique characteristics such as recycled content, optimal performance, and minimal energy consumption. A few examples of sustainable materials that have gained momentum within the industry include advanced concrete, organic admixtures, recycled and smart glass, treated wood, and plastic waste. From Landfills to the Deep Blue: The Urgent Concerns Surrounding Plastics’ Production and Disposal The United Nations Environment Programme report reveals a staggering annual production of 400 million tons of single-use plastic waste worldwide, representing 47% of the total plastic waste generated. However, only 9% of this substantial plastic volume undergoes recycling on a global scale. The environmental challenges posed by plastics are multifaceted, primarily arising from their mass production and improper disposal practices. One facet of this challenge is the indiscriminate dumping of tons of plastic waste in landfills. This is because plastic waste degrades slowly, leading to the accumulation of piles of plastic waste over extended periods. Moreover, plastics contribute to the direct pollution of streams and groundwater, infiltrating vital water resources and posing a long-term threat to aquatic ecosystems. The detrimental impact of plastics extends to marine ecosystems, with an alarming 8 million tons of plastic waste finding its way into the oceans annually. Moreover, the incineration process of plastic waste releases harmful gases, further exacerbating environmental concerns. This contributes to air pollution and poses a direct threat to human health. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic and concerted effort to mitigate the impact of plastics on our ecosystems and promote sustainable waste management practices. Recycling plastic is crucial to achieving this goal, both in general and specifically as a sustainable construction material. From Waste to Wealth: Embracing the Benefits of Plastic Features for Sustainable Building Practices Currently, less than 1% of construction materials worldwide contain plastic waste. However, modifying construction materials with plastic waste is gaining attention. This would serve a twofold purpose: reducing waste and decreasing reliance on non-renewable resources. Plastics have gained popularity in construction because they are strong, durable, resistant to corrosion and weather, require little maintenance, are easy to transport, cost-effective, lightweight, and flexible in design. Plastics are increasingly used in construction due to their abundance and accessibility. They are a convenient resource for the industry and are cost-effective to process. Recycling procedures also ensure durability, meeting multiple structural integrity and performance requirements. In addition, structures made from waste plastics have a longer shelf life. This ensures that the structures incorporating these materials remain resilient over time. Furthermore, plastic waste has diverse properties that make it suitable for various applications in construction. For example, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is hard and rigid, while light-density polyethylene (LDPE) is flexible. Polypropylene (PP) has both hard and flexible characteristics, providing an advantage for its use in construction. These attributes position plastic waste as a versatile and practical choice in numerous applications, contributing to sustainable practices by repurposing materials that might otherwise end up as environmental pollutants. Other benefits of recycling and sustainable building practices include boosting the economy by creating jobs in the recycling and manufacturing sectors, fostering innovation, and developing technologically advanced building practices. From Disposal to Structure: Examining the Diverse Applications of Waste Plastic in Construction As the construction industry undergoes a paradigm shift towards eco-friendly and sustainable practices, the utilization of plastic waste in building materials has emerged as a compelling avenue for positive change. The following paragraphs delve into the different applications of plastic waste within construction, unveiling its potential to revolutionize the way the industry approaches building projects. Plastic Waste as a Complete Green Substitute in Construction Plastic has the potential to replace traditional construction materials such as bricks, wood, plywood, and timber. This can be achieved by using recycled or mixed scrap plastic waste. The use of plastic is relevant in various areas, including non-load-bearing walls, building bricks, facing bricks, and thin veneer bricks. Examples of repurposed plastic waste include using plastic bottles instead of traditional bricks for constructing walls, plastic-based pavement blocks for non-traffic and light traffic roads, reinforced polymer sleepers on network rail tracks, plastic-based tiles for flooring and decking, and wood-plastic composites for decking, fencing, outdoor furniture, and structural components. Replacement of Aggregates (Sand/Gravel) in Concrete Plastic waste serves as aggregates, additives, or sand and cement alternatives or substitutes in concrete production, cement-asphalt mixtures, or insulating materials. This is often done by processing it into small particles and mixing it with cement, resulting in newer or more sustainable products such as polymer concrete. Also, plastic waste could act as a modifier in concrete/road construction when mixed with crumb rubber. Plastic waste could also serve as binders, as they act as components of cementitious composites in road construction materials such as fillers and modified bitumen. Applications of such include producing sustainable flexible pavements and sub-base and base construction of pavements. Reinforcements to Concrete Plastic waste could also be used as a synthetic alternative to steel fibers and wire nets to augment material properties and mechanical strength. Thus, it could enhance concrete durability by enhancing bending, abrasion, and impact resistance while minimizing cracks and altering appearance. Recent research integrates synthetic fibers in small amounts to fortify traditional concrete, thereby complementing traditional steel reinforcements. Plastic waste can be used to reinforce concrete in various applications, such as pedestrian paths, prefabricated tiles, borders, and sidewalks. Conclusion The construction industry is embracing sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact. One such practice is the use of waste materials, including plastic waste. Thus, plastic waste can be transformed into building materials in a wide range of applications due to their favorable properties. Such efforts would directly address resource scarcity and environmental concerns. This approach not only diverts materials from landfills but also fosters innovation, job creation, and economic growth, all of which align with the main sustainability goals, thereby promoting a greener, more resilient built environment. References https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/energy-and-resources/articles/delivering-sustainable-construction.html https://www.pwc.nl/en/industries/engineering-and-construction/sustainability.html https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372549011_Recycling_Plastic_Waste_into_Construction_Materials_for_Sustainability https://www.strategyand.pwc.com/m1/en/strategic-foresight/sector-strategies/energy-utilities/using-recycled-plastics-to-build-a-more-sustainable-future/usingrecycledplastics.pdf https://jusst.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/The-Influence-Of-Construction-Materials-On-Sustainable-Constructions-A-Study-In-Wolaita-Zone-Southern-Ethiopia.pdf https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355356295_Recyclingreuse_of_plastic_waste_as_construction_material_for_sustainable_development_a_review https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061823010243 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214785322023707 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061820335248 https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy.aucegypt.edu/science/article/pii/S0195925522000804?via%3Dihub
Nature has always been a primary source of inspiration for our ideas and innovations. From a poem contemplating the beauty of autumn to a 16th-century visionary who drew the first plans for human flight from birdwatching, we have always looked to nature for guidance. The deliberate use of nature for technological advice on many of the challenges we face is gaining increasing attention. From mimicking bee communication for better building energy management to emulating whale fins for robust wind turbine efficiency, more and more companies and researchers are turning to nature not as a reserve of potential resources to be exploited but as the oldest R&D lab, harnessing the power of 3.8 billion years of nature's proven designs and solutions. Bioinspired Innovation Principles Bioinspired innovation is a technological approach that draws inspiration from nature to solve human design challenges. This approach preserves nature as an experienced engineer and a genius problem solver. It involves learning from and emulating nature's forms, processes, and ecosystems. There are several techniques and methodologies for embracing the bioinspired design approach. One of the key bioinspired design approaches is biomimicry, which emphasizes replicating living systems' solutions for specific functional challenges. Other approaches include bio-morphism, involving designs visually resembling natural elements, and bio-utilization, involving the integration of biological materials or living organisms in design and technology. These are the key principles that are currently steering the transformative wave toward bioinspired innovation. A Global Shift Toward Bioinspired Innovation Governments as well as the private sector are at the forefront of the shift towards bioinspired innovation. They are actively directing considerable funding and establishing several R&D centers to foster the integration of solutions inspired by nature. For example, the Pentagon's research and funding arm, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has provided significant financial support for biomimicry research in the United States. This includes a $4 million contribution to AeroVironment for the development of a hummingbird-like aircraft prototype. In addition, Germany has over 100 public research institutions conducting biomimicry-related R&D projects. These networks have received a cumulative investment exceeding 120 million euros since 2001. France has also considered biomimicry as a key innovation area in its announced national ecological transition strategy. In 2014, it established CEEBIOS, a leading research center in biomimicry that aims to catalyze bioinspired and sustainable innovation. Several other countries are adopting comparable strategies. For instance, South Korea has the world's second-largest number of biomimicry technology patents, after the United States. South Korea estimates that biomimicry development will generate an economic value of around USD 62 billion and 650,000 jobs by 2035. This is projected to grow to $382 billion and create 2 million new jobs by 2050. Accordingly, biomimicry patents, scholarly articles, and research grants have expanded by more than 5 times since 2000. The number of scientific publications addressing bioinspired topics has steadily increased, with over 22,000 articles published between 2017 and 2019. Corporate Embrace of Biomimicry The private sector is also tapping into the power of nature, as many major corporations are actively exploring biomimetic solutions to address their business challenges. For example, in 2015, Ford collaborated with P&G and The Biomimicry Institute to improve adhesives and increase the recyclability of auto parts by studying the gecko’s sticky toe pads. Also, Unilever took inspiration from the Ice Structuring Protein (ISP), which allows fish to survive in freezing water, to create a healthier ice cream that doesn’t melt easily. As numerous biomimicry concepts have already demonstrated their market viability, more businesses are working to embed bioinspired concepts and approaches into their design processes. Real-World Business Applications Bioinspired solutions have led to many breakthroughs in various fields, from architecture to automotive. Nature-inspired concepts, designs, and models have proven to be a vital approach to solving our most challenging problems. Below are some of the real-world business applications for bioinspired solutions: Bullet Train - Beak of the kingfisher Japan is famous for its high-speed trains, which can reach speeds of up to 320 km per hour. However, traveling through tunnels at this speed can cause air pressure to build up, resulting in a sonic boom every time the train exits a tunnel. This can affect people living up to 25 km away. To address this, engineers took inspiration from the kingfisher bird's beak and its ability to smoothly transition between air and water. They designed a quieter train model that reduces noise, increases speed by 10%, and decreases electricity consumption by 15%. Swarm Logic technology - Honey bee communication Encycle, a technology company, has developed a building management system that mimics the communication system of bee colonies. This allows equipment and systems, such as HVAC, to integrate and operate more efficiently in response to changing conditions, such as outdoor temperature and building occupancy. As of November 2023, the swarm logic system has reported 135 million KWh in consumption savings and more than $19 million in energy cost savings at US sites alone. Kalundborg Eco-Industrial Park, Denmark - symbiosis The Kalundborg symbiosis is a pioneering example of industrial symbiosis. It mimics the beneficial interactions between various species within an ecosystem. Neighboring industrial facilities exchange resources and energy by-products, transforming one plant's waste into feedstock for others. The symbiosis has been operating for almost six decades and has proven to be a great success. It saves 3.6 million m³ of groundwater, 586,000 tonnes of CO₂, and recycles 62,000 tonnes of residual materials annually. Additionally, it contributes to annual bottom-line savings of 24 million euros. Eastgate Centre Building, Zimbabwe - mound-building termites The Eastgate Center uses techniques inspired by termite architecture to create a self-cooling system. This system requires 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to similar-sized buildings. Additionally, the ventilation system used by the Eastgate Center costs only a fraction of traditional air conditioning systems. These are just a few examples of the many available applications for bioinspired solutions that are currently being tested and implemented. These applications are actively shaping our economy and driving innovation across various industries. Outlook A 2013 study by the Fermanian Business & Economic Institute (FBEI) estimated that bioinspiration could generate a total global output of $1.6 trillion by 2030. An additional $0.5 trillion could be generated from resources and pollution reduction. The study also estimated that bioinspiration would contribute $425 billion to the US GDP by 2030. Moreover, a recent study by BCG predicts that nature co-design will impact over $30 trillion in economic activity in the next 30 years, which is about 40% of the current global GDP. These figures highlight the significant potential for bioinspired innovation. As more businesses integrate these approaches and technologies into their internal processes, innovations and concepts will continue to emerge. Conclusion In conclusion, the intersection between biology and technology plays a crucial role in shaping the future of industries. Biomimicry and other nature-inspired concepts have demonstrated their capacity to provide diverse solutions and innovations. Moreover, given the unprecedented challenges facing our world today, it has been essential to redefine our relationship with nature. This will foster change and accelerate the shift towards bioinspired solutions. Nature has always ignited our imagination and creativity, and we have only begun to scratch the surface of its wisdom. Sources https://www.encycle.com/swarm-logic/https://www.technologyreview.com/2008/03/06/221447/whale-inspired-wind-turbines/https://biomimicry.org/what-is-biomimicry/https://youmatter.world/en/definition/definitions-what-is-biomimicry-definition-examples/https://www.santander.com/content/dam/santander-com/es/contenido-paginas/landing-pages/santander-x-xperts/do-xperts-Whitepaper-Biomimesis-en.pdfhttps://www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminstitute/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/working-paper-375-Lebdioui.pdfhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/rebeccabagley/2014/04/15/biomimicry-how-nature-can-streamline-your-business-for-innovation/?sh=14c440284380https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2015/10/20/ford-to-seek-solutions-by-mimicking-nature.htmlhttps://biomimicry.org/looking-gecko-answers-ford-partners-biomimicry-institute/https://www.encycle.com/swarm-logic/https://stateofgreen.com/en/solution-providers/kalundborg-symbiosis/#:~:text=In%20Kalundborg%20Symbiosis%2C%20the%20city's,resources%20adds%20value%20to%20another.https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/en/good-practices/kalundborg-symbiosis-six-decades-circular-approach-productionhttps://www.arup.com/projects/eastgatehttps://www.pwc.com.au/digitalpulse/biomimicry-digital-innovation.htmlhttps://cnnespanol.cnn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/bioreport13.final.sm.pdfhttps://www.bcg.com/publications/2021/why-nature-co-design-will-be-so-important-for-the-next-industrial-revolution
Energy use and CO2 emissions from transportation The transportation sector accounts for around 30% of global final energy consumption. Given that most of our energy is still derived from fossil fuels, despite the growing share of renewable energy generation and the announced carbon neutrality ambitions by 2050, transportation is already at the top of a list of sectors to decarbonize. What’s more, transport has the highest level of reliance on fossil fuels of any other sector. According to the International Energy Agency, road transportation alone accounts for approximately 15% of global energy-related GHG emissions. During the last few years, the public debate on reducing road transport emissions has been dominated by battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which represent a promising path towards decarbonizing the sector. However, despite significant advances in cost and economic competitiveness—EVs are already competitive with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles on a total cost of ownership (TCO)1 basis—a few challenges have hampered market development, most notably in terms of practicality, limited autonomy2, and long refueling times of BEVs. The Hydrogen Fuel Case The use of hydrogen as a fuel, particularly green (hydrogen produced from water electrolysis3) or blue hydrogen (produced from natural gas and supported by CCS4), could be the key to decarbonizing road transportation. This is because not only can fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) already, similar to conventional ICE vehicles, refuel in less than 4 minutes and have a driving range of over 450km5 but also, just like BEVs, they produce no harmful tailpipe emissions. From a cost perspective, because the level and type of performance required vary from one vehicle segment to another, it’s important to make a distinction between light and heavy-duty vehicles. For the sake of illustration, we consider the 3 main vehicle segments: passenger cars, HDT, and off-road, and compare the FCEV options to the BEV and ICE versions by the total cost of ownership (TCO). Passenger Cars: Based on a TCO analysis by energy consultancy Element Energy, FCEVs are quite a long way from being cost competitive with electric and conventional passenger cars, especially for first-time owners. And although the TCO of FCEVs in the segment is expected to drop significantly over the next decade due to falling fuel cell costs, BEVs are expected to remain a much more attractive option in comparison, except for larger passenger cars, SUVs, and vans with longer-range requirements and heavier use cycles (e.g., for taxis and ride-sharing) where FCEVs become a reasonable alternative. Heavy-Duty Vehicles/Trucking (HDT): According to a report by the Hydrogen Council and McKinsey, on-demand HDT FCEV is expected to become the cheapest option in terms of TCO by 2030, assuming a hydrogen price at the dispenser of about $4/kg in 2030. The analysis suggests that HDT FCEV should achieve break-even with BEVs by around 2025 and with ICE HDTs by 2028, driven primarily by a drop in hydrogen fuel costs and equipment costs. It’s worth noting that, in a context where targeted subsidies such as Switzerland’s toll exemption policy or other support mechanisms exist, the described timeline could be even shorter. Off-Road Equipment/Vehicles: Due to the specific performance requirements of off-road equipment, fuel cell powertrains are potentially the only alternative to GHG-emitting equipment. In the context of achieving net zero targets, decarbonizing the off-road vehicle segment is of particular importance. That’s because mining rare earth metals is critical for green technology manufacturing (including fuel cells), and off-road equipment (such as excavators and wheel loaders) is heavily used in mining operations. Regarding the cost, the latest estimates from the US DoE and the Journal of Hydrogen suggest that fuel cells are already the lower-cost option for compact tractors/wheel loaders and standard/full excavators. Developing the hydrogen sector Hydrogen-fueled cars have been commercially available for almost a decade. Despite that, due to the lack of infrastructure, their sales remain dwarfed by those of BEVs. Mindful of the sector’s potential, governments have started over the past few years drafting strategies and creating policies in support of hydrogen, including investment incentives for the construction of hydrogen production and refueling facilities to enable the deployment of FCEVs. Below are some examples: Japan: In 2017, the Japanese government issued the Basic Hydrogen Strategy and became the first to adopt a national hydrogen framework. Through a series of legislation and plans, it aims to expand its hydrogen economy and production to 20 million tonnes by 2050. United States: At the federal level: the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 introduced incentives in the form of tax credits to help minimize the cost of hydrogen and fuel cell projects. Since then, the tax credit policy has been extended and its scope enlarged to include refueling equipment and energy storage system facilities. A wealth of other incentives has been introduced, most notably through the Biden Administration’s Build Back Better Act. At the state level: energy authorities have taken similar steps. In 2020, the California Energy Commission (CEC) committed to investing up to $115 million to significantly increase the number of Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRSs) in the state. California is on track to achieve its target of deploying 200 HRSs by 2025. Germany: In June 2020, Germany presented its National Hydrogen Strategy. The strategy document identified several goals that need to be achieved for green hydrogen to become an effective tool in reaching emissions neutrality by 2050, including the scale-up of H2 production and transport capacity, as well as the introduction of support schemes and public funding. Germany committed to providing public funding amounting to €7 billion for the market ramp-up of hydrogen technology in the country. Chile: In addition to their National Electromobility Strategy published in 2017, which includes goals on green hydrogen and fuel cells applications, Chile announced its National Green Hydrogen Strategy in 2020, and the goal to be carbon neutral by 2050. Figure 1: HRS by region, 2021 [caption id="attachment_8368" align="aligncenter" width="486"] source: IEA, 2022[/caption] On the private sector front, energy companies are already competing for market shares of Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRSs). Today, the fast-growing HRS market is dominated by a few Oil & Gas and hydrogen companies, namely Air Products, Linde, Air Liquid, and Nel. To enter the market, some companies chose to combine their investment efforts through JVs, such as the German H2 Mobility JV, which operates a global network of 200+ HRS. Concerning car manufacturing, major OEMs are offering a limited but growing number of FCEVs to the public in certain markets, in line with what the developing infrastructure can support. It is estimated that around 52 thousand FCEVs are currently in circulation, with the majority of them concentrated in the United States (38%) and Korea (24%). Figure 2: FCEVs by region, 2021 [caption id="attachment_8369" align="aligncenter" width="458"] source: IEA, 2022[/caption] The net zero emissions by 2050 scenario requires transport sector emissions to fall by 20% by 2030. To achieve this goal, new sales of PHEVs, BEVs, and FCEVs need to represent 64% and 30% of total passenger car sales and HDT sales, respectively, by 2030. The TCO data summarized in this article shows that, rather than competing against BEVs, hydrogen-fueled vehicles can help achieve this objective by taking up the baton where BEV technology fails to deliver, in particular in the HDT segment. Notes: 1: The total cost of ownership includes both purchase cost and running cost, i.e., fuel and maintenance costs, over the lifetime of the vehicle. 2: Based on EPA data, the median range for 2021 model EVs was 234 miles (source) 3: Water electrolysis uses an electrical current to separate the hydrogen from the oxygen in water. If this electricity is obtained from renewable sources, hydrogen will therefore be produced without emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 4: CCS stands for Carbon Capture and Storage. In the case of blue hydrogen production, the CO2 generated during the manufacturing process is captured and stored permanently underground. The result is low-carbon hydrogen that produces no CO2 5: 300 miles based on US DoE estimates –converted to km and rounded for the sake of convenience (Source) Oussama El Baz Sources: IEA, Key World Energy Statistics 2021 IEA, World Energy Outlook, 2021 IRENA, Green hydrogen cost reduction, 2020 IEA, Global EV Outlook 2022 US DoE Alternative Fuels Data Center European Parliament – What if hydrogen could help decarbonize transport? European Commission, Biofuels in the European Union, A vision for 2030 and beyond Element Limited, Electric Cars: Calculating the Total Cost of Ownership for Consumers, 2021 US Department of Energy, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, 2022 Hydrogen Council, A perspective on hydrogen investment, market development and cost competitiveness, 2021 Cleantech Group, Decarbonizing off-road vehicles, 2022 US DoE, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Office, 2022 Journal of Hydrogen, Performance, and cost of fuel cells for off-road heavy-duty vehicles, 2022 International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy Marca Chile, Electromobility: Chile is leading the way in Latin America with ambitious goals, 2021 Watson Farley & Williams, The German Hydrogen Strategy, 2021 Baker McKenzie, How Proposed New US Hydrogen Tax Incentives Should Spur Investment, 2021 US DOE, Financial Incentives for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Projects JD Supra, Clean Energy Tax Proposals in Biden’s New “Build Back Better” Framework, 2021 California Energy Commission, 2020 Exxon Mobil – What is blue Hydrogen Iberdrola – Green hydrogen: an alternative that reduces emissions and cares for our planet
The world is currently shifting its energy system away from hydrocarbons and towards low-carbon energy sources, with a view to eventually transitioning to a net-zero energy system. As a result, governments and energy companies alike are placing large wagers on hydrogen, in an effort to lower emissions. The GCC countries have long been concerned about the sustainability of their hydrocarbon revenues and have taken early steps to develop national hydrogen strategies. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates lead the way in this regard and have positioned themselves to become major hydrogen exporters. Japan, China, and South Korea, on the other hand, currently some of the top destinations for Saudi and Emirati crude oil, are set to emerge as major importers of hydrogen. The recent export by the Emirates’ state-owned oil company ADNOC, of its first blue hydrogen cargo to Japan, marks the first step toward solidifying this emerging relationship. Hydrogen Steadily Gaining Ground in the GCC The UAE joined the Global Hydrogen Council in July 2021, and developed its National Clean Energy Strategy 2050, under which ADNOC will produce 300,000 metric tonnes of hydrogen annually. In Saudi Arabia, a green hydrogen project is scheduled for completion by 2025, with a capacity of 650 metric tonnes of hydrogen, and 1.2 million tonnes of green ammonia, making it one of the largest such projects in the world. In Kuwait, meanwhile, the National Petroleum Company (KNPC) has completed work on a hydrocracker unit at a cost of $16 billion, that can produce 454,000 tonnes of clean fuel. Oman Oil Company, for its part, is implementing a project to produce 1.8 million tonnes of green hydrogen at a cost of $30 billion, using solar and wind energy. Factors favoring the production of Blue Hydrogen* in the GCC (*Hydrogen produced using carbon capture and storage technology to store the CO2 created as a byproduct of the process) The GCC is one of the largest and lowest-cost producers of natural gas globally, accounting for 20% of the world’s gas reserves. Qatar is the third-largest worldwide, with 24.7 trillion cubic meters (TCM) of proven natural gas reserves, while Saudi Arabia (6 TCM) and the UAE (5.9 TCM) hold the ninth and tenth spots, respectively. The availability of existing facilities in the GCC involved in the production of ammonia, fertilizers, methanol, steel, and hydrogen. These facilities are often already concentrated in clusters along with power and desalination plants, making ideal centers to expand the use of the carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) needed to create blue hydrogen. Examples include the facilities of SABIC in Saudi Arabia, FERTIL in the UAE, QAFCO in Qatar, PIC16 in Kuwait, OMIFCO in Oman, and Bahrain’s SULB. GCC hydrocarbon producers have significant CO2 storage capacity. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) enable the production of low-carbon hydrogen, and the voided spaces in oil and gas fields alone, within the GCC, accounting for a storage capacity of 33.4 GtCO2e, allowing for ample reservoirs for hydrogen producers. GCC producers have well-developed existing infrastructure, such as their natural gas grids, which could be modified for transporting hydrogen inland for domestic purposes. Factors favoring the production of Green Hydrogen* in the GCC: (*Hydrogen produced using electricity generated from renewables, such as wind or solar) The GCC is a high-potential region for renewables benefitting from some of the highest solar radiation levels in the world, as well as strong and regular winds in some areas. This makes the GCC region potentially one of the most cost-competitive for hydrogen production, with long-term costs potentially reaching USD 1.5 - 2 per kg, compared to USD 3.0 - 4+ per kg in Europe and parts of Asia. GCC countries enjoy sufficient funding availability for investment in hydrogen, having created significant financial reserves from their oil & gas economies. These reserves allow them to cover the cost of producing green hydrogen, which is high compared to that of producing blue hydrogen. The GCC already has a highly qualified workforce in the oil & gas sector. This represents a major opportunity for the development of the hydrogen economy in the region, due to the high transferability of their skills. GCC countries have advanced export infrastructure. The UAE’s Jebel Ali and Saudi Arabia's Jeddah ports, for instance, were among the top 40 ports in the world in 2019, according to the World Shipping Council. GCC countries are centrally located relative to energy demand markets, situated as they are between the potentially large European and East Asian markets. Potential Hydrogen Imports from High Demand Regions EU hydrogen imports from the GCC could reach 100 mMT by 2050, according to a recent report published by Dii & Roland Berger. In East Asia, meanwhile, imports from the GCC could reach approximately 85 mMT of ammonia by the same year, leaving GCC countries in a prime position to become major players in the hydrogen industry. Source: Vision Port of Rotterdam, Germany's National Hydrogen Strategy, EU Hydrogen Strategy, METI, Hydrogen Korea Team, Roland Berger, Dii Desert Energy. Potential Revenues from Hydrogen Exports Global hydrogen demand is expected to reach approximately 580 mMT by 2050. All indicators point to the potential for the GCC to replace its position as a global oil giant, with that of a global hydrogen hub, with potential green hydrogen revenues alone expected to reach USD 70-200 billion by 2050. Looking Forward The GCC is in an excellent position to become a leading green and blue hydrogen producer, which would allow the region to occupy an important place in the nascent hydrogen industry. By seizing this opportunity, GCC countries can ensure their continued prominence in the global energy market, all the while moving towards a decarbonized world. This shift is emblematic of the rising non-oil economy in oil countries, symbolizing a strategic pivot towards sustainable and diversified energy sources that promise economic resilience and environmental responsibility for future generations. Author: Dina Amer References: MEI@75, Warming to a Multi-Colored Hydrogen Future? The GCC and Asia Pacific, 2021 https://www.mei.edu/publications/warming-multi-colored-hydrogen-future-gcc-and-asia-pacific Gulf News, Gulf economies are ready to take on clean energy and hydrogen projects, 2021 https://gulfnews.com/business/analysis/gulf-economies-are-ready-to-take-on-clean-energy-and-hydrogen-projects-1.1628060444446 Qamar Energy, Hydrogen in the GCC, a report for the regional business development team Gulf Region, 2020 https://www.rvo.nl/sites/default/files/2020/12/Hydrogen%20in%20the%20GCC.pdf Dii Desert Energy & Roland Berger, The Potential for Green Hydrogen in the GCC region, 2021 https://www.menaenergymeet.com/wp-content/uploads/the-potential-for-green-hydrogen-in-the-gcc-region.pdf Brookings, Economic diversification in the Gulf: Time to redouble efforts, 2021 https://www.brookings.edu/research/economic-diversification-in-the-gulf-time-to-redouble-efforts/ The IEA, The Future of Hydrogen; Seizing today’s opportunities, 2019 https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-hydrogen The IEA, The Role of CO2 Storage, 2019 https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-co2-storage KAPSARC, Opportunities for Natural Gas Trade and Infrastructure in the GCC, 2020 https://www.kapsarc.org/research/publications/opportunities-for-natural-gas-trade-and-infrastructure-in-the-gcc/
Expo 2020 Dubai, under its 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future' theme, is setting a new standard for sustainability. The event's comprehensive Expo 2020 Sustainability Initiatives aim to make it the most sustainable World Expo ever. Expo 2020 is focusing on three main elements: sustainability, mobility, and opportunity. Aiming to become the most sustainable expo so far, Expo 2020 Dubai has taken diverse measures from installing renewable energy systems to reducing water usage and segregating waste. Expo 2020’s sustainability efforts are supported by its partners that have been undertaking various sustainability initiatives of their own besides helping realize the expo's sustainability vision. Expo 2020 partners and environmental sustainability efforts GHG emissions Expo 2020 partners are taking climate action by setting ambitious GHG emissions reduction goals. For example, Accenture is targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2025, with specific goals to reduce absolute GHG emissions by 11% and its scope 1&2 emissions by 65% from its 2016 baseline. Cisco has also promised to have net-zero emissions by 2040, with near-term goals of reaching net-zero for global scope 1&2 emissions by 2025 and reducing scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2030 from its 2019 baseline. Water consumption Expo 2020 partners are also working on reducing their water consumption. For example, PepsiCo has reduced its consumption by 21% from 2018 to 2020. The company has also pledged to improve its water use efficiency by 15% in agriculture, and by 25% in operations from its 2015 baseline. It is also hoping to replenish the water consumed in manufacturing by 100%. Renewable energy Expo 2020 partners are conscious of the impact of their operations on the environment and thus have been switching to clean energy sources. For instance, both SAP and Mastercard are fully relying on renewable energy, with 100% of their electricity being generated from renewables in 2020. Waste recycling Waste recycling initiatives are also key for the Expo 2020 partners. Among the partners, Nissan is a leader, with 96% of its wastes either recycled or diverted in 2020. It is followed by Siemens, with 93% of its wastes recycled or diverted in the same year. Some partners have set other waste recycling goals such as Accenture, which pledged to repurpose or recycle 100% of its e-waste by 2025. Partners’ contribution to a more sustainable Expo 2020 Siemens As the Expo 2020 Infrastructure Digitalization Partner, Siemens is helping the expo achieve its sustainability targets by integrating its smart building technology across the expo structures, providing transparency into their energy and water consumption. PepsiCo In preparation for the event, PepsiCo has launched Expo 2020 Dubai co-branded Aquafina cans and glass bottles, as well as limited-edition Pepsi cans, which are all fully recyclable. PepsiCo is also collaborating closely with Dulsco, the official waste management partner for Expo 2020, to ensure waste is collected and recycled, supporting the Expo’s waste diversion targets. Mastercard Mastercard, Expo 2020's official payment technology partner, has created an add-on feature to Expo 2020 tickets, which allows visitors to donate to Mastercard's Priceless Planet Coalition. Expo 2020 highlights the urgent need to embrace sustainability, which can be observed through the efforts made by the organizers and partners to change their practices to create a more sustainable future. Partner companies have come a long way to achieving their goals in terms of reducing greenhouse emissions, curbing their water consumption, using renewable energies, and recycling their waste. Some had more noticeable successes than others, such as SAP, Accenture, and Cisco, while others are still on the way. Expo 2020 partners, including Siemens, Emirates, PepsiCo, MasterCard, and DP World have also contributed to a more sustainable expo, emphasizing the significance of sustainability to all Expo visitors. Khawla Khrifi - Business Research Analyst Sources: Expo 2020 and Environmental Sustainability
