Introductory Remarks

Energy transition is accelerating around the world. Besides its influence on our societies it will reshape the industry in the long-term. This is both a challenge and an enormous pool of opportunities for a better future.

One of these challenges is the fact that it is a very complex scenario with a variety of influencing factors leading to impacts in different regions and countries, e.g., the regulatory environment with specific measures related to carbon pricing, bans, social acceptance, and of course local infrastructural conditions. This increasing complexity of the industrial business environment requires adaption to do things differently.

One of the energy transition opportunities is that new technologies have to be developed and industrialized at large scale in order to address the challenge of CO2 abatement according to the Paris agreement. Decarbonizing our industry with Carbon Capture as a service (CCS/CCU) is one important lever. Key technology developments also cover low carbon H2 generation either by decarbonizing fossil fuel-based technologies or electrolysis. Increasing energy efficiency and flexibility in addition to securing ppa’s is key in air gases production. Providing new solutions with regard to CO2 utilization or using bio feedstocks or wastes are additional aspects.

Hydrogen is a cornerstone energy carrier. Mastering the whole hydrogen value chain ranging from energy sourcing, production and conditioning to the end-use is key. The role of hydrogen in the energy transition is broad, as it will help to manage intermittent renewable energies and serves the areas of power generation, distribution, storage, transport, industry energy usage and raw materials. Of course access to low-carbon electricity and build-out of low-carbon power assets, CO2 storage availability and strategic partnerships are a must.

This talk shares some examples, visions and thoughts for a successful transformation towards security of supply, competitiveness and climate neutrality.