OUR VIEW: Hydrogen hubs coming, and that’s a positive
OUR VIEW: Hydrogen hubs coming, and that's a positive Sharonherald
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A Report on the Biden Administration’s Investment in Hydrogen Fuel Production
Introduction
A summer with record high temperatures — attributed by most experts to anthropogenic climate change — once again drove home the need for this planet to break its fossil fuel habit.
While we need to make that transition as quickly as possible, we also need to be mindful — especially here in the Marcellus Shale natural gas belt — of the need to do it in a way that won’t impoverish those who live in regions dependent upon fossil fuel economies.
The Biden Administration’s Investment
That’s why it was encouraging to hear the Biden administration’s announcement Friday of a $7 billion investment into developing hydrogen fuel production from funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
It was even more encouraging that the proposal calls for developing seven “hydrogen hubs” with projects in 16 states.
Two of those — the Mid Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub, and the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub — will include Pennsylvania. Placement of the seven regional hubs appears to have been determined with an eye toward transitioning economies from dirty energy to clean energy.
The Appalachian Regional hub, based in West Virginia and covering western Pennsylvania and Ohio, amounts to an attempt to cushion the economic blow of transitioning away from coal and natural gas.
Texas — center of the U.S. petroleum industry — is the location of another hub. The remaining four hubs will be in California, Washington, Minnesota and Illinois.
The White House, as quoted by Associated Press, expects the $7 billion program to yield an additional $40 billion in private investment.
The Potential of Hydrogen Fuel
Hydrogen fuel has great potential to power vehicles and generate with clean energy. While fossil fuels emit smoke and carbon pollution blamed for climate change, the byproducts of hydrogen fuel are heat and water.
Hydrogen is the universe’s most plentiful element, which means it could be an abundant fuel source.
Environmental Perspective
Environmental groups like PennFuture, saw Friday’s developments as a positive from both climatological and economic perspectives.
“We continue to see Appalachian communities suffer from the environmental impacts of legacy fossil fuel industries and the disappearance of jobs and economic growth once those companies close,” said PennFuture’s Campaigns Director Annie Regan.
Challenges and Solutions
While the announcement is cause for optimism, there are concerns about hydrogen fuels — just as there are with solar and wind energy — from the upstream expenditure of energy generated by fossil fuels.
The Associated Press reported that the production of hydrogen fuel requires energy. If that energy comes from fossil fuels, the carbon emissions can exceed the pollution created by just using natural gas.
Solving those problems will require research and time — and investments like the one announced Friday.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the need to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources, specifically hydrogen fuel. This aligns with SDG 7, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It also relates to SDG 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. Additionally, the article highlights the role of hydrogen fuel in mitigating climate change (SDG 13) and its potential impact on land-based ecosystems (SDG 15).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce degradation of natural habitats.
The article emphasizes the need to transition from fossil fuels to hydrogen fuel, which aligns with SDG 7.2’s target of increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The development of hydrogen hubs and the investment in hydrogen fuel production also contribute to SDG 9.4’s target of upgrading infrastructure and industries to make them sustainable. Furthermore, integrating hydrogen fuel as a clean energy source addresses SDG 13.2’s target of incorporating climate change measures into national policies. Lastly, the article mentions the potential environmental benefits of hydrogen fuel, which can help reduce degradation of natural habitats, supporting SDG 15.5.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Percentage increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- Number of infrastructure upgrades and retrofits implemented to enhance sustainability.
- Inclusion of hydrogen fuel production and utilization in national policies and strategies.
- Reduction in carbon emissions and pollution associated with energy production.
- Monitoring changes in natural habitats and ecosystems affected by the transition to hydrogen fuel.
The article mentions the need to increase the share of renewable energy, specifically hydrogen fuel, in the global energy mix. This can be measured by tracking the percentage increase in renewable energy sources compared to fossil fuels. The implementation of infrastructure upgrades and retrofits can be quantified by counting the number of projects completed. The inclusion of hydrogen fuel production and utilization in national policies can be assessed through policy analysis and monitoring. The reduction in carbon emissions and pollution can be measured using emission inventories and air quality monitoring. Lastly, changes in natural habitats and ecosystems can be monitored through biodiversity assessments and habitat mapping.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Percentage increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable. | Number of infrastructure upgrades and retrofits implemented to enhance sustainability. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Inclusion of hydrogen fuel production and utilization in national policies and strategies. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce degradation of natural habitats. | Monitoring changes in natural habitats and ecosystems affected by the transition to hydrogen fuel. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: sharonherald.com
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