Filenews 6 January 2024 - by Michalis Zantis
In the search for sustainable energy sources, hydrogen has emerged as a promising candidate to reshape the global energy landscape. As our planet faces the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, the transition to hydrogen as a clean energy carrier has gained significant momentum. This transition, however, has significant implications for the oil and gas industry, traditionally dominated by fossil fuels.
Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, has long been recognized as a clean and flexible energy carrier. While hydrogen itself does not emit greenhouse gases when used for energy production, its widespread adoption entails challenges related to its production, storage and transportation. Recent advances in technology, however, have paved the way for a resurgence of interest in hydrogen as a key enabler in the transition to a low-carbon future.
As global industry and technologies shift to hydrogen, there is likely to be a decline in demand for traditional fossil fuels. Countries heavily dependent on oil and gas exports may face economic changes as demand for hydrogen increases. This transition could reshape geopolitical dynamics, with countries with abundant renewable resources gaining a privileged position as key players in the hydrogen economy.
The flexibility of hydrogen allows it to replace natural gas in industrial processes, be used as a fuel for transport and contribute to total decarbonisation in various sectors. Oil and gas companies have the opportunity to diversify their portfolios by investing in hydrogen-related projects. Many major players in the sector are already exploring hydrogen production, storage and distribution, recognising the need to adapt to evolving energy markets. The shift to hydrogen will drive technological innovation in the oil and gas sector. Companies will need to invest in research and development to optimize hydrogen production, improve storage solutions and improve the efficiency of its transportation and distribution.
The widespread adoption of hydrogen for power generation requires significant changes to existing infrastructure. This includes modifying pipelines, storage facilities and transport networks to accommodate hydrogen's unique properties. While this is challenging, it also opens up opportunities for infrastructure-related investment. Already, the Technical Standardization Committees dealing with the elaboration of standards for the hydrocarbons sector, both at European and international level, are working on and discussing the changes and effects that the use of hydrogen will have on existing installations, equipment, transport networks, etc. and are taken into account for the revision of existing standards and the elaboration of new ones.
Journey towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future
The global transition to hydrogen represents a crucial step in the journey towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future. While the oil and gas industry faces challenges adapting to this shift, the potential benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, diversified revenue streams, and technological innovation, make it a transformative opportunity. The successful integration of hydrogen into the energy mix will not only contribute to environmental goals but also reshape the dynamics of the oil and gas industry for years to come.
In all the above, the use of standards has an important role to play and stakeholders, industry and affected parties, realizing their importance, work within the framework of European (CEN, CENELEC, ETSI) and international (ISO, IEC, ITU) standards organizations, to develop the required standards that will ensure the safe, effective and compatible operation of systems and technologies associated with the use of hydrogen. Alignment with standards is a crucial element in creating a homogeneous and reliable environment where different actors can exchange information, cooperate and achieve their common goals.
In addition, participation in the formulation of standards enables companies to influence the regulatory standards framework and adapt their practices to developing technologies. Modelling is therefore a cornerstone for a sustainable hydrogen economy. By precisely defining specifications and procedures, standards ensure that hydrogen is used in a way that protects the environment, provides safety and promotes innovation in this critical energy sector.
Standards are key to the development of the global market, as they include the necessary specifications and requirements for products, services, systems, processes and materials. Their main goal is to provide, according to specific rules, a common foundation that allows the production and provision of goods, services and systems.
The various provisions of the standards that are under preparation or revision are discussed in the meetings of the Technical Committees for Standardization and the representatives of the Cyprus Organization for Standardization (CYS) who participate in them have the opportunity to intervene in a timely manner and support positions that serve the particularities of the Cypriot industry and economy.
* Graduate in the field of Building Mechanical Installations, Standardization Officer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Cyprus Organization for Standardization (CYS))
