Plenary session – 11, May 2023 : 9.30 – 10.30 – Audi Pasteur
The decarbonisation potential of the economy thanks to hydrogen
Hydrogen transport and storage infrastructures (pipes, cavities) have long been relegated to the bottom of the list of assets to be considered for the successful energy transition of the economy This can be understood a priori: the share of fossil fuels still representing more than 70% of consumption in Europe, increasing the production of renewable energies, hydrogen, and developing technologies such as electrolysers, batteries, or hydrogen fuel cells appeared more urgent than optimizing the transport and distribution of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen. Nevertheless, the recent announcements relating to the H2Med project – extended to Germany – and the creation of a Franco-German dialogue platform on recharging and refuelling infrastructures in particular, are the clear sign of a shared awareness the key role of infrastructure in accelerating the decarbonization of the economy thanks to hydrogen. The European Commission thus estimates that between 28 and 38 billion euros of investment in transport pipelines, and between 6 and 11 billion euros for storage, must be mobilized from 2030.
This raises several questions: in addition to the construction of new infrastructures, would it not be possible to rely on existing infrastructures (oil and gas) to reduce costs for the community? If so, what infrastructure are we talking about and how? How, then, to attract private investment to achieve this transition?
Speakers:
- Peter VAN EES, Sector Banker (New) Energies & Hydrogen – ABN AMRO
- François BILLARD, Managing Director – Geosel
- Amir SHARIFI, Senior Managing Director – Ardian
- Geoffroy ANGER, head of the H2 and CO2 transport division – GRTGaz
Moderated by: Sébastien Zimmer, Partner – Emerton