Hydrogen is just one piece of the decarbonization puzzle MELODIE MICHEL REPORTER Energy and Mines
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iners need to approach decarbonization holistically, combining solutions such as electrification, energy efficiency, batteries and green hydrogen to leverage their synergies. But where should they start? Enel Green Power is the world’s largest renewable power operator, with around 49 GW of capacity installed in 21 countries, and offers a range of decarbonization solutions for miners. Energy and Mines asked the company’s Senior Commercial Officer, Lorenzo Ducci, to share his insights on the role of hydrogen in mining decarbonization, and he made it clear that hydrogen should not be approached as a standalone solution. “For us, hydrogen is a complement to electrification: you need electricity to produce hydrogen, with only 60% efficiency, so it is more logical to use renewable electrons directly. Electrification offers the cheapest and simplest route to decarbonize a large portion of the final energy use, but we also acknowledge that not all processes can be decarbonized through electrification — and that’s where we see the potential of hydrogen,” he said.
ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE
Hybrid plant for mines in Ollagüe, Chile Source: Enel Green Power
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