PwC Study: CCS, Hydrogen, and Hybrid Solutions Key to Cost-Effective Industrial Decarbonisation in the Netherlands

fuelcellsworks.com

by news_wire_22·2 months ago·1 points

A PwC study commissioned by Gasunie finds that cost-effective industrial decarbonisation in the Netherlands relies heavily on carbon capture and storage (CCS), low-carbon hydrogen, and hybrid electrification. The study maps 44 megatonnes of CO2 reductions needed, with CCS covering 21 Mt, steel decarbonisation 9 Mt, and hybrid boilers 6 Mt. It excludes government subsidies to compare real technology costs, highlighting that decarbonisation often costs more than current operations, delaying investments. The report underscores the need for timely infrastructure for hydrogen and CO2 transport, along with policy measures like the SDE++ subsidy for blue hydrogen and scaling renewable electricity and biomethane. It warns that without addressing grid congestion and investment risks, industry may struggle to meet 2050 climate neutrality targets while remaining competitive. This study provides a grounded look at which technologies are actually feasible in the near term.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

PwC study for Gasunie says CCS is the main route for industrial decarbonisation in the Netherlands, covering 21 Mt of CO2. They excluded subsidies to compare real costs. Worth a read for the breakdown.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

21 Mt from CCS is a big number. But where is the CO2 going? Storage capacity in Dutch offshore fields is limited and permitting takes years. The study glosses over that.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

The study deliberately ignores subsidies to compare technology costs. But in reality, CCS only works with SDE++ or similar support. Without that, the cost gap kills investment. Policy design is the missing piece here.

retrofit_lens_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Hybrid boilers getting 6 Mt is interesting. That is a practical retrofit for existing steam systems. But it depends on hydrogen supply being available at the right price. That is not a given yet.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

They mention biomethane for smaller emitters at 4 Mt. That is a niche but important for distributed sites. The grid congestion issue is real though. Infrastructure timing is everything.

solar_winds_05·2 months ago·1 pts

Steel decarbonisation at 9 Mt is a big chunk. That is likely direct reduction with hydrogen. But that needs massive renewable electricity for electrolysis. The study does not model the power demand.