Question
Q9. Consider the following heavy industries:
- Fertilizer plants
- oil refineries
- Steel plants
Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?
- Only one
- Only two
- all three
- None
Answer: 3
Detailed Explanation
Green Hydrogen:
Role: Green hydrogen is seen as a crucial player in the decarbonization of heavy industries due to its ability to replace fossil fuels in high-emission processes.
Fertilizer Plants:
Usage: Fertilizer plants primarily use hydrogen to produce ammonia.
Current Method: Traditional ammonia production relies on natural gas, resulting in high carbon emissions.
Decarbonization: Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis using renewable energy, can be used to produce hydrogen-rich fertilizers, drastically reducing carbon emissions.
Hence, this industry can be decarbonized using green hydrogen.
Oil Refineries:
Usage: Oil refineries use hydrogen in various processes, including hydrocracking and desulfurization.
Current Method:
The hydrogen used is often produced from fossil fuels, leading to substantial carbon emissions.
Decarbonization:
By utilizing green hydrogen, refineries can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Hence, this industry can also be decarbonized using green hydrogen.
Steel Plants:
Usage: Steel production is carbon-intensive, typically using coal in blast furnaces.
Decarbonization: Green hydrogen can serve as a clean reducing agent in the steelmaking process, eliminating or greatly reducing carbon emissions. Hence, this industry can be decarbonized using green hydrogen.
Therefore, green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing all three industries.
