Irena outlines green hydrogen-based fuels set to be the backbone for decarbonizing international shipping by 2050.
Action to accelerate the decarbonization
Urgent action is necessary to accelerate the decarbonization of the global economy in line to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
International shipping comprises 70% of global shopping energy emissions.
If the international shipping sector were a country, it would be the sixth- or seventh-largest CO2 emitter.
Bulk and container carriers and oil tankers account for 20% of the global fleet.
They are responsible for around 85% of the net GHG emissions associated with the sector.
Key Challenge
Meeting rising energy demand will be a major problem for the maritime industry, which relies virtually solely on fossil fuels at the moment.
The need for international shipping has been shaped by factors such as global GDP, trade, and manufacturing activity.
Renewable energy has a key role to play in decarbonizing this sector by mid-century.
A Positive Impact
Supply, engine technology, net environmental performance, and economic viability all play a role in determining which fuel to use.
Green hydrogen-based fuels will become more competitive when the cost of renewable energy decreases and the cost of electrolyzers and H2 storage decreases.
The ammonia engine’s planned development by 2023 will have a significant positive impact on the industry and open up a lucrative market for renewable ammonia producers.
1.5°C Scenario
IRENA 1.5°C Scenario suggests a minimum renewable fuels share of 70% to be achieved by 2050 resulting in a CO2 emission reduction of 80%.
A 1.5°C Scenario is based on four key measures:
- Indirect electrification through the use of e-fuels
- Advanced biofuels are being used.
- The energy efficiency of vessels is being improved.
- Reduced sectoral activity as a result of global trade dynamics that are changing on a systemic level
Adoption of Energy Efficiency
The active adoption of energy efficiency (EE) measures will be critical to reducing energy demand and thus CO2 emissions in the immediate term.
Efficiency mandates must be tightened and suitable mechanisms developed for monitoring.
Mandates and policies should be comprehensive, of a high technical level, and provide minimum standards in terms of vessel design and operation.
Prerequisites
By 2050, shipping will require a total of 46 million tonnes (Mt) of green hydrogen. 73% will be needed for the production of e-ammonia, 17% for e-methanol and 10% will be used directly as liquid hydrogen.
E-ammonia will be the backbone for decarbonizing shipping by 2050.
183 million tonnes of renewable ammonia will be required for international shipping.
Planning Exercises
Several measures can help decarbonize the sector, e.g:
- Moving from nearly zero CO2 emissions to net-zero requires a 100% renewable energy mix by 2050.
- Stakeholders associated with the shipping sector must engage, working to establish strategic partnerships with a common goal.
- Realistic carbon levies need to come into effect.
- The production of power fuels in geographical areas with high renewable energy potential.
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Source: Bonus Sustainability Portal
