Episode
37

Clean Fuels with NRCC Director of Materials for Clean Fuels Dr. Phil De Luna

March 16, 2022
|
Duration:
2100012
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In This Episode:

This episode was recorded on March 9th, 2022. Donate to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal here: https://bit.ly/3tchIVY. Join energy coaches David Arkell and John Pooley, producer Lysandra Naom, and Director of Materials for Clean Fuels at National Research Council Canada (NRCC) Dr. Phil De Luna on an episode on clean fuels. This episode features what clean fuels are, pricing these fuels, the role in net zero, and more.

Highlights

  • Role of NRCC in Clean Fuels: The NRCC is Canada’s national lab system, hosting thousands of scientists. Dr. De Luna’s seven-year, $57 million program focuses on CO₂ conversion, clean hydrogen, and AI-driven lab automation for materials research.
  • Understanding Clean Fuels: Clean fuels emit no or low carbon when used. Hydrogen, produced by splitting water molecules, exemplifies a clean fuel cycle. Biofuels, on the other hand, are “net zero” as they balance the CO₂ absorbed during growth with emissions upon use.
  • Carbon Capture and Utilization: Technologies like blue hydrogen production capture carbon from fossil fuels and store it. Other methods include direct CO₂ capture from the air, with captured carbon repurposed into fuels or materials.
  • Economic and Infrastructure Hurdles: Clean fuels require costly infrastructure changes and competitive pricing against fossil fuels. Policies, subsidies, and scale-up efforts are needed to make clean fuels affordable and available.
  • Nuclear Power as a Clean Support: While not renewable, nuclear energy provides reliable baseload power to complement intermittent renewable sources and produce clean fuels.
  • Key Insights

  • Energy Mix for Net Zero: Achieving Net Zero emissions requires a variety of solutions. Dr. De Luna stresses the role of clean fuels, electrification, and carbon capture as complementary pathways, tailored to each region’s resources.
  • The Lifecycle of Clean Fuels: Clean fuels must be considered in terms of carbon intensity over their entire lifecycle, from production to use, to ensure they provide a real emissions reduction benefit.
  • Impact of Geopolitics on Energy Transition: Current geopolitical events highlight the need for energy independence through clean technologies, which also strengthen national security.
  • Consumer and Industry Shifts: Shifting to clean fuels is a complex, gradual process that will involve changes in consumer behavior, industry standards, and governmental regulations.
  • Focus on Incremental Progress: De Luna advises focusing on achievable, incremental changes in emissions reduction rather than waiting for an ideal “perfect” solution.
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