Connect with us

Published

4 years ago

on

The first part of this analysis on the recently released life-cycle assessment of “blue” hydrogen covered the provenance and background for the paper, as well as the significant and questionable assumptions that the authors make about both expected demand for “blue” hydrogen and the scalability of carbon capture and sequestration it would demand. This second half continues the analysis of assumptions and statements in the paper.

“In general, large-scale blue hydrogen production will be connected to the high-pressure natural gas transmission grid and therefore, methane emissions from final distribution to decentralized consumers (i.e., the low-pressure distribution network) should not be included in the quantification of climate impacts of blue hydrogen.”

The first problem with this is the assumption that massive centralized models of hydrogen generation will be preferable to the current highly distributed creation of hydrogen at the point of consumption. The challenges with distributing hydrogen are clear and obvious, so it’s interesting that they make an assumption that is completely contrary to what is occurring today, and wave away the significant additional challenges — including carbon debt — of creating a massive hydrogen distribution system essentially from scratch.

This also assumes that there will continue to be a distribution network for natural gas. Electrification of heat will continue apace, eliminating this market. But supposing that it does continue, this assumes that perpetuating the leakage problem is in line with actual climate mitigation, which is decidedly not the case. This is not the point of the paper, but is in line with the rest of the paper’s assumptions.

“… natural gas supply must be associated with low GHG emissions, which means that natural gas leaks and methane emissions along the entire supply chain, including extraction, storage, and transport, must be minimized.”

This is in context of what requirements “blue” hydrogen would have to meet in order to be low-carbon hydrogen per the paper.

I agree with this statement, but further say that there is zero reason to believe that this will be widely adhered to as the fossil fuel industry is already lagging substantially in maintenance with declining revenues in regions impacted by the Saudi Arabian-Russian price war, the history of the industry consists of a Ponzi-scheme of paying for remediation with far distant and non-existent revenues — witness the $200 billion in unfunded remediation in Alberta’s oil sands as merely the tip of the iceberg, and as long-distance piping and shipping of natural gas requires a great deal of expensive monitoring and maintenance to maintain that standard.

In other words, while the statement is true as far as it goes, it is so unlikely to be common as to be irrelevant to the actual needs of the world for hydrogen, something that the authors barely acknowledge.

“Our assessment is that CO2 capture technology is already sufficiently mature to allow removal rates at the hydrogen production plant of above 90%. Capture rates close to 100% are technically feasible, slightly decreasing energy efficiencies and increasing costs, but have yet to be demonstrated at scale.”

Once again, 90% is inadequate with over a thousand billion tons of excess CO2 already in the atmosphere. Second, carbon capture at source has been being done since the mid-19th century. It’s not getting magically better. The likelihood that approaching 100% capture rate technologies will be deployed by organizations and individuals who think 90% is good enough and are likely to be rewarded handsomely for achieving that level approaches zero. After all, Equinor has received what I estimate to be over a billion USD in tax breaks for its Sleipner facility, which simply pumps CO2 they extracted back underground, and ExxonMobil touts its Shute Creek facility as the best in the world when it pumps CO2 up in one place then back underground in another place for enhanced oil recovery, benefiting nothing except their bottom line.

Removal of carbon from the atmosphere to draw down CO2 levels toward achieving a stable climate will not be realized by “good enough,” and close to 100% will be so rarely realized globally that it’s not worth discussing.

“It is important to reiterate that no single hydrogen production technology (including electrolysis with renewables) is completely net-zero in terms of GHG emissions over its life cycle and will therefore need additional GHG removal from the atmosphere to comply with strict net-zero targets.”

The authors appear to think that the current CO2e emissions from purely renewable energy are going to persist. As mining, processing, distribution, manufacturing and construction processes decarbonize, the currently very low GHG emissions of renewables full lifecycle will fall. This is equivalent to the common argument against electric cars, that grid electricity isn’t pure. It’s also a remarkable oversight for a group of authors committed to a rigorous LCA process.

The argument that “blue” hydrogen at its very best in the best possible cases will be as good as renewably powered electrolysis as it decarbonizes fails the basic tests of logic and reasonableness.

“… natural gas with CCS may be a more sustainable route than hydrogen to decarbonize such applications as power generation.”

This is so completely wrong that it’s remarkable that it made it into the document. First, there is no value in hydrogen as a generation technology. That’s a complete and utter non-starter beginning to end, making electricity vastly more expensive to no climate benefit. Secondly, all bolt-on flue capture programs for electrical generation have cost hundreds of millions or billions and failed. They increase the costs of electrical generation to the level where it was completely uncompetitive in today’s markets.

When wind and solar are trending to $20 per MWh, long-distance transmission of electricity using HVDC exists in lengths thousands of kilometers long and underwater around the world, and there are already 170 GW of grid storage and another 60 GW under construction at the bare beginning of the development of storage, assuming that either natural gas with CCS or hydrogen have any play in electrical generation makes it clear that the authors are simply starting with the assumption that natural gas and hydrogen have a major part to play in the future, and have created an argument for it.

The authors’ argument boils down to that in a perfect world, perfectly monitored and perfectly maintained, “blue” hydrogen would be similar in emissions to green hydrogen today, ignoring the rapidly dropping GHG emissions per MWh of renewables and ignoring that the world of fossil fuels in no way adheres to the premise of perfect monitoring and perfect maintenance.

The authors are performing a life-cycle assessment focusing on greenhouse gas emissions, and it is not scoped to include costs. Having reviewed the costs of the technologies that they are proposing for this hypothetical perfect “blue” hydrogen world, they are vastly higher than just not bothering, shifting to renewables rapidly and electrifying rapidly.

As a contribution to the literature on what will happen in the real world, this is a fairly slight addition, one which is being promoted far beyond its actual merit by the usual suspects.

Featured image by akitada31 from Pixabay

 

Appreciate CleanTechnica’s originality? Consider becoming a CleanTechnica Member, Supporter, Technician, or Ambassador — or a patron on Patreon.

 

 

Advertisement



 

Have a tip for CleanTechnica, want to advertise, or want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Environment

Tenways AGO T mid-drive e-bike at $2,399 low, DJI Power 2000 station hits new $999 low, EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale, tools, more

Published

48 mins ago

on

July 15, 2025

By

Tenways AGO T mid-drive e-bike at ,399 low, DJI Power 2000 station hits new 9 low, EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale, tools, more

Today’s Green Deals are headlined by the low price on Tenways’ AGO T Premium Mid-Drive Urban e-bike that comes with a free front carrier ($50 value) for $2,399, among other models seeing discounts during this sale. We also spotted DJI’s recently released Power 2000 Portable Power Station hitting a new $999 low, as well as EcoFlow’s latest four 48-hour flash sale offers that include two power stations, a WAVE 3 bundle, and a DELTA Pro 3 expansion battery at up to 53% off starting from $1,199. From there, we have Greenworks’ 40V 20-inch Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer kit at its $114 low alongside the Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart down at $169.50. Plus, there’s all the hangover Prime Day savings in our Prime Day Green Deals hub at the bottom of the page, as well as yesterday’s EcoFlow phase 3 Prime Day Sale, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Tenways AGO T mid-drive e-bike with a 62-mile range and $50 in free gear at $2,399 low in latest sale

Tenways has launched a new Summer Sale that is taking up to $600 off its e-bike lineup while also offering an additional $300 savings when buying two models together. Among the offers this time, we’re seeing the lowest price to date continuing on the AGO T Premium Mid-Drive Urban e-bike for $2,399 shipped while also getting a free front carrier valued at $50. Normally, this higher-end model would cost you $2,699 at full price, which we saw brought down to the $2,399 low for the first time during the brand’s July 4th Sale. Now you’re getting another chance at that $300 markdown here while the savings last, dropping the costs back to the best price we have tracked. As always, there is an extra $150 savings available for medical providers, first responders, military personnel, and teachers with verification through ID.me on any of the e-bikes’ landing pages.

Aside from Tenways’ new CARGO ONE e-bike that recently released, the AGO T Urban e-bike is the highest-end of the brand’s models, cruising into view with a Bafang M420 mid-drive motor coupled with a 504Wh battery to provide up to 62 miles of pedal-assisted travel at up to 20 MPH top speeds. It shouldn’t be surprising that this premium model also comes with a superior torque sensor to support its PAS capabilities, with the settings controlled via the TFT LCD color display screen.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

There’s plenty of high-quality features you’ll be getting here too, like a hydraulic front lockout fork, the hydraulic disc brakes, puncture-resistant tires with fenders over each, a Gates CDX carbon belt drive, an Enviolo stepless shifting hub, an integrated rear cargo rack, integrated front and rear lighting, a suspension seat post, and more. There are even connectivity options through its companion app, the standout of which is the ability to cast directions from your phone onto the bike’s display for more seamless navigation.

If you want to check out the full lineup of e-bike deals that we’re seeing in this current sale, be sure to check out our original coverage here.

DJI Power 2000 Portable power station

Score DJI’s latest Power 2000 2,048Wh LiFePO4 station with $900 savings at a new $999 low

By way of its official Amazon storefront, DJI is giving folks a lower-than-ever price on its new Power 2000 Portable Power Station at $999 shipped, after using the promo code DJIPOWER2000 at checkout. This model was just released at the top of the month, with it waiting no time before dropping from its original $1,899 price tag to $1,299, which held out all of last week until falling to $1,099, with the promo code taking things even further. You’re looking at a combined 47% markdown that gives you $900 off its tag, landing it at a new all-time low price. You can also alternatively pick up its Power 1000 predecessor at $549 shipped right now, after redeeming the on-page coupon.

If you want to learn more about this all-new backup power solution, be sure to check out our original coverage here.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro power station

EcoFlow flash sale takes up to 53% off two power station offers, a WAVE 3 bundle, and an extra battery starting from $1,199

As part of its ongoing Phase 3 Prime Day Sale, EcoFlow has launched the next 48-hour flash sale through July 16, with four units getting up to 53% discounts to some of the best prices we have tracked. Among the two power station deals, you’ll find the brand’s DELTA Pro Portable Power Station with a free protective bag at $1,749 shipped, with the extra savings unfortunately not applicable here. Priced at $3,699 in full, we regularly see it down between $1,799 and $1,999, especially at Amazon, where it’s currently sitting $50 higher in price. While we have seen it go as low as $1,694 in the past, you’re still looking at a larger-than-normal 53% markdown off the going rate, giving you $1,950 in savings and landing it $55 above the all-time low. Head below for more on this unit and the others we’re seeing included in this flash sale.

If you want to learn more about this power station or the other units included in this flash sale, be sure to check out our original coverage here.

Greenworks 40V 20-inch Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer

Cover hedge jobs with this Greenworks 40V 20-inch pole trimmer at $114 low

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 40V 20-inch Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer for $113.99 shipped. Coming down from its usual $170 pricing, where the brand’s direct website currently has it listed, we only saw discounts in 2025 dropping costs to $140 until this past week, when Prime Day brought it lower than ever to the rate that is continuing into this week. You’re looking at a $56 markdown to the best price we have tracked and giving you the chance to save big while Prime Day benefits linger.

To learn more about this lawn care solution’s capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage here.

Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 yard cart

Tackle yard work with 8-in-1 versatility using Worx’s transforming Aerocart at $169.50

Amazon is offering the Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart at $169.50 shipped, which comes in $0.50 under the current Best Buy Deals of the Day pricing. Usually going for $200 to $230 at full price, we’ve mainly seen it in 2025 keeping near $173, with it more recently keeping down between $169 and $170 at the lowest. While it’s fallen lower in the past, those rates haven’t reappeared this year at all, with today’s deal being a solid $60.50 markdown at the second-best price of the year – just $0.50 above the annual low.

If you want to learn more about this handy yard cart, be sure to check out our original coverage here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Range Rover’s first EV looks the part, but with a few surprises

Published

2 hours ago

on

July 15, 2025

By

Range Rover's first EV looks the part, but with a few surprises

Range-Rover-first-EV

Range Rover’s first electric SUV will finally arrive later this year. Ahead of its official launch, early reviews show the upcoming EV stays true to the Range Rover heritage, but there are a few things you should know.

Range Rover will launch its first EV later this year

Since launching its first vehicle 55 years ago, the Range Rover brand has become an iconic symbol of off-road capabilities, elegant design, and luxurious interiors.

With its first all-electric SUV due out later this year, Range Rover promises it will “refine and craft the epitome” of the luxury brand.

Although Range Rover is currently putting the electric SUV through “the most intensive testing” any of its vehicles has endured, Autocar got their hands on a prototype for an early review.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

The Range Rover Electric may look like the iconic SUV we’ve grown to love, but with an electric powertrain, it offers even more.

“A Range Rover more calm and assured, almost regardless of circumstance, than any in its 55-year lineage. Electrification yields a lot, but sacrifices little,” Matt Sanders, Autocar’s chief car tester, said after driving the prototype.

Range-Rover-first-EV
Range Rover Electric testing in Sweden (Source: JLR)

Based on the MLA platform, the electric SUV features JLR’s new in-house powertrain. The dual-motor setup packs a combined 542 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.

The EV draws power from a massive 118 kWh battery, which is expected to deliver around 300 miles of real-world range. Sanders said he had about 160 miles of range remaining at half charge during the review.

Range-Rover-first-EV
Range Rover Electric SUV prototype testing (Source: JLR)

However, even JLR’s engineers admit that due to the SUV’s (not so) aerodynamic profile, 300 miles may be optimistic during longer-range highway driving. The engineers highlighted that the vehicle’s 800V architecture offers some of the fastest DC charging speeds on the market.

The electric SUV can also tow over 7,700 lbs (2.5 tons). Although this is less than the current Range Rover’s 3.5-ton towing capacity, it’s still on par with other luxury SUVs, such as the Mercedes G-Class.

Range-Rover-first-EV
Range Rover Electric prototype (Source: JLR)

To add more power, more motors, and bigger batteries would be required, according to Simon Fairbrother, Range Rover’s Chief Program Engineer.

Inside, the cabin is nearly identical to that of the current Range Rover SUV, featuring a plethora of digital screens and physical buttons in front of the driver. If anything, the only thing that could be changed is that the “Range Rover Electric deserves bigger heating and ventilation controls than other derivatives,” Sanders wrote.

Range-Rover-first-EV
Range Rover Electric prototype testing (Source: JLR)

JLR’s new in-house thermal management system (ThermAssist) is about 40% more efficient than the system of the Jaguar I-Pace, its first all-electric vehicle.

Range Rover’s first E will be offered in standard and long wheelbase variants. The extended wheelbase model will be about the same size as the outgoing Range Rover SUV, but it’s expected to still include enough second-row space to take it into “Bentley or Rolls-Royce territory for sheer lounging space.”

Range-Rover-first-logo-EV
JLR reveals new Range Rover logo (Source: JLR)

Since Autocar only drove the vehicle at speeds under 20 mph, we’ll have to wait to hear more about on- and off-road performance.

Sanders did mention that “the Range Rover Electric can simply ease itself up, down, over and around everything before it inspires incredible confidence in its capabilities” while driving through forest racks.

We will learn the prices closer to launch, but JLR is reportedly aiming for a price around the same as the V8 Autobiography, at just under £150,000 ($200,000).

Range Rover’s first EV has already secured over 61,000 clients on the waitlist ahead of its upcoming debut. JLR also revealed the luxury brand’s first logo, which we could see debut on the new electric SUV.

Source: Autocar

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Circle stock drops after House blocks key procedural vote on stablecoin legislation

Published

3 hours ago

on

July 15, 2025

By

Circle stock drops after House blocks key procedural vote on stablecoin legislation

Circle Internet Group Initial Public Offering at the New York Stock Exchange in New York City, U.S., June 5, 2025.

NYSE

Circle shares slid on Tuesday after the U.S. House of Representatives failed to clear a key procedural hurdle that would have teed up votes on long-awaited crypto-related bills.

The move dealt a major setback to the digital asset industry, which had framed this week as a turning point for regulatory clarity in Washington, D.C.

Circle, the stablecoin issuer that’s soared in value since its public market debut last month, fell about 5% after the vote. Crypto exchange Coinbase and bitcoin miner MARA Holdings both slipped about 2%.

Even after Tuesday’s drop, Circle shares are still up more than sixfold from their IPO price. The company is the issuer of USDC, the second-largest dollar-pegged stablecoin, with about 24% of the global market. Circle didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

The legislation, including the GENIUS Act, would mark the first time the U.S. sets federal rules for stablecoins, a $260 billion corner of the crypto market that underpins most digital asset trading. The bill establishes full-reserve requirements, mandates monthly audits, and creates a path for private companies to issue regulated digital dollars under the blessing of the U.S. government.

The GENIUS Act passed the Senate last month, a milestone for both the crypto industry and for President Donald Trump, who has pushed to align his administration with digital asset innovation. It also marked a win for the industry, which spent more than $245 million in the 2024 cycle to help elect what’s now seen as the most pro-crypto Congress in U.S. history.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said the market for U.S. stablecoins could grow eightfold to more than $2 trillion in the coming years if this bill is enacted. White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks had predicted it could unlock “trillions” of dollars in demand for U.S. Treasury notes virtually overnight.

The vote came just hours after Fairshake, the crypto industry’s most powerful PAC, disclosed $141 million in cash on hand as it fights for regulatory victories and backs pro-crypto candidates heading into the 2026 midterms. The committee didn’t provide a comment for this story.

House leadership is tentatively planning a second vote as early as Tuesday evening, though it’s unclear whether the rule or bill text will be modified to satisfy holdouts.

WATCH: Stablecoin showdown moves to the House after Senate clears crypto’s landmark bill

Stablecoin showdown moves to the House after Senate clears crypto’s landmark bill

Continue Reading

Trending