Plastics from Green Hydrogen Unlock Promise of Circular Economy – Hycap – Hydrogen Central

Plastics from Green Hydrogen: Unlocking the Promise of Circular Economy

The production of plastics using clean hydrogen has the potential to create a carbon-negative manufacturing process. This groundbreaking concept is being explored by Abu Dhabi clean energy pioneer Masdar, Japan’s Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, and INPEX. Together, they aim to develop the world’s first commercial-scale polypropylene made from carbon dioxide and green hydrogen.

Polypropylene: A Widely Used Plastic

Polypropylene is a commonly used plastic that is utilized in the manufacturing of various items such as bottles, jars, and food packaging. With its invention in the early 1950s, it has become one of the most widely used plastics globally. In 2022, the production of polypropylene reached 79 million metric tons, and this figure is projected to increase to 105 million metric tons by 2030.

Traditional Methods vs. Green Hydrogen

Traditionally, polypropylene is manufactured using crude oil as a starting material. However, Masdar, Mitsubishi Chemical, and INPEX plan to produce polypropylene from e-methanol, which is derived from green hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Green hydrogen is generated by splitting water using renewable energy through electrolysers.

E-methanol is typically used as a fuel, resulting in the release of CO2 back into the atmosphere when burned. While it remains a carbon-neutral fuel due to its balanced CO2 emissions, incorporating it into polypropylene allows for the sequestration of CO2, making the final product carbon negative.

Addressing Emissions in the Chemical Industry

The global emissions from the chemical industry in 2021 amounted to approximately 925 million metric tons of CO2, accounting for around 2% of global emissions. As the demand for hydrocarbon fuels diminishes, many oil and gas companies are seeking to maintain their market share by supplying the chemicals industry.

Jean-Marc Gilson, CEO of Mitsubishi Chemical Group, acknowledges the dual challenge faced by the chemical industry in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while leading the transition to a carbon-neutral economy. He emphasizes the importance of using CO2 as a starting raw material to pave the way for a sustainable future.

The Synergy of Plastics and Hydrogen

The benefits of producing plastics from clean hydrogen and CO2 are further enhanced by advancements in hydrogen production from plastics themselves. Companies like the UK’s Powerhouse Energy have developed technologies that convert unrecyclable waste, including plastics, into syngas, which can be used to produce hydrogen, electricity, and chemical inputs.

This innovative approach creates a circular economy, where plastics made from renewable hydrogen can be transformed back into hydrogen, completing the cycle.

By harnessing the potential of green hydrogen and CO2, the production of plastics can contribute significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. This breakthrough technology aligns with the principles of a circular economy, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.

Sources:

– Plastics from green hydrogen unlock promise of circular economy

– Hydrogen Central

– HyCap Group

– Ryze Hydrogen

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
   • Indicator 12.4.1: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments and obligations in transmitting information as required by each relevant agreement.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer, and development actions.

3. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
   • Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production	Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.	Indicator 12.4.1: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments and obligations in transmitting information as required by each relevant agreement.
SDG 13: Climate Action	Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.	Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer, and development actions.
SDG 14: Life Below Water	Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.	Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.

Analysis

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:

1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
3. SDG 14: Life Below Water

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets under these SDGs can be identified as:

1. Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
2. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.

The article mentions or implies the following indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 12.4.1: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments and obligations in transmitting information as required by each relevant agreement.
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer, and development actions.
• Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.

The article discusses the production of plastics from green hydrogen and carbon dioxide, which aligns with SDG 12’s target of achieving environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes. The use of clean hydrogen and CO2 to produce plastics also contributes to SDG 13’s target of integrating climate change measures into national policies. Additionally, the prevention and reduction of marine pollution, including plastic debris, is relevant to SDG 14’s target.

The article does not explicitly mention the specific indicators, but the identified indicators are relevant to measure progress towards the targets. The number of parties to international agreements on hazardous waste and chemicals and their compliance with commitments can be used to assess progress towards achieving environmentally sound management. The number of countries communicating capacity-building efforts for climate change adaptation and mitigation indicates progress towards integrating climate change measures. The index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density can measure progress in preventing and reducing marine pollution.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: hydrogen-central.com

 

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