RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Researchers from the National University of Asunción (UNA) and other universities and Latin American countries participated in the first investigation on the potential for green hydrogen production (green H2) and its applications in Paraguay. The work points out a tempting path to energize South America from its center with sustainable methods, through renewable energies.
This research work consisted of estimating the production potential of electrolytic H2 from renewable energy sources (hydropower, solar power, and wind power) by region in Paraguay.
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In addition, it calculated the percentage of substitution of diesel and gasoline in the transport sector and firewood and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), in the residential sector, by green H2. It also evaluated the potential environmental impact of the production of this energy source.
CLEAN ENERGY FROM PARAGUAY TO THE WORLD
Prof. Dr. Michael Galeano, director of the project, in a summary material, pointed out an important point that moves Paraguay away from the negative paradigm about its landlocked status, “Paraguay could take advantage of its strategic geographical location in the center of South America to become a green H2 logistics hub”, he stated.
According to 2021 data, the demand for energy in transportation, industry, and home use throughout the country can be replaced by 100% national green hydrogen. This would guarantee the country’s energy independence and a lower degree of atmospheric pollution since the residues in the production of green H2 are: oxygen (O2) and water (H2O).
Fossil fuels can be completely replaced by electrolytic H2 produced from indigenous renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro. The use of green H2 as fuel for vehicles would reduce the import of fossil fuels and would also reduce emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases.
TRANSPORT SECTOR
Public transport vehicles can benefit from and help the environment with the acquisition of units that work with this technology; however, the current production of these buses is not on a large scale, which significantly increases their cost.
In this sense, the cost of mobility is still high for hybrid-electric buses with H2 batteries. The cost of these is expected to drop significantly when they begin to be manufactured on the necessary scale.
From an environmental point of view, the green H2 used in hybrid electric buses with H2 batteries has the potential to reduce approximately 96% of CO2 emissions compared to buses with an internal combustion engine powered by diesel.