Can Burning Fossil Fuels Really Accelerate the Energy Transition?

With over 300 interviews on the Insider's Guide to Energy podcast and my role as a technical leader in the industry, I’ve had the opportunity to engage deeply with industry experts, visionaries, and skeptics alike. One key takeaway from these conversations and my professional experience is that the path to a sustainable energy future is far from straightforward. It’s a complex journey that requires us to leverage existing technologies, even those that may seem counterintuitive at first. This includes the strategic deployment of hydrocarbon-burning engines to accelerate the energy transition. This notion may initially spark controversy but holds significant merit when examined closely. Some may feel uneasy about this idea, and I’m sure many will argue that there is no solution that justifies such a move. However, I ask you to indulge me as we explore this further.?

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As Jon Rodriguez, PE from W?rtsil? emphasized during our discussion on Episode 192, “Even with gas-burning engines, there’s a significant advantage in the energy transition. These engines provide the necessary stability and reliability that current renewable technologies sometimes lack.” This observation challenges conventional wisdom and raises the question: how could burning fossil fuels be part of the solution to climate change? However, the flexibility of these engines to adapt to cleaner fuels in the future, such as hydrogen, positions them as crucial tools in our current energy landscape. This approach allows us to take meaningful action now, rather than waiting for an ideal future where renewables and storage solutions are fully realized.?

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Further supporting this perspective, GE Vernova has already demonstrated the viability of turbines that currently operate on a mix of natural gas and hydrogen. These turbines have the capability to transition to 100% hydrogen in the future. According to GE, “Our turbines are designed to evolve with the changing energy landscape, enabling reductions in carbon emissions without sacrificing performance.” This flexibility is not just a temporary solution but a strategic move to bridge the gap to a zero-emission future.?

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However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. As Assaad Razzouk pointed out in Episode 73, “Technologies like ammonia and hydrogen are promising, but they must be part of a broader toolkit deployed strategically.” Razzouk was also critical of the role of natural gas in the energy transition, saying, “I think you’re totally wrong about natural gas being part of the transition. It’s a fossil fuel, and it’s holding us back from truly sustainable solutions.” This stark reminder highlights the ongoing debate about whether fossil fuels should play any role in the transition to a greener future.?

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Let’s not ignore the potential of ammonia, particularly green ammonia, as a fuel. This is another critical piece of the puzzle. By enabling existing engines to run on ammonia with minor modifications, we create a pathway to CO2-free energy generation. Yet, as I reflect on these discussions, including the insights shared by Dan Grech from Global OTEC on Episode 14, it's clear that the broader deployment of renewables needs to occur alongside these transitional technologies. Dan highlighted the pressing needs of small island nations that currently rely on bunker fuel, stating, "Our goal is to create a sustainable energy system that not only addresses climate change but also supports the economic development of these communities."?

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The global energy market is complex, with different regions facing unique challenges. This complexity demands a pragmatic approach, one that balances the immediate need for reliable energy with the long-term goal of decarbonization. As Melanie Windridge pointed out in Episode 122, “Fusion could be the key to a truly sustainable energy future, but it’s still a few decades away from being commercially viable. In the meantime, we need to use the best tools available to bridge the gap.” This insight underscores the importance of finding transitional solutions that work today, even as we pursue long-term innovations.?

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This brings us back to the blending of hydrogen with natural gas, a strategy supported by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which notes that “Blending hydrogen with natural gas can reduce emissions by up to 20%, depending on the mix.” These incremental improvements are vital as we work toward larger-scale renewable solutions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reinforces this by emphasizing the importance of grid-scale storage solutions, such as batteries and pumped hydro, to balance the intermittent nature of renewables and ensure a stable energy supply.?

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In conclusion, the energy transition is not about abandoning current technologies but about leveraging them intelligently to reduce emissions and ensure energy security while paving the way for future innovations. Deploying hydrocarbon engines in a way that supports cleaner fuels is not only a practical solution but a necessary one. This approach, which may initially seem counterintuitive, is ultimately about ensuring that we meet today’s energy needs while transitioning to a more sustainable future.?

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As always, I invite you to join the conversation on the Insider's Guide to Energy podcast. This dialogue is crucial as we navigate the complexities of the energy transition together, exploring the balance between immediate action and long-term sustainability.?

?To hear full episodes, subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@INSIDERSGUIDETOENERGYPODCAST and follow our podcast wherever you get your podcasts.?

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References:?

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1. Jon Rodriguez, W?rtsil? - Insider's Guide to Energy Podcast, Episode 192?

2. Assaad Razzouk - Insider's Guide to Energy Podcast, Episode 73?

3. Dan Grech, Global OTEC - Insider's Guide to Energy Podcast, Episode 14?

4. Melanie Windridge, Fusion Energy Insights - Insider's Guide to Energy Podcast, Episode 122?

5. GE Hydrogen Turbines - General Electric Website?

6. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) - NREL Report on Hydrogen Blending?

7. International Energy Agency (IEA) - IEA Report on Grid-Scale Storage Solutions?

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