The transformation is underway, as demonstrated by the share of Renewable Energy (RE) in the overall power mix that has been continuously rising in the last decades. Obviously, the future speed of this process is hard to predict. Several recognized international organizations/agencies and private companies have formulated different scenarios, but the fact is that renewable energy growth is recognized as very strong.
De Nora's role and strategy in assisting the energy transition:
A future where there will be a massive availability of power (from clean, renewable sources) foresees also a lot of potential for electrochemistry. Electrochemical devices, such as batteries, could provide higher flexibility to the power network as the larger deployment of RE demands, but they could also generate hydrogen through water electrolysis providing long time / large-capacity storage solutions or a green feedstock for further chemical productions. Besides this, electrochemistry could allow for the direct conversion of excess carbon dioxide to a series of valuable chemicals products with processes that will compete with the existing petrol–chemical productions.
All the possibilities mentioned above are directing our development strategy. In some cases (Alkaline Water Electrolysis or Flow Batteries) we have products already available for the market; in others, our researchers are working in conjunction with partners to develop solutions (CO2 direct reduction) able to deliver the high level of performance required by the future energy transition.