Biofore Magazine 2022

FEATURE

31

There are calls for a ‘tech nology neutral’ approach, which would help the mar ket innovate and incentiv ise investment in the early stages of moving from fossil fuels. “The focus should be on reducing emissions as soon and cost-effectively as possible, not on a spe cific electricity source, as by adhering to technology neutrality we would ramp up the production of green and low-carbon hydrogen much more rapidly,” argues Korpeinen, who adds that UPM is calling for the recognition of low-carbon

“The focus should be on reducing emissions as soon and cost effectively as possible, not on a specific electricity source.”

hydrogen as a complementary way to support hydrogen uptake. Technologies for producing hydrogen are developing fast, making REPowerEU's narrow definition a problem. As Jackson notes: “Besides electrolysis-produced hydrogen, there are other ways that integrate renewable power and produce hydrogen, such as pyrolysis. This can be done with biomass, wood, sewage and waste – basically, from all sources that can be gasified or contain methane. This could reduce Europe’s energy dependency on overseas fossil imports.” Building frameworks and incentives The current energy crisis in Europe and high energy prices call for a rapid increase in domestic renewable production. Scaling up wind and solar capacity to support energy independence and reduce emissions will put pressure on how much new capacity can be established in the short term. “Can we simultaneously increase renewables to decarbonise the electricity mix to replace external energy sources such as gas and boost renewables for green hydrogen?” Korpeinen asks. “Instead of providing a strict framework, the REPowerEU plans should take a more market-oriented and technology-neutral ap proach, provide incentives such as grants and investment support and not get too tied up in the details,” says Korpeinen. “Regulato ry mandates could specify that a certain number of emission-free fuels or materials must be used, as is already the case in the re newable fuels market,” he adds. As for UPM, it is already leading the way when it comes to re newable fuel innovation, positioning them to support customers in sourcing and producing emission-free hydrogen, as well as us ing it to decarbonise industrial processes. “Let’s just set criteria

for what we want to achieve and let’s have markets and tech nology define what is the most efficient way of getting there,” Korpeinen concludes.