Is Protecting the environment a luxury that developed countries can afford ?
Discussion
In this review several topics about hydrogen and carbon dioxide utilization technologies will be discussed. In this aspect, first "Protecting the environment through the energy transition towards hydrogen and carbon dioxide utilization is a luxury that only the most economically developed countries of the world can afford.” argument will be investigated with supporting and against ideas.
It can be easily said that economically developed countries have lots of advantages when it comes to energy transition. In this section these advantages are listed below.
Financial:
Developed countries have more financial resources available to invest in environmentally friendly technologies. The shift to using hydrogen necessitates large initial expenditures in infrastructure, R&D, and the creation of a hydrogen supply chain. Due to constrained budgets and conflicting objectives, less economically developed nations can find it difficult to set aside enough money for these kinds of initiatives.
Technology accessibility:
The nations with developed economies frequently have greater access to the latest technology, knowledge, and research facilities. They can create and use carbon dioxide and hydrogen utilization technologies more successfully through applying their scientific and technological capabilities. Conversely, less developed nations can find it difficult to get and use the required technology because of greater costs and restricted access.
Infrastructure readiness:
Building an entire infrastructure, including facilities for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution, is necessary to make the switch to hydrogen-based energy systems. The incorporation of hydrogen technology can be aided by the more advanced and networked energy infrastructure seen in economically developed nations. On the other hand, less developed nations could not have the required infrastructure, which would make the establishment of a hydrogen economy more difficult and expensive.
Regulations and Laws:
Developed countries have well-established rules, policies, and incentives to facilitate the shift to low-carbon economies. These rules may assist hydrogen technology and include objectives for renewable energy sources as well as carbon pricing schemes. The ability and resources of less economically developed nations to create and implement such regulations may be restricted, which might impede the broad adoption of carbon dioxide and hydrogen use technology.
Long-term planning and risk tolerance:
Making the switch to a hydrogen-based economy entails a number of risks and uncertainties. Economically developed nations could be able to absorb the initial expenses and uncertainty of these transitions due to their stability and risk tolerance. Given that the benefits of long-term initiatives and plans may not materialize for a longer period, they can afford to invest in them. It may be more difficult to apply resources and prepare for long-term energy transitions in less economically developed nations due to their low financial stability and more urgent socioeconomic problems.
Furthermore, some examples from economically developed countries are given to support this argument.
Germany:
Germany has been at the forefront of the energy transition and has made significant progress in hydrogen and carbon dioxide utilization. The country has implemented a comprehensive set of policies, including the National Hydrogen Strategy, to promote the development and use of hydrogen
Japan:
Japan is a global leader in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The country has set ambitious targets to become a "hydrogen society" and has implemented various strategies to promote hydrogen utilization. Japan has established hydrogen supply chains, developed hydrogen fueling stations, and launched hydrogen-powered transportation projects, including hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and buses.
Netherlands:
The Netherlands has been actively pursuing hydrogen and carbon dioxide utilization as part of its efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy. The country has established the HyDelta program, which aims to develop a hydrogen infrastructure and promote hydrogen use in transportation, industry, and residential sectors.
See also: