MUSCAT: Among the many various innovative research projects in the 10th National Research Award organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, ‘Liquefied hydrogen vs. liquefied renewable methane: Evaluating energy consumption and infrastructure for sustainable fuels’ by principal investigator Mohammed Abdullah al Breiki, PhD Candidate in Sustainable Energy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, was awarded in the Energy and Industry field in the Young Researcher’s category.
According to Mohammed al Breiki, the research project revealed that the production of both green liquefied hydrogen and liquefied renewable methane consumed approximately 0.52 and 0.63 kWh/MJ of fuel, respectively. The results indicated positive aspects in terms of the readiness of the infrastructure and the existence of necessary laws and regulations for the use of liquefied renewable methane as a fuel. However, it was found that the infrastructure for green liquefied hydrogen still needs development, along with the issuance of relevant laws and regulations for its use as a fuel. The study concluded that the use of green liquefied hydrogen and liquefied renewable methane as fuels will contribute to reducing carbon emissions and achieving sustainable economic development goals.
Al Breiki stated that the study aimed to explore and analyze different types of clean fuels, with a special focus on liquefied renewable methane and green liquefied hydrogen. This research included a comprehensive evaluation of the amount of energy consumed in the production, storage, and transportation of these types of fuels, with an emphasis on carbon capture and improving the efficiency of these processes.
He added: “One of the most important goals of the project is to compare clean fuels in terms of the following elements: the technologies used, the necessary infrastructure, scalability, and the existence of laws and regulations governing their use. Through this comparison, we can identify the most effective and environmentally friendly fuel in the context of the economic market and the legislative environment.”
Regarding the importance of the study, Al Breiki mentioned that the significance of this study was demonstrated in several areas, including its contribution to the development of sustainable energy sources, which was an important step towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing the use of clean energy. Additionally, the study evaluated the efficiency and environmental impact by analyzing the energy consumption efficiency and environmental impact of each type of clean fuel. This helped in identifying the most environmentally sustainable options.
The researcher further elaborated that the research project supported policies and legislation by providing accurate information about the infrastructure, laws, and regulations for using these types of fuels. It also emphasized the importance of transitioning to clean energy sources as a fundamental step towards achieving sustainable economic development goals, especially in the context of global efforts to combat climate change.
The study also presented several important recommendations aimed at supporting and improving the use of clean energy and enhancing sustainable development, such as emphasizing the importance of supporting research and development in the field of clean energy, especially in carbon capture technologies and improving the efficiency of clean fuel production, as well as investing in developing the necessary infrastructure for green liquefied hydrogen to achieve greater efficiency in the production, storage, and transportation of this type of fuel.
Other notable recommendations included updating laws and regulations to encourage the use of liquefied renewable methane and green liquefied hydrogen, launching awareness and educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of clean energy and its role in combating climate change and achieving sustainable development, and promoting international cooperation for the exchange of knowledge and expertise in the field of clean energy, in order to develop innovative and effective solutions that meet local and global needs.
The research project was published in the monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal Fuel. The research team was composed of Mohammed al Breiki and Dr Yusuf Bicer, an Associate Professor with extensive experience in clean energy technologies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
Regarding his win, Mohammed Al Breiki stated: “Winning the National Research Award in the Industry and Energy sector in Oman is a significant achievement and honor. It represents a recognition of the hard work, dedication, and innovative approach taken in my research. This award not only validates the importance and relevance of the research in the fields of industry and energy, but also highlights its potential impact on sustainable development and clean energy initiatives. This accolade is a source of great pride and motivation. It encourages me to continue pursuing research excellence and contributing to the field. Furthermore, it enhances the visibility of the research, potentially opening up more opportunities for collaboration, funding, and application of the research findings in practical scenarios.”
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