The Molecular Love Story That Could Help Power the World | Olivia Breese | TED

The Economic Cost of Carbon Dioxide Emissions

The economic cost of the loss of nature and biodiversity due to carbon dioxide emissions is estimated at around 44 trillion dollars.

The Need to Reimagine Energy Production and Consumption

• It is crucial to reimagine the way the world produces, consumes, and prices energy.

• This reimagining needs to happen urgently.

A Love Story: The Electron and the Water Molecule

• This is a love story that has the power to change the world by reimagining the global energy system.

• Understanding this story is essential for everyone.

• The story revolves around an electron and a water molecule.

• Electrons have been powering the modern world since their discovery in the 19th century.

• Electricity production contributes significantly to carbon dioxide emissions.

• Green electrons, powered by renewable resources, offer a solution with approximately 30% share in global electricity production.

• Electrifying everything with green electrons seems like an easy solution but is not sufficient alone.

The Role of Molecules in Energy Storage and Release

• Electrons alone cannot save the world; molecules are also needed.

• Unlike electrons, molecules excel at storing and releasing energy efficiently.

• Sectors such as industrial processes, shipping, and aviation rely on hard-to-electrify sectors that currently emit significant carbon dioxide due to fossil fuel usage.

Introducing Hydrogen: A Green Molecule

• Hydrogen enters as our second lover in this story.

• Hydrogen, produced through electrolysis using green electrons, offers a flexible fuel option.

• It can be used for heat-intensive processes, decarbonizing the chemical industry, and even emissions-free long-distance aviation.

The Potential of Hydrogen Synthesis

• Hydrogen synthesis with nitrogen can produce ammonia, opening up further possibilities for sustainable energy solutions.

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New Section

The speaker discusses the current progress of deploying and scaling up technologies to achieve a one-and-a-half-degree pathway. They emphasize the need for faster action and highlight the success of scaling up offshore wind technology as an example.

Progress in Deploying Technologies

• At the current rate of progress, we are not on track to achieve a one-and-a-half-degree pathway.

• The story of transitioning to sustainable technologies is still being written.

Scaling Up Offshore Wind Technology

• Ørsted, a company that has experience in offshore wind, has successfully scaled up this technology.

• In 1991, they installed the world's first offshore wind turbine when it was considered expensive and uneconomically viable.

• Through optimization and collaboration with the supply chain, costs were brought down, leading to its acceptance as a critical pillar of the European electricity system.

• Other markets like the US and Asian countries have also followed suit.

Scaling Up Green Molecule Technologies

• The focus now needs to be on scaling up green molecule technologies such as e-methanol and green hydrogen.

• Europe's largest e-methanol plant is being built in Sweden, which will produce enough green methanol to power an oceangoing container vessel.

• Plans are already underway for larger-scale projects in the US and other parts of the world.

Collective Action for Global Energy Transformation

• Individual efforts alone cannot transform the global energy system away from fossil fuels.

• The true cost of fossil fuels, including carbon dioxide emissions and climate change impacts, must be reflected in their price.

• Defossilization should be seen as economically imperative if fossil fuel prices accurately reflect their true cost.

Importance of Transitioning to Green Energy

• Transitioning to a world powered by green energy is not a luxury but a necessity.

• It requires the support and commitment of individuals, governments, industries, societies, consumers, and voters.

Support for Green Energy Transition

• Similar to supporting newlyweds in a wedding ceremony, the transition to green energy requires the support of family and friends.

• Governments, industries, societies, consumers, and voters must all play their part in upholding and supporting the transition.

Conclusion

The speaker highlights the need for faster progress in deploying sustainable technologies. They emphasize the success of scaling up offshore wind technology as an example and call for collective action to transform the global energy system. The transition to green energy is seen as a necessity that requires support from various stakeholders.