In a context of climate emergency characterized by a severe drought linked to the El Niño phenomenon, natural gas consumption in the country has experienced an unprecedented increase, reaching 51,140 GBTU (Gigabritish Thermal Units) from the beginning of the year until the end of April.
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This increase, which doubles the figure recorded in the same period of the previous year, highlights the growing dependence on alternative energy sources due to the decrease in the productive capacity of hydroelectric plants. Luz Stella Murgas, president of Naturgas, has highlighted the reliability and security of natural gas as an energy support in the face of the current climate crisis, emphasizing its crucial role in generating energy during periods of water scarcity.
The reduction in the production of hydroelectric plants, traditional providers of clean and renewable energy, has driven greater dependence on thermal plants that use natural gas. This change in the energy matrix is especially evident in the maximum daily consumption peak recorded on April 29 of 624 GBTU/day, a notable increase compared to the maximum of 325.4 GBTU/day observed in the same period of the previous year. The significant increase in the use of natural gas underlines the adaptation of the energy sector to climatic adversities, ensuring the continuous supply of energy to the population and the economy.
Given this situation, Murgas has pointed out the urgent need to “prioritize and expedite the exploration and development of new deposits,” as well as “enable external supply sources” to maintain the country’s energy security. This call not only seeks to mitigate the current impact of El Niño but also prepare the sector for future climate contingencies, ensuring the diversification and sustainability of available energy sources.
In an effort to lay the foundation for a cleaner energy transition, Naturgas is also investigating the potential of blue hydrogen as an alternative renewable energy source. This approach not only seeks to respond to immediate energy demand but also to reduce long-term environmental impact and move towards a more sustainable future.
The adoption of clean energy technologies, such as blue hydrogen, could mark a turning point in the way the country addresses future energy crises, promoting a significant reduction in dependence on fossil fuels.
The El Niño phenomenon has proven to be a catalyst for the re-evaluation of energy policies and existing infrastructure, forcing policymakers and companies in the sector to consider more resilient and sustainable options. Current experience underlines the importance of anticipating and adapting to climate challenges through investment in research, development of new technologies and the diversification of energy sources.
Blue hydrogen emerges as a promise in reducing CO2 emissions, offering a potential reduction of up to 10% of global emissions by 2050, according to estimates from the International Energy Agency (IEA). This type of hydrogen, obtained from natural gas and treated with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, presents a solution to decarbonize key sectors such as transportation, power generation and industry, where other clean energy alternatives find limitations.
The viability of blue hydrogen lies in its ability to significantly reduce carbon footprints and in its versatility and reliability. It stands out as a valuable resource for “its efficient storage capacity and its ability to integrate into existing natural gas infrastructure,” which facilitates the supply of stable and flexible energy. This characteristic makes it complementary to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, whose intermittency poses a challenge to maintaining a constant energy supply.
However, the development of blue hydrogen and CCS technologies face significant challenges. High costs, the need to improve efficiency and the creation of adequate regulatory frameworks are presented as obstacles to overcome. “Financing is emerging as a key challenge,” as the implementation of large-scale projects requires significant investments. Likewise, social acceptance and safety of CO2 storage are crucial aspects for the success and long-term sustainability of these initiatives.
