Baker Hughes, a prominent energy technology company, is actively addressing the challenges of decarbonisation by developing affordable and reliable solutions tailored for diverse energy and industrial sectors. Simone Marchetti, the Clean Power Strategy and Growth Senior Manager for Clean Power Solutions at Baker Hughes, emphasised the importance of understanding the techno-economical drivers of clients in order to identify both new and existing technologies that can fulfil their needs.
Baker Hughes is transforming its core technologies to enhance efficiency and emissions reduction across various fields, including energy efficiency, electrification, clean power generation, and energy management. Marchetti noted the company's commitment to delivering a portfolio-based solution, recognising that different geographical constraints and supporting policies necessitate a range of options rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
The company has invested significantly in research and development, committing $658 million in 2023 alone to advance multiple technologies. Marchetti illustrated the complex landscape of the decarbonisation journey, highlighting that the pressure to decarbonise varies across industries and regions. Hard-to-abate sectors, such as chemicals, petrochemicals, iron and steel, cement, and transportation, are grappling with these challenges differently, exploring various technological paths including process efficiency improvements, fuel shifts, and entirely new production processes.
Baker Hughes is leveraging its extensive engineering and market knowledge to assist clients in meeting their decarbonisation targets. Key strategies include the introduction of technologies aimed at reducing methane emissions, advancements in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), and innovations in hydrogen production, transportation, and storage. Additionally, the company is developing an integrated portfolio of efficient clean power generation solutions designed to encompass low to no-carbon technologies.
Partnerships play a crucial role in achieving climate objectives, according to Marchetti. Baker Hughes has entered strategic alliances to spearhead technological innovations, such as a collaboration with Net Power Inc. aimed at deploying a low-cost, emission-free electric power system. The project, currently being developed in La Porte, Texas, is expected to complete its testing programme by 2026.
The company is also focusing on geothermal energy, integrating longstanding expertise from oil and gas operations with advanced surface turbomachinery technologies to enhance geothermal power generation efficiency.
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have emerged as a compelling solution for both Baker Hughes and its customers, facilitating the procurement of renewable energy and supporting ambitious emissions reduction goals. In September 2023, Baker Hughes secured an eight-year PPA with Shell Energy Italia for renewable power for several facilities in Italy, contributing to a notable decrease of 28.3% in greenhouse gas emissions from its 2019 baseline.
Energy efficiency has been identified as a key, often overlooked lever for decarbonisation. The company highlights the potential of upgrading existing machinery to significantly reduce emissions while enhancing performance. Furthermore, Baker Hughes has been involved in microgrid developments, conducting feasibility studies and investing in advanced grid technologies to balance renewable sources effectively.
In the rapidly evolving domain of hydrogen, Baker Hughes views the gas as an essential component of future net-zero strategies. The company has made notable strides in hydrogen turbine technology, evident in their recent projects including the NovaLT™ 16 turbines tested in Italy and advanced hydrogen compression solutions delivered for the NEOM project in Saudi Arabia.
Baker Hughes recognises that regional policies can significantly impact technology adoption and deployment. The company advocates for constructive engagements with governments to inform policy frameworks that facilitate technological advancement in the energy sector. Through proactive dialogue, Baker Hughes aims to foster environments conducive to innovation and the practical application of new solutions.
With a history spanning over a century and operations in more than 120 countries, Baker Hughes continues to lead the way in developing technologies that make energy production safer, cleaner, and more efficient, paving the road for a sustainable energy future.
Source: Noah Wire Services