Public Support Hydrogen and Biofuels to Decarbonize Global Shipping
A recent study conducted by the University of Southampton examined public attitudes towards alternative fuels for decarbonizing global shipping. The findings revealed that the general public supports the use of hydrogen and biofuels in this industry.
Nuclear power was seen as a preferable alternative to heavy fuel oil (HFO), but the public perceived it as risky. Liquid natural gas (LNG) was viewed as a positive transitional step, while ammonia received strong negative responses from the UK public.
Global shipping is responsible for a significant portion of worldwide trade and contributes around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In 2021, industry leaders committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The study emphasized the importance of considering public opinions when planning for the transition to fuels that can significantly reduce emissions in the shipping sector.
Hydrogen: A Promising and Perceived Favorable Alternative Shipping Fuel
The research involved in-depth interviews and a survey of nearly a thousand UK residents. Biofuel and hydrogen were the most favored alternatives, with biofuel considered low risk and hydrogen perceived to have minimal negative effects. LNG received moderate support, and the main association was its current availability.
Nuclear power was viewed more positively than HFO but still had an overall negative perception due to concerns about risks. The potential for a nuclear spill was seen as a major disaster compared to an oil spill. On the other hand, ammonia, despite being considered a balanced carbon-free fuel alternative by some assessments, faced strong public opposition. It was seen as unproven, risky, dangerous, and toxic.
Interestingly, residents of port cities were slightly more supportive of alternative shipping fuels overall. The study highlighted the need to consider public concerns alongside technological and economic evaluations, as public opinion may evolve and vary over time.
The research paper, titled “Public response to decarbonisation through alternative shipping fuels,” was published in the journal Environment, Development and Sustainability and is available online.
Read the original article on sciencedaily.
Read more: Un nouveau type de production d’énergie hydroélectrique devient de plus en plus populaire.
