A Deep Dive into the World of Energy and the Steel Industry
I was extremely privileged to meet Professor Naomi Boness, the Managing Director of the Natural Gas & Hydrogen Initiative (NGI) at Stanford University, and discuss the world of energy. The challenging but enriching conversation encouraged me to pursue an internship during the summer in Argentina, working for Tecpetrol.
I had a transformative experience delving into energy transition -mainly Natural Gas extracted from the Vaca Muerta shale gas reserve-, renewable energies, the environmental impact of energy production and consumption, energy access and energy equity.
I further studied hydrogen (essential in the global shift towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050) through my internship at Tecpetrol. My experience led me to write a paper titled “Optimizing Green Hydrogen Production:
A comprehensive Analysis of Electrolyzer and Renewable Energy Farm Capacity Ratios” with Caltech Prof. Andrade. The paper discusses storage methods, including liquefied hydrogen, compressed hydrogen, materials-based storage (like ammonia), and geological storage in salt caverns, and dives into the requirements of green hydrogen projects, focusing on the optimization of design components such as the electrolyzer, renewable energy sources, water supply, hydrogen storage, and integration with the grid. A key concept explored is the ratio of electrolyzer capacity to renewable energy farm capacity, essential in maintaining a balance between hydrogen production and intermittent renewable energy supply.
To demonstrate practical insights, a study of optimizing a hydrogen plant's setup was presented, considering varying real-data inputs (energy source costs, electrolyzer efficiency, hydrogen storage costs, and energy remainder prices). The results highlight the importance of hybridizing renewable energy sources, indicating that a combination of wind and solar energy proves optimal. The paper provides valuable guidance for designing effective and cost-efficient green hydrogen projects aligned with global clean energy goals.
This allowed me to gain a deep understanding of sustainable energy solutions and implementation in Argentina, which was catalyzed in the paper I wrote with Caltech Professor J. Andrade and following suggestions by Prof. Boness.
Furthermore, I had the privilege of immersing myself in the lithium industry and exploring a pilot plan for direct lithium extraction. This provided invaluable insights into the emerging technologies and potential environmental impacts associated with lithium extraction. Participating in meetings with wind farm managers gave me an in-depth look into the engineering and economics behind renewable energy projects.
I had the opportunity to witness the decarbonization efforts of the steel industry at the facilities of Ternium and Tenaris, where I learned about their sustainability initiatives, deepening the theorical knowledge I had acquired in my internship in Tenova last winter.
A highlight of my internship was working in Vaca Muerta, where I had direct contact with managers and workers on the field, and learned about shale gas and fracking operations. My focus on environmental aspects, energy equity, and community relations highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in energy development and convinced me about the significance of natural gas as a transition energy source.
I co-produced a documentary film reflecting on the importance of Vaca Muerta in Argentina with special attention to the symbiotic relationship between the energy industry and the communities they operate in, and corporate social responsibility initiatives, including creating employment opportunities, supporting local businesses, and investing in community development projects.
Overall, my internship in Argentina was an enriching experience that deepened my knowledge of sustainable energy and its crucial role in building a greener future. Furthermore, I learned the importance of community growth and that education is a pivotal factor in driving long-term development. Fostering educational programs, scholarships, and vocational training to empower individuals and uplift communities should not be neglected in the transition to a greener world. I am eager to continue learning and exploring the many resources and opportunities that were shown to me during the campus visit to be able to have a positive impact in the energy transition and climate change challenges that society faces today.
