4:00 PM: Session Introduction - Kevin Smith, Commodity Chemicals Lead, S&P Global Commodity Insights

4:05 PM: Decarbonization opportunities with CCUS and Hydrogen - Bala Suresh, Executive Director, S&P Global Commodity Insights

There is more carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere than is consumed in various processes and is associated with causes for changes in the climate patterns. Climate change is real and importance is now given to prevent catastrophic impacts that alters our lifestyles. Governments, industries, institutions and other stakeholders are working towards limiting greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and to move towards creating a cleaner environment. Though the Intergovermental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has recommended that we do not exceed 1.5 deg C increase above pre-industrial levels, and the Paris Agreement has a goal to limit to 2 deg C, the rise could be as high as 2.4 deg. C by the year 2100.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires improvement of energy efficiencies and also introduce renewables for achieving decarbonization. In this session, we will look at ways to decarbonize the markets with a focus on the use of hydrogen and carbon capture to assist in the process.

4:20 PM: Metal Organic Frameworks (MOF) and their Role in the Materials Transition - Mark Morgan, Vice President, Specialty Chemicals and Renewables Consulting, S&P Global Commodity Insights

A materials transition is needed to enable the energy transition to continue. A new generation of catalysts and adsorption materials have been developed called metal organic frameworks or MOFs. Some MOFs can absorb large amounts of hydrogen and could compete in future with compressed hydrogen storage at high pressure in composite cylinders for light vehicles. When certain MOFs are combined in coating systems they can be used in dehumidifier applications or even systems for the direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide. Other applications include water filtration, lithium recovery, biogas refining and battery anode/cathode materials to name but a few and most related to the energy transition. The market for MOF is embryonic but still exceeds $400 million worldwide with double-digit growth potential.  

4:35 PM : Amine Scrubbing: Crafting a solution for net zero - Richard Bale, Associate Director, Chemical Consulting, S&P Global Commodity Insights

Aqueous solutions of amines have been used in gas sweetening, removing acid components such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from natural gas, for over 90 years. These sweetening units have become a common feature of refineries and gas processing plants.

Now, as companies look to reduce their carbon footprints, the possibility of using amines to capture carbon dioxide from flue gases and other plant emissions is of increasing interest. The benefits include the ability of amine solutions to be easily recycled and the production a pure carbon dioxide stream which can act as a feedstock for other chemical processes.

4:50 PM: Q&A     

5:00 PM: Closing Remarks