The Future of Energy - Part 1: Gas Turbines and Hydrogen

Global warming is dramatically altering the world around us. And, as the population of the world continues to increase so does the demand and consumption of global energy. The fascinating world of energy and how additive manufacturing (AM) will impact it in the future is inspiring. Let's jump into jointly investigating how these technologies work, what attributes they bring to provide energy for current and future generations, and the contributions of AM to help us transition to a carbon-free future by 2050. 

During today's episode, Fabian speaks with Quan Lac, VP of additive manufacturing at Siemens Energy, and Pierre Forêt, Head of AM at Linde about how AM is impacting the transition toward clean energy. Quan shares how Siemens Energy is utilizing AM-created pieces to further enhance gas turbines, supplement other necessary energy equipment, and how they are preparing to transition to green fuels. Pierre describes how Linde uses AM to release the full potential of hydrogen to increase volume and reduce the cost of green hydrogen. 

Comments about the show or wish to share your AM journey? Contact us at [email protected]. The Additive Snack Podcast is brought to you by EOS.

Key Takeaways:

[0:44] Fabian describes the climate drivers ushering Additive Manufacturing deeper into the energy sector.

[2:55] Fabian introduces the expert guests who participate in this conversation. 

[3:54] The history of natural gas as a fuel source for humans.

[6:00] Quan Lac VP of AM at Siemens Energy explains how the company plans to energize society into an energy sustainable future and how AM fits into the mission. 

[13:21] Quan describes how Siemens plans to support decarbonization. 

[16:23] How gas turbines work and how AM contributes to the restoration of existing units and the development of new more efficient units.

[25:50] Quan explains Siemens plans for the future including modifying gas turbines to include hydrogen.

[30:52] Pierre Forêt, Head of AM at Linde Gas, describes how Linde produces and distributes industrial gas products and his role at the company.

[33:18] Pierre defines green hydrogen and sheds light on the exciting opportunities it affords.

[38:51] How Additive Manufacturing can drive down the cost of green hydrogen and increase the performance of existing processes.

[43:05] Future opportunities for green hydrogen to assist industries to impact decarbonization.

[46:16] Pierre describes the barriers and challenges to releasing the full potential of hydrogen. 

Shareables:

“How do we transition humanity into carbon-free energy?” — Fabian Alefeld, Host, Additive Snack Podcast

“There are nearly 800 million people today who don’t have access to electricity.”— Quan Lac, VP of Additive Manufacturing at Siemens Energy

“Is there a better moment than now to choose AM to produce better smarter components?” — Pierre Forêt, Head of AM, Linde Gas