The 24th World Hydrogen Energy Conference (WHEC-24), held from June 23 to 27, 2024, in the beautiful city of Cancun, Mexico, once again demonstrated that hydrogen energy is poised to become a cornerstone of the future clean and sustainable energy system. Organized under the auspices of the International Association for Hydrogen Energy (IAHE), this conference is considered one of the world’s most prestigious and influential scientific gatherings in the hydrogen sector. Thousands of scientists, policymakers, industry experts, and researchers from over a hundred countries participated, engaging in in-depth discussions on the latest ideas, technologies, and solutions related to the energy transition.
Plenary Presentation of the CAPTUS Project
The EU-funded CAPTUS project received special recognition at this global forum when Professor Ángel Irabien from the University of Cantabria presented a detailed overview of the project as a plenary speaker. In his presentation, he explained the objectives of the CAPTUS project, its scientific vision, and the innovations being achieved through it in a clear yet impactful manner. He emphasized how the project is making a significant contribution towards a sustainable energy future by combining carbon dioxide (CO₂) utilization and hydrogen-based solutions. His presentation clearly illustrated that bridging the gap between research and industry is at the heart of CAPTUS.
Research on CO₂ Electroreduction and Hydrogen Carriers
In another significant contribution from the CAPTUS project, Guillermo Díaz Sáenz (University of Cantabria) delivered an oral presentation at the conference. The presentation focused on “Recent Advances and Challenges in Continuous CO₂ Electroreduction: Formic Acid or Formate as a Hydrogen Carrier.” He shared key findings and results obtained from the third of the three demo sites operated under the project. This research demonstrated how converting CO₂ into useful chemicals can not only reduce emissions but also open new avenues for the safe storage and transportation of hydrogen.
A Convergence of Scientific Innovation and Practical Solutions
This presentation also highlighted that compounds like formic acid and formates are highly promising as hydrogen carriers, offering relatively safe, stable, and energy-efficient alternatives. The experiments conducted under the CAPTUS project prove that these technologies can be scaled up from the laboratory to the industrial level. This approach is emerging as a practical solution to address global challenges such as the energy crisis and climate change.
WHEC: A Hub for Global Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
WHEC-24 was not just a scientific conference; it was also a powerful platform for global collaboration, exchange of ideas, and future partnerships. The event provided participants, exhibitors, and sponsors with numerous opportunities to engage with global leaders in business, policy, and science. Discussions on new technologies, emerging markets, and policy-making issues underscored the critical importance of international cooperation in advancing hydrogen energy.
CAPTUS’s Role in Shaping the Future of Energy
The strong presence of the CAPTUS project at WHEC-24 demonstrates that the European Union and its associated research institutions are playing a leading role in clean energy innovation. This effort to combine CO₂ reuse and hydrogen-based energy solutions is not only environmentally beneficial but also lays the foundation for an economically and socially sustainable future. The discussions and presentations at this conference reinforced the belief that such projects will shape the global energy landscape in the coming years.
Conclusion: A Powerful Message on a Global Stage
WHEC-24 in Cancun provided the CAPTUS project with international recognition and delivered a powerful message: that the dream of clean energy can be realized through scientific innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking. These efforts related to hydrogen energy and CO₂ management are important steps towards creating a safe, clean, and sustainable world for future generations.
