The brainers
Bruno Pollet – Chemical engineer
Bruno Georges Pollet BSc(Hons) MSc PhD FRSC, is a chemist, electrochemist and electrochemical engineer, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Professor of Chemistry, Director of the Green Hydrogen Lab, Co-Director of the Hydrogen Research Institute at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières in Canada. He has worked on hydrogen energy in the UK, Japan, South Africa, Norway and Canada, and has both industrial and academic experience. With over 20 years’ experience in the field of hydrogen research, Professor Pollet is recognized worldwide for his pioneering work on hydrogen fuel cells, electrolyzers and hydrogen production.
This brainer takes part in round-table discussions, offers improvisation sessions and the following solo talks:
Hydrogen - Where do we stand?
Hydrogen is the most abundant element, occupying almost ¾ of the mass of the universe. Present in water and in all organic matter, it is the lightest element (14 times lighter than air). Its role will be decisive in the Energy Transition, as a tool for decarbonising "hard-to-decarbonise sectors" that cannot be electrified. Because of the technical challenges involved in producing renewable hydrogen, 99% of hydrogen production today still comes from fossil sources. Low-carbon hydrogen can serve as an interim solution to facilitate the energy transition. The uses of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen are promising for oil refining, the steel industry, heavy goods and rail transport, as well as sea and air transport. However, the flammability of hydrogen and the risk of leaks mean that safety standards must be strictly adhered to.