2 April 2024

09:50 – 10:35

Amphi 4

Sabin Boily

Sabin Boily holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics from the École Polytechnique de Montréal and a master’s degree and doctorate in energy sciences from INRS. He did post-doctoral work in metallurgy at the Université Laval. He has numerous patents, publications, presentations and conferences to his credit. Sabin was a member of the scientific staff of the Hydro-Québec Research Institute, where he participated in the development of nanocrystalline materials, in particular for the production of hydrogen tanks. As CEO of Groupe Ydee, he plays an active role in technology assessment and commercialization, as well as advising companies. He pays particular attention to the protection of the intellectual property of the technologies he evaluates. Mr. Sabin is also President of ZeeOne Corporation and H2SX Corp, both of which are dedicated to the production of low-cost, clean hydrogen in Canada and around the world. Mr. Sabin serves on several boards of directors and is a regular member of expert committees, including the Committee on Responsible Conduct of Research. His areas of interest include advanced materials and process engineering, renewable energy, the environment, nanotechnology, ethics in science and technology, and the promotion of science, especially among young people.

Is water electrolysis the best solution for hydrogen production?

Almost every day now we read and hear that hydrogen is seen as a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. However, there are important nuances to consider. Its potential for reducing GHGs and combating climate change does indeed lie in several aspects: i) clean combustion, ii) a renewable energy carrier, iii) decarbonization of hard-to-pollute sectors, and iv) the creation of a new economy. However, major challenges remain: i) the production of “green” hydrogen from renewable energies and sources is still costly and requires substantial infrastructure, ii) hydrogen leaks during transport and storage could have a negative impact on the climate, and iii) hydrogen’s entire life cycle, from production to use, needs to be optimized to maximize its energy efficiency. In conclusion, hydrogen offers real potential for reducing GHGs and contributing to the fight against the climate emergency, but its large-scale development requires overcoming technological, environmental, social and economic challenges. A holistic and cautious approach is essential to maximize its benefits and minimize its risks.