Physics Ph.D. Student Challenges Peers to Think Globally for a Just Energy Transition

FNU Vidhi Part of GasTech Future Leaders Program

Houston is no stranger to being at the center of the conversation for all things energy.

FNU Vidhi
FNU Vidhi, vice-chair of marketing for the Energy Coalition and a physics doctoral student, noted that GasTech helped her form a broader perspective on hydrogen’s role in the energy transition.

This continued as thousands of industry, government and tech leaders from 156 countries descended onto the Energy Capital for GasTech 2024, the world’s largest energy exhibition and conference for natural gas, hydrogen and climate technologies.

With an aim to transform energy through vision, innovation and action, key decision-makers across industry shared insights on how to move the energy transition forward and the significant role natural gas will play in the process.

For physics doctoral student FNU Vidhi, vice-chair of marketing for the UH Energy Coalition, the nation’s largest energy-centric student organization, it was a comprehensive look at the current state of energy as well as the road ahead. Vidhi and four other board members were part of the GasTech Future Leaders Program.

Energy Diversification and the Role of Hydrogen

As the world transitions to cleaner energy, there is an increased demand – and need – for nations to get on board. Hydrogen has emerged as a future lynchpin in the energy landscape that can help supplement available resources and aid a more sustainable energy future.

Vidhi found the discussion relevant to her research, offering a broader perspective on hydrogen’s role in decarbonizing industry.

“Scaling green hydrogen through electrolysis powered by renewable sources is essential for decarbonizing industries like cement, steel and aviation," she said. "Blue hydrogen, which integrates carbon capture technology, offers a crucial bridge for reducing emissions while we work towards fully carbon-free solutions. However, the technology must be cost-effective.”

Conversation at GasTech 2024 indicates that the future of energy lies in collaboration, innovation and adaptable policies.

“Meeting the challenge of achieving low or zero carbon emissions requires innovative solutions, supportive policies, substantial investment and, most importantly, collaboration across industries, governments and academic institutions to drive a sustainable future,” Vidhi said.

- Courtesy of UH Energy