Hydrogen: The Uphill Climb to Green Technology
But First Snide's Remarks; Are you kidding me? Are the reporters responsible for this MSNBC story sleeping or are they just too enraptured with the negative to see how many new and practacal H2 alternative there are and will soon be on the market? Maybe they should read the H2 stories here on The Auto Channel to become up to date. Here are a couple to start with:
BIG DEAL H2 STORY 1
BIG DEAL H2 STORY 2
or just read the 1200 or so stories about H2 power here on The Auto Channel...let me know what you think msnide@theautochannel.com
Washington DC October 27, 2005; The AIADA newsletter reported that amid rising energy costs and concerns regarding global climate change, hydrogen power has been deemed the “Holy Grail” of alternative energy sources, if only it could clear the mounting scientific and engineering hurdles prohibiting it from hitting the mainstream market.
According to an MSNBC report, hydrogen, “one of the most widely abundant elements in the universe that can be produced, stored, and transported anywhere on earth,” may be decades -- maybe longer -- away from entering the mass market, despite the rise in private and government funding. Even the National Research Council, a main lobby for increased funding for hydrogen research has admitted “success is not certain.”
Among the mounting concerns: onboard storage, high production costs, derivation of the hydrogen (i.e. where it will come from), and competing alternative energies. Where to store hydrogen is a top concern because it is very diffuse. So, in order to pack enough onboard a car, you need to compress and store it under extreme pressure or liquify it at extremely cold temperatures -- both of which present daunting engineering and safety issues.
Another key issue comes in terms of affordability. Although, research has found that engines powered by hydrogen fuel cells are twice as efficient as internal combustion engines, the costs of producing fuel cells is too exorbitant to power a mass-produced car. Third, because hydrogen is a “secondary” energy source, where it comes from is an issue of concern.
Currently, almost all of the hydrogen produced is made from natural gas, which is already is short supply. Another obstacle facing hydrogen are competing alternative energy sources that could “pay off sooner,” including renewable energies like biodiesel or ethanol.
Letter to MSnide From Fellow TACH'er John:
October 29, 2005: The MSNBC article was interesting but I think they missed where the hydrogen can come from.
Hydro-Electric is the absolute cheapest form of renewable energy.
Imagine being able to build Hydro-Electric in remote areas and not having to locate near a metro area.
Imagine having a Hydro-Electric that can be run at 100% for 24 hours a day without building for peak demand.
If you use the electricity produced by the remote Hydro-Electric to crack water it may be ineffcient use of the electricity but it is made up by the capital cost reductions by building remotely and running 100% 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Thanks for writing John...keep on TACh'n...Milton