| If we are to move towards a hydrogen economy, however, we need economical ways of generating, transporting, distributing and storing hydrogen.
There are two possible hydrogen sources.
One option is to reform fossil fuels. Oil and natural gas contain hydrocarbons. Steam reformers can split the hydrogen from the carbon. The residual carbon is released as carbon dioxide. Although reformers are not totally perfect, they are viewed by many as the most viable interim solution.
In a pure hydrogen society, the hydrogen must be derived from renewable sources rather than fossil fuels. Electrolysis of water is the best way to achieve this. Water accounts for 71% of the earth’s surface. Through electrolysis, it can be split into its component parts, hydrogen and oxygen.
The hydrogen can be stored (in compressed gas or liquid form), transported and burnt in a combustion engine or used in a fuel cell to generate power. Solar power or the power of water could be used to electrolyze the water, thus creating a totally clean, sustainable and renewable energy cycle. The sun radiates enough heat in one hour to meet the earth’s energy needs for an entire year. |
