Is Hydrogen Sustainable?

By Oliver Sylvester-Bradley

A critical review of the sustainability of a hydrogen economy

July 19,2003


Hydrogen is often cited as the solution to global energy problems and the perfect energy carrier for a sustainable society due to its’ non polluting nature and suitability to store and transport energy generated from renewable sources. This essay examines the practicalities of a hydrogen-based energy system and its’ ability to provide a sustainable future.

http://www.evworld.com/databases/storybuilder.cfm?storyid=550


For comparison with existing technology, follow this link and look at the figures for 'Total energy input/mile':

http://www.unh.edu/p2/biodiesel/article_vehicle_compare.html

... is to shift pollution from one location to another. The Bush plan removes hydrocarbon pollution from cities and creates radioactive waste elsewhere (because that's the key to the Bush plan--lots and lots of nuclear reactors to power the electrolysis of water and to liquefy the hydrogen).

If the plan were to power such a fuel system through renewables, it would be the best of both worlds--energy in, energy out, with a minimum of waste. However, using new nuclear reactors, or existing fossil fuel-fired generating plants to generate the electricity necessary to run this fuel distribution system is just folly, in the long run.

Cheers.