Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
the universe. It can exist as a gas or a liquid and can also be stored at room
temperature in a solid form (hydride) as a compound.
For the past several years both industry and government have ex-
plored ways to use hydrogen as a commercial fuel. Hydrogen may be used
to generate power by combustion or by using direct conversion with fuel
cells. Both generation methods are highly efficient and environmentally
clean. Hydrogen produced from electrolyzing water or from reforming
fossil fuels is currently used in over one hundred different industries from
petrochemical and glass manufacturing to food processing and electron-
ics. The use of hydrogen is growing rapidly worldwide but the Hydrogen
Economy will be realized when hydrogen becomes competitively priced
as an energy commodity rather than as a chemical.
Hydrogen energy for commercial power is primarily the result of the
initial investments the U.S. made in defense and aerospace technology.
NASA is one of the largest users of hydrogen as a fuel. The Department of
Defense and the Department of Transportation are expanding their inter-
ests in hydrogen both as a fuel and in the uses of fuel cells. The potentially
large economic and security advantages of using locally produced hydro-
gen as a widespread energy carrier for both stationary and transportation
applications is now recognized by both the Administration and the Con-
gress. Enabling legislation, including reauthorization of the Hydrogen Fu-
ture Act, enjoys widespread bipartisan support. The Vice Presidential task
force on energy also gave formal recognition to hydrogen as a key element
in the National Energy Policy Report.
Government participation in these activities is the absorption of the
high risks in the development and deployment of these enabling technol-
ogies. The Government recognizes the promise of hydrogen energy and
can assist industry to promote commercialization of the technologies, the
growth of industry and the development of a compatible infrastructure.
A growing number of states are taking initiatives in implementing
hydrogen energy projects. California is doing this in transportation ap-
plications. The California Fuel Cell Partnership has been placing fuel cell
passenger cars and fuel cell buses on the road. In addition to testing fuel
cell vehicles, the Partnership will also identify fuel infrastructure issues
and prepare the California market for this new technology. Texas is taking
action with stationary and portable applications through the Texas Fuel
Cell Alliance. Florida has a hydrogen business council to increase aware-
ness and initiate hydrogen projects, building on NASA's longstanding
commitment to hydrogen.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search