Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 13.9 Many car makers and energy companies are banking on hydrogen. However, the network
of hydrogen fuel stations is still extremely small and is only capable of fi lling up a few prototypes that
use hydrogen. Photos: BP, www.bp.com.
Whereas electric drives with batteries charged using renewable energies offer an
alternative for cars, climate-neutral concepts are still lacking for the powering of
aeroplanes. Hydrogen could be the solution in this area. However, as planes operat-
ing on hydrogen also emit water vapour and produce condensation trails, which in
turn contributes to the greenhouse effect, air traffi c based on hydrogen would not
be totally climate neutral.
Even if hydrogen remains a very interesting energy source, it will take at least 10
to 20 years before it can be used on a widespread scale.
A large number of fuel cell projects today are therefore relying on natural gas as an
energy source. Even technical developments in fuel cell technology are progressing
at a much slower pace than the product announcements in the 1990s may have led
us to believe. A few commercial projects exist at the moment, but the number of
units sold is still relatively low. Technical advances are also needed in the fuel cell
area before a larger market can be exploited. Above all, a functioning renewable
hydrogen industry is needed before fuel cells can become a truly climate-compatible
alternative.
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