Hydrogen Economy

Abstract

Hydrogen technologies and fuel cells evoke, for many people, vision of a future in which electrical energy and heat can be generated not only cleanly but also noiselessly and efficiently—with only water as by‐product at the point of use. These technologies—particularly for transport applications—are viewed as a bridge to a sustainable and secure energy future. But despite its clear promise, hydrogen is today still largely only a potential energy carrier of the future; this chemical element is usually a key component of long‐term energy policies. But, as recently noted by Eames and McDowall: “…it is expectations about, and visions of, the future of hydrogen that are currently driving investment and research.” This article explores some of these expectations; in particular, we examine important scientific and technological issues concerning the production, storage, and utilization of hydrogen, as well as outlining the interrelated—and equally challenging—socioeconomic issues for a future hydrogen energy economy. We hope that this approach allows the reader to assess the complexities, challenges—and, of course, the considerable potential—of hydrogen and fuel cells in long‐term transport strategies. We illustrate the very considerable central role of chemistry in building innovative solutions to key areas of a future hydrogen energy economy.

Iridium-Catalyzed Continuous Hydrogen Generation from Formic Acid and Its Subsequent Utilization in a Fuel Cell: Toward a Carbon Neutral Chemical Energy Storage

“…Although only 1% of the total H 2 produced is utilized as an energy carrier (mostly for space applications), hydrogen in many aspects can be considered as an advantageous fuel. , It is clean burning, gives only water when combusted, and has a mass energy density three times as high as that of gasoline. However, even though enormous progress has been achieved in hydrogen storage technologies, hydrogen is not yet a practical fuel, due to several technical difficulties associated with its storage and distribution .…”

Decarbonising energy: The developing international activity in hydrogen technologies and fuel cells

“…In so far as defining what, precisely, is meant by a hydrogen society or a hydrogen economy, one of us (Peter P. Edwards), with colleagues, has previously outlined a possible working definition [19] .…”

Mo2C Cocatalysts Supported Si Nanowire Photoanode for Solar Water Oxidation

“…This has made renewable energy one of the primary research topics of the 21st century. [1][2][3] Hydrogen is one of the best fuels of the future because it undergoes clean combustion, giving water as the only by-product (2H 2 + O 2 ⇌ 2H 2 O; ΔE = −286 kJ mol −1 ), [4][5][6][7] which makes it an excellent source of clean energy. Additionally, hydrogen has a higher gravimetric energy density of 119.93 MJ kg −1 than the gasoline (44.5 MJ kg −1 ), and is produced from both non-renewable sources (coal, petroleum, and natural gas), and renewable energy resources (biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric, tidal, wind and solar).…”

“…Additionally, hydrogen has a higher gravimetric energy density of 119.93 MJ kg −1 than the gasoline (44.5 MJ kg −1 ), and is produced from both non-renewable sources (coal, petroleum, and natural gas), and renewable energy resources (biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric, tidal, wind and solar). [4][5][6][7] However, almost 96% of current hydrogen production is derived from fossil fuels via the steam reformation of methane and coal gasification technology. 7,8 These methods emit enormous amounts of CO 2 , and therefore represent a huge set-back in the search for an environment-friendly production method.…”

“…[4][5][6][7] However, almost 96% of current hydrogen production is derived from fossil fuels via the steam reformation of methane and coal gasification technology. 7,8 These methods emit enormous amounts of CO 2 , and therefore represent a huge set-back in the search for an environment-friendly production method.…”