Hydrogen Economy

On 18 March 1974, the 'Hydrogen Romantics' - proposed the Hydrogen Economy or Hydrogen Energy System as the permanent solution to interrelated global problems of the depletion of the fossil fuels and the environmental damage caused by their utilization. In this system, hydrogen is produced from water using any and all primary energy sources. It will then be used in every application where fossil fuels are being used today.

Hydrogen is the lightest, the most efficient, the most cost effective, and the cleanest fuel available. In use it does not produce green house gases, acid rain ingredients, ozone layer depleting chemicals or pollutants and neither does its use cause oil spills. Each country will be able to produce hydrogen using its own available primary energy sources, and therefore obtain direct control over its economy. Hydrogen will produce clean and abundant energy for sustainable development.

During the first quarter century, from 1974 through 2000, utilising the research and development activities in universities and energy related industries, and through information dissemination activities, such as conferences and publications, the foundations of the Hydrogen Energy System were established. By the year 2000, the transition to the Hydrogen Economy had started. In Japan and in the U.S.A., hydrogen fueled cars are available for leasing. In Europe, the Americas and Australia, Rapid Transport Authorities have started operation of fleets of hydrogen fueled buses. Several types of hydrogen fuel cells as well as hydrogen hydride electric batteries are available commercially for electricity generation.

Many countries have initiated programmes for roadmaps for conversion to the Hydrogen Economy. However, present modeling studies indicate that if no incentives are provided for clean energy, full transition to the Hydrogen Economy will take three quarters of century. UNIDO-ICHET Introduction