Using Hydrogen to Create Green Energy: Renewable Energy Articles: Eco20/20

Using Hydrogen to Create Green Energy

Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless highly flammable gas. About 75 percent of the sun is composed of hydrogen; compared to a small fraction of the earth's composition. On earth, hydrogen does not occur naturally as a gas but is combined with other elements like water. Though once considered much too dangerous to use, it is now used to make fuel for automobiles and in other applications. Hydrogen is the most common gas in the universe. The abundance of hydrogen and the fact that it is eco friendly makes it a logical choice for use in creating green energy.

Hydrogen Processes

Hydrogen can be harnessed through many processes. It is found in several organic compounds such as hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons make up fuel such as natural gas, methanol, propane and gasoline. A heat process known as reforming is used to separate it from hydrocarbons. Today, most hydrogen is made from natural gas using the reforming process. Electrolysis is a process that uses an electrical current to separate water into oxygen and hydrogen. In addition, some bacteria and algae naturally give off hydrogen.

Fuel Cells

A fuel cell is created by combining hydrogen and oxygen. Fuel cells produce heat, water and electricity. They are a promising technology to deliver power and heat to buildings and other structures. Technology is also in the works to use fuel cells as an electrical power source for vehicles with electric motors. Like batteries, fuel cells convert energy into electric power through a chemical reaction. They work best using pure hydrogen as fuel. As long as hydrogen is used, fuel cells never lose their charge as does a battery. This technology is a promising source for heat and electricity.

Hydrogen Fuel

Hydrogen does not produce harmful emissions. An engine that burns pure hydrogen produces almost no pollution. As an example, NASA has propelled the space shuttle using liquid hydrogen since the 1970's. The shuttle's electrical systems are powered with hydrogen fuel. The byproduct produced is pure water-so pure, in fact, the crew of the shuttle drinks it. A 2006 fact sheet from the White House Press Office reported that hydrogen produces zero emissions when it is burned in an engine. It further stated that when hydrogen is used to power a fuel cell it produces no other waste than water. However, most experts agree that in order to make hydrogen a renewable fuel, renewable energy like solar and wind power should be used in its production.

The Future of Hydrogen Use

Sources of renewable energy, such as the sun and wind, are unable to produce energy at all times. In the future technology will be developed that could produce hydrogen and electric energy for storage to use when needed. Engine carriers move and deliver energy to customers, such as electricity. In the near future hydrogen will become an energy carrier much like electricity.

As time goes on, consistent research is needed to learn how the use of hydrogen can reach its full potential. Scientists worldwide are discovering the possibilities of this element to create green energy. Maximizing its use will decrease the world's dependence on fossil fuels as an energy resource that is dangerous for the planet.