The hydrogen economy: technology, logistics and economics

Abstract

AbstractThere is much current discussion on the contribution the 'hydrogen economy' can make to a 'sustainable energy system', centring around the environmental and supply advantages that may accrue from use of hydrogen as a secondary energy carrier. Whether generated by electrolysis or reforming, or even produced locally at filling stations, the hydrogen must be packaged by compression or liquefaction, transported by surface vehicles or pipelines, stored and transferred to the end user. Hydrogen may represent an option for clean energy use if produced using reduced carbon or carbon-free primary energy sources, e.g. renewable, biomass or nuclear energy. To date, hydrogen has competed with direct use of clean primary energy and/or electrical energy produced without CO2 emissions. However, to succeed as a secondary energy carrier, hydrogen must demonstrate advantages over established systems, especially electricity.