The Virtuous Hydrogen
Water Fuel
Today, the world is seeing an explosion
in the need for fossil fuels. Some people blame this on the United
States and Western Europe, as their industries and
automobiles
consume vast quantities of oil and gas. Well, that is
only partially true. Also today, India and China have booming economies
and growing populations. Where once a car and other “creature comforts”
were only for the rich, both nations also have a burgeoning middle
class, and these people want a better life! So, that thus means a need
for more fuel. As a result, the price of gas can only go up. Now,
granted, it may go through phases where it fluctuates a bit, but the
overall trend is constantly up. In the United States, it now stands at
over four dollars a gallon, and the economic impact is being felt across
the nation. Less driving for summer vacations, higher fuel bills, higher
costs of just about everything that is transported by truck and air, and
rising airline ticket prices. This has also led to more demand for
travel by rail. As Amtrak needs more trains and cars, this will
necessitate an investment in infrastructure across the country.
Then, there is also the issue of Global
Warming. The use of fossil fuels has resulted in large amounts of
greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere. We’re already
seeing the results of this with longer hotter summers, more intense
hurricanes, shorter winters, and more severe droughts. So, anything we
can do to reduce emissions of these gases is a good thing.
Next, there is the issue of terrorism. It
is no secret that there are people in this world – mainly in the Middle
East – who are bent on committing terrible acts of terror around the
world. The fact that we buy oil from them means that we are providing
them with the funds they need to do just that. On the other hand, if we
can “wean” ourselves from oil, and find a viable alternative, we can
financial starve them of the funds them need.
Then too is the question of which
alternative fuel to use. Some advocate corn or sugar ethanol, as they
are renewable bio-fuels. Then there is wind and wave, solar and nuclear,
and even geothermal. Yet, when looking for a
fuel for vehicles, hydrogen is truly the best way to go.
The problem with most bio-fuels is that the food taken away for fuel
production could be better used for animal feed or human consumption.
Recent corn ethanol production has caused price increases for food and
feed. When you consider that fuel prices are also going up, this will
only add to the world food problem.
With
hydrogen fuel, it has the
virtue of not taking resources away from other areas. Also, the only
“pollution” created by such vehicles is pure water! The technology is
there; it just needs to be implemented. Also, the fuel components –
hydrogen and oxygen are as abundant as just about anything on Earth.
Now, some people worry about the idea of driving around with pure oxygen
and hydrogen in their car. Well, consider this: you drive around with a
tank full of gasoline! That is a highly explosive liquid, and has led to
countless car fires over the years. Today, with the technology
available, a hydrogen car is extremely safe. When you put that together
with the savings on fuel bills, the improvements to the environment, and
the economic and social benefits to our society as a whole; you’ll see
that hydrogen technology is the way to go. |