Hydrogen

Hydrogen is an important alternative fuel option that may one day replace gasoline as a motor fuel. Hydrogen has great promise to be the fuel of the future because it can be converted to useful energy for both cars and buildings through a zero emissions process. While it does not exist on its own, hydrogen can be derived from numerous feedstocks, including water (H₂0), natural gas (CH₄), and even coal. Hydrogen can be a part of our country's energy solutions.

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe – it accounts for 90 percent of the universe by weight. While not commonly found in its pure form (H₂0) since it readily combines with other elements, it is in the water (H₂O) that covers 70% of the Earth's surface and in all organic matter.

It can be a domestically produced fuel. Most of the hydrogen produced in the United States is made by steam reforming of natural gas. There are many other ways to produce hydrogen, including electrolysis - the production of hydrogen by splitting water molecules with electricity.

In comparison with other fuels, hydrogen has the highest energy content by weight. The amount of energy produced by hydrogen per unit weight of fuel is about 3 times the amount of energy contained in an equal weight of gasoline, and almost 7 times that of coal.

Another advantage that hydrogen possesses is that its combustion can be completely non-polluting. When burned with oxygen the byproducts are heat and water – the process produces no carbon dioxide (CO₂), particulate, or sulfur emissions.

In the US, hydrogen is primarily used as a chemical for commercial applications. Interestingly, hydrogen has been used as a fuel in the United States space program for many years. Energy for both the main engine of the Space Shuttle and the onboard fuel cells that provide the Shuttle's electric power is supplied by hydrogen.

Safety
Hydrogen has a high energy content and must be handled properly to be safe. In general, it is neither more nor less inherently hazardous than gasoline, propane, or methane. Safe handling depends on knowledge of its particular physical, chemical, and thermal properties and consideration of safe ways to accommodate those properties. Hydrogen, handled with this knowledge, is a safe fuel.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is a clean, domestic fuel that is an economically viable alternative to petroleum fuels. Numerous fleets and private vehicle owners use natural gas as a vehicle fuel. While the combustion of natural gas still produces carbon emissions, its overall emissions profile is better than that of petroleum based liquid fuels. Another positive about Natural gas is that there is a significant supply available in North America. Nevertheless, environmental concerns and future supply issues require a focus on cleaner renewable fuels.

HCNG

Natural gas can be blended with hydrogen to make HCNG. Relative to CNG, HCNG provides emissions benefits, such as a reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Utilizing HCNG can help build early demand for hydrogen infrastructure and segue to pure hydrogen applications.

Challenges

There are numerous technical, regulatory and cultural challenges to overcome in order to realize all the potential benefits of a hydrogen energy system. These include cost, durability and efficiency of hydrogen generation systems and fuel cell power systems.

To overcome these challenges, government, industry, and academia are working together on strategic initiatives. The Town of Hempstead’s station, as part of NYSERDA’s New York State Roadmap, is part of the effort to advance the industry in the region. It is important to note that a key goal is also to educate the public about hydrogen and its potential benefits.