What Will Fuel the Future?
Re “Lots of Hot Air About Hydrogen,” Opinion, March 28: Hybrids provide a short- to intermediate-term solution to our looming energy crisis, as well described in Joseph Romm’s excellent piece. In a sad commentary on our state of technology and governance, Japan is well into its second generation before the U.S. has marketed a single unit, and without a penny of U.S. government support. Penetration of this technology, which has already achieved overwhelming consumer acceptance in the SUV and, especially, the tractor-trailer market, could reduce our fuel consumption by 50% or more, reduce emissions, decrease our dependence on foreign oil and stimulate the economy.
The development of a hydrogen-based energy economy should be the ultimate goal of planners. In an ideal scheme, a “closed-loop ecosystem” would be established in which waste material is converted into energy in an endless, renewable cycle, much like what existed prior to the industrial revolution. This solution, however, is at least 20 years distant.
Meanwhile, how about a massive infusion of federal funds into developing the next-generation technologies as part of a comprehensive energy policy? Consumers will take care of the rest, providing that they have continued access to a fuel-efficient means of transportation.
Jonathan D. Kaunitz
Los Angeles
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Romm’s article demonstrates a clear lack of vision regarding the advancement of a hydrogen economy. He correctly characterizes hydrogen as an energy carrier, like steam is to water. Had bureaucrats like Romm discouraged James Watt in the 18th century regarding the harnessing of steam energy, our economic engines would still be powered by horses. For environmental, economic and political reasons, we need to transition beyond hydrocarbon-based fuels. Hydrogen produced by electric hydrolysis during nighttime (off-peak) hours could help balance utility-resource utilization and optimize use of zero-emission generation resources like hydro and nuclear power.
California has always been a leader in technology advancement, including early development to commercialize alternatives like cogeneration and renewable energy resources. It will take a lot of time, commitment and passion to move our society to a true hydrogen economy. Significant advances have been made in recent years, and companies like General Electric are beginning to address hydrogen energy in their annual reports. It starts with small steps, with government endorsement and private/public partnerships. I applaud the South Coast Air Quality Management District for investing in new, clean energy technologies for future generations.
Robert D. Hoffman
Redondo Beach
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The laws of science and, in this case, the laws of thermodynamics exist independent of political rhetoric, legislation or referendum. It is an irrefutable fact that it takes more electrical energy to extract hydrogen from water and then use this hydrogen to generate electricity than one will have at the end of the process.
The same situation exists if one were to extract hydrogen from fossil fuels and convert this hydrogen to electricity. It’s about time for the engineering community to be heard from concerning the energy problem. After all, it is the engineers who will have the responsibility to convert these proposed ideas into hardware.
Arnold Pellman
Orange
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Romm is right to encourage the expanded reliance on hybrid vehicles. But his critical outlook on hydrogen is seriously short on vision. Instead of knocking hydrogen, he should be encouraging steps to smooth the way. We are running out of oil. Gasoline prices are likely to hit $3 a gallon this year. Hybrids or no hybrids, demand for oil will soon exceed supply. An upward price spiral is an economic certainty.
Sensible steps encouraging the building of a hydrogen infrastructure and the improving of fuel-cell and hydrogen-storage technologies will facilitate the commercial introduction of hydrogen-powered vehicles. It doesn’t have to take decades. By laying the groundwork now, we may be able to cushion the kind of economic price shocks we know are coming as the cost of fossil-based fuels goes ever higher.
Hybrid-electric technology is terrific. It offers society a smooth bridge to the hydrogen-powered future that is inevitable. But the public’s interest is best served by aggressively encouraging the development of renewable hydrogen energy. The kind of negative, half-baked analysis offered by Romm makes one wonder what fossil-fuel industry trade association is paying his salary.
Geoffrey Holland
North Hollywood
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Romm is right on. Hydrogen will not catch on because we don’t have any. A better solution is fuel-economy standards that will advance propulsion technologies and incentives to expand the development of ethanol. Ethanol is clean burning, does not contribute to the greenhouse effect, is renewable and we can produce it right here in the U.S. The Bush administration is promoting hydrogen, but it will be as elusive as weapons of mass destruction.
Jim Leach
Dana Point
