Hydrogen As Clean Fuel – Advantages and Disadvantages

Several scientists believe that hydrogen is the best form of alternative energy resource and has unlimited potential. It is considered as a clean energy resource and also one of the most acceptable forms of fuel available today.

Using hydrogen has numerous advantages. One is that it burns in the air and leaves water vapor as residue. Water vapor has no environmental disadvantages as of now. Also, several experts think that hydrogen will very soon replace all types of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, oil, coal, natural gas and nuclear power. So there will be a cleaner form of energy in the future if this concept develops.

Hydrogen is available in the entire universe and in abundant quantities. Also, it is a renewable source of energy and does not get depleted with time. Hydrogen is found in water, and the three parts of our planet is made up of water. So there is no question of depletion when it comes to hydrogen. Also, another interesting fact is hydrogen is being used to power space shuttles and to provide electricity on their voyage. Therefore, it is already an established resource for power.

Today, there are hydrogen powered vehicles in the market. Several manufacturers are exploring the options for future use. However, in order to produce hydrogen, a great deal of energy is used. This is the biggest disadvantage of producing hydrogen as a clean fuel. One of the most common methods is to break down compounds that contain hydrogen in huge quantities. These compounds include methane. When methane is broken down, it leaves behind just hydrogen and carbon monoxide.