Hydrogen (H2) is the simplest and lightest fuel, and is in a gaseous state at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature. Hydrogen may contain low levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, depending on the source. Hydrogen is being explored for use in combustion engines and fuel cell electric vehicles. On a volumetric basis, the energy density of hydrogen is very low under ambient conditions. This presents greater transportation and storage hurdles than for liquid fuels. Storage systems being developed include compressed hydrogen, liquid hydrogen, and physical or chemical bonding between hydrogen and a storage material (for example, metal hydrides).
The ability to create hydrogen from a variety of resources and its clean-burning properties make it a desirable alternative fuel. Although there is no significant transportation distribution system currently for hydrogen transportation use, we can transport and deliver hydrogen for early market penetration using the established hydrogen infrastructure; for significant market penetration, the infrastructure will need further development. |
| Hydrogen can be produced using diverse, domestic resources including fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal (with carbon sequestration); nuclear; and biomass and other renewable energy technologies, such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydro-electric power. Researchers are working to develop a wide range of technologies to produce hydrogen economically and in environmentally friendly ways. |
| What are the Benefits of Using Hydrogen as an Energy Source? |
| Widespread use of hydrogen as an energy source in this country could help address concerns about energy security, global climate change, and air quality. Fuel cells are an important enabling technology for the hydrogen future and have the potential to revolutionize the way we power our nation, offering cleaner, more efficient alternatives to the combustion of gasoline and other fossil fuels. Hydrogen's main benefits are: stronger national security, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and increased energy efficiency. |
| What is the Market for Hydrogen? |
The hydrogen market has great potential for transportation applications. However, currently there are no original equipment manufacturer vehicles available for sale to the general public. Experts estimate that in approximately 10-20 years hydrogen vehicles, and the infrastructure to support them, will start to make an impact. At this time, the government and industry are working to overcome technical and cost barriers.
There are several hydrogen fueling stations being built; however, most are private stations being used for demonstration projects. The demonstration projects are being designed to evaluate hydrogen technologies and pave the road to a hydrogen vehicle future. Some of these hydrogen stations are available for public use as well. To view all hydrogen stations across the country, go to the AFDC's Alternative Fuels Station Locator.
We see compressed natural gas as a natural transition to hydrogen because infrastructure, refueling, storage, etc. are similiar. This is one of the reasons Clean Cities promotes fleet adoption and use of CNG. |
| Where Can I Get More Information About Hydrogen? |
Learn about hydrogen research and development by visiting the following sites:
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Current Clean Cities Hydrogen Projects |
Virginia Hydrogen Economy Roundtable
Virginia Clean Cities coordinates the Virginia Hydrogen Economy Roundtable, representing participants from over thirty organizations, whose purpose is to determine the potential role for hydrogen systems in Virginia's energy future. The Roundtable completed work on "Virginia's Vision and Strategy for the Hydrogen Economy" and are now working on implementing the recommendations, such as hydrogen teacher training workshops. Check out our Virginia Hydrogen Economy Roundtable page for more info. | |
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