Hydrogen as a potential renewable and secure energy supply

Abstract

The concern for energy security dates from early ages, from as something as simple to the implementation of fire to produce heat, to nowadays, as the most complex prototypes of plasma producing technologies, as an endless source of energy. However, the assurance of energy has also made many cultures see it not only as a source to cover basic human needs, but also as a symbol of progress, stability and influence. Country development relies heavily on its energy supply. Energy can both power war and peace. As an example, in the eve of World War I, as Daniel Yergin mentions in his paper Ensuring Energy Security, energy security was crucial not only for creating weapons but most importantly for creating transport, such as cars, trains, aeroplanes and ships. In times of peace, energy becomes crucial where you need to pump the industry steadily without interference. The stable flux of energy can sustain dense operations for developed countries. Another author, Löschel, defines in his article that Energy Security as the production, distribution and the final demand is critical in the development of a country. Now more than ever we must ensure energy efficiency. There are a lot of technologies environmentally friendly and renewable, but we need to focus on the security to supply it. Unfortunately, renewables are far less secure, as most of them only produce very intense energy for a small amount of time or they are far away from where it is needed. Renewables at this stage-point are more costly to bring them into the grid than oil/coal technology. Between several renewable energies, there is one that sounds to be consistent with promoting energy security and clean energy: hydrogen. Hydrogen is readily available, convenient to transform from different primary energy sources and has the highest energy content of any common fuel by weight. Some of their downsides are not cost-effective to store, volatile and metal embrittlement inducer. Nevertheless, this should not push this energy storage element aside. Gasoline, diesel and natural gas are also flammable and require chord storage units with other element inducers characteristics. These hydrocarbon fuels also have their particular expenses, damages and wear and tear characteristics that have been corrected due to a massive infrastructure implemented. The most pressing issue in the world today is to change the idea on the mind of consumers and stakeholders on the high cost and low efficiency of hydrogen and the great potential to back sustainable energy and the economy of countries through the already implemented infrastructure. What we need at this point is policy that can make hydrogen economy an easier stage to follow into the energy producing market.