[GBlist] hydrogen in our future....

[Htek@aol.com]

Hello,
  I am usually quite satisfied to monitor the lists in order to gain information and insight, but when I read statements such as the following, I feel the need to respond.
 

...of that ilk promoting the hydrogen
> fuel cell futuristic fantasies at the expense of the clean green options


  I am a supporter of hydrogen/fuel cells as a major supplier of energy/power in our future. But I (and I would believe that most others that support hydrogen) fail to see how this support 'automatically' eliminates us as supporters of 'clean green options'. Quite the opposite is true. Hydrogen produced from renewables has the potential to be that cleanest of green options. Yes,in the short-term, we may rely upon fossil fuels as a source of hydrogen,but there is currently more than one company working on this 'renewable link'. Do I see hydrogen as a cure-all? No,but as a great source of  clean and reliable energy.
  Throughout history mankind has produced energy from fuels with reduced carbon content (wood....coal....oil....gas). Hydrogen offers us the possibility of zero carbon content. After all how did our fossil fuels receive their energy input? From the sun,of course. And how does the sun (basically) produce this energy? Is it not from the fusion of hydrogen to form helium? I like the notion that we are bringing this 'elemental source down to earth'.
   There have been some comments regarding fuel cells displacing the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles. Since it's inception (8 years ago?) what tangible results has this policy produced? Certainly no increase in fuel economy for our vehicles. Why keep trying to promote a policy that Detroit will resist to the very end? Although I am a frequent critic of the Bush administration, I applaud (assuming that there is no ulterior motive) them taking a long-term stance on an energy issue. When was the last time any political party took a long-term stance on any issue?
   Perhaps hydrogen will be the path that will free us from this oil addiction and we will not become embroiled in related foreign policy disasters.......freeing up monies for conservation,education,etc.

Tom
p.s. if one needs a direct link to green-building.....fuel cells as a CHAP source for buildings.....