Many advances in renewable energy involve electricity-producing technologies designed for connection to the transmission grid. These advances include windfarms, plants fueled by agricultural waste, and residential photovoltaic panels, among others. In the following paper, consultant James Cannon outlines a role for renewable energy in the transportation sector. Mr. Cannon proposes hydrogen as an automotive fuel. This clean-burning gas could be produced by electrolyzing water with current generated by renewable energy technologies, direct photochemical or photobiological conversion, or biomass gasification.

Deployment of renewables in the transportation sector makes sense for the environment. Road vehicles emit significant air-borne pollution, including 18% of America's suspended particulates, 27% of volatile organic compounds, 28% of lead, 32% of nitrogen oxides, 37% of formaldehyde, 45% of benzene, and 62% of carbon monoxide. Vehicles also release 25% of America's energy-related carbon dioxide, the principal greenhouse gas. These figures will rise as Americans travel ever more vehicle-miles. World pollution levels will grow even faster as millions of people gain access to public and personal transportation.

In addition to cutting vehicle emissions, renewable hydrogen also can reduce America's oil dependence. Although utilities have largely ceased burning oil since the shortages of the 1970s, most American automobiles, trains and airplanes depend on it. This dependence leaves the nation vulnerable to economic shocks - and human suffering - should political events again jolt the world oil market. A renewable energy transportation sector would be partially insulated from such shocks.

Unlike the electric sector, where consumers are unaccustomed to shopping for power, Americans are used to making complex choices in the transportation sector. They select a specific automobile from dozens of models, and many people see cars as a statement about lifestyle. The transportation sector represents an arena in which canny marketers of clean energy can take advantage of increasing enthusiasm for environmental protection without having to teach consumers how to shop for their product.

Achieving sustainable transportation will require effective planning and robust public transportation, in addition to the identification of plentiful clean fuels. Yet, several energy analysts view renewable-hydrogen as the ideal fuel on which to base the economy of the future. We are glad to present Mr. Cannon's contribution to that ongoing debate.

We thank Mr. Cannon for his effort in preparing this provocative piece, and Susan Conbere for her editorial contribution.

Adam Serchuk & Alan Miller, April 1997

Abstract Executive Summary Article