Energetic Utilization of Hydrogen 1

Energetic Utilization of Hydrogen

Kristopher W. Herrell

1 April 2021

East Tennessee State University

Energetic Utilization of Hydrogen 2

Table of Contents
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................... 3
Section I: Introduction .......................................................................................................... 4
Section II: Benefits of Hydrogen as a Source of Energy for Electricity ................................... 4
Section III: Cleanliness of Hydrogen as a Source of Energy for Electricity ............................ 5
Section IV: Hydrogen vs. Natural Gasses – Cleanliness.......................................................... 6
Section V: Hydrogen vs. Natural Gases – Renewability .......................................................... 8
Section VI: Hydrogen vs. Natural Gases – Efficiency ............................................................. 9
Section VII: Drawbacks of Hydrogen as a Source of Energy for Electricity ............................ 9
Section VIII: Hydrogen – Danger ........................................................................................ 10
Section IX: Hydrogen – Cost ............................................................................................... 11
Section X: Hydrogen – Demand ........................................................................................... 11
Section XI: Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 12
References........................................................................................................................... 13
Energetic Utilization of Hydrogen 3

Executive Summary

Due to the depletion of natural gasses and long-term damage being done to the

environment, alternative sources of energy that reduce the negative impact on the environment

and possess renewability must begin to be assessed and prepared for utilization. While many

alternatives have been presented in recent years, a more prominent one is hydrogen. Due to its

abundance, lack of greenhouse emissions, and efficiency compared to energy sources that are

currently being utilized, hydrogen shows a promising future in the adaptation of alternative

energy sources. Although it does initially present a promising future, there are numerous barriers

that Hydrogen must overcome, to be considered an applicable solution. The energy source is

currently costly, dangerous, and lacks a sense of demand. Though, with time and consideration,

these issues can be minimized or removed completely, and hydrogen can be used to it’s full

potential as a clean, renewable, and efficient alternative source of energy.

Energetic Utilization of Hydrogen 4

Section I: Introduction

While there are numerous problems that are targeting the longevity of Earth’s

habitability, one of the prominent factors is climate change. There are many causes of climate

change, but one of the largest factors is how humans are deriving energy. With fossil fuels,

natural gasses, and various other harmful energy sources being the largest sources of energy for

electricity, there are cons of the usage that scientifically prove to be detrimental to the health of

the environment. While the impact on the environment is the largest issue regarding climate

change, there are also small-scale problems regarding the energy sources as well such as the fact

that they are:

• Non-renewable

• Unsustainable

• Accident-prone

Due to the numerous issues pertaining to the continued, long-term use of fossil fuels, natural

gasses, and other sources of energy, there have been many talks regarding alternate energy

sources; some of which are already being utilized. While there are a handful of potential

candidates to take the place of fossil fuels, a newer (but prominent) example is hydrogen.

Section II: Benefits of Hydrogen as a Source of Energy for Electricity

The utilization of hydrogen as a source of energy for electricity, is something that was

only imagined numerous years ago. Now, due to advancements in technology, it is something

that is already occurring. An example of this occurrence is the Nikola Motor Company. This

business is a competitor to Tesla Motor Company and is creating and marketing a series of trucks

titled the “Badger” and the “Tre.” Both vehicles are environmentally friendly, similar to those

marketed by Tesla, but the difference is that both the Badger and the Tre are powered using
Energetic Utilization of Hydrogen 5

hydrogen fuel cells. While there are many reasons that these two vehicles, and hydrogen-based

power as a whole, can be proven beneficial to the consumer and the Earth’s environment, some

of them include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Cleanliness

• Renewability

• Efficiency

Section III: Cleanliness of Hydrogen as a Source of Energy for Electricity

While there are numerous reasons that hydrogen is a prominent source of energy for

electricity, one of the biggest is its cleanliness. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and

Renewable Energy, Hydrogen “produces only water”1 when it is consumed within a fuel cell. On

the other hand, there is some pollution present in the production process. The factor of climate

change is minimal regarding hydrogen. In order to understand the importance of cleanliness

pertaining to electrical energy sources, it is important to first understand the disadvantages of

utilizing unclean electrical energy sources, such as natural gasses, then compare a clean energy

source, such as Hydrogen, with a harsher, electrical energy source like coal.

1 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Energetic Utilization of Hydrogen 6

Section IV: Hydrogen vs. Natural Gasses – Cleanliness

One of the biggest problems regarding climate change is the emission of harmful gasses.

In Figure 1 (Below) 2, major greenhouse gases and their harm on the environment is presented:

Greenhouse Gasses And Emission %

CO2 CH4 N20 Industial Gasses Other

2% 1%

CH4 (Methane): 6% CO2 (Carbon Dioxide):

- Can linger for ~20 years - Can linger for thousands of
- 84 times more potent than years
CO2 over 20 years. 16%

N2O (Nitrous Oxide): Industrial Gasses:

- Can linger for > 100 years 75% - Can linger for hundreds to
- 264 times more potent than thousands of years
CO2 over 20 years. - Heat-trapping potential
thousands of times greater
than CO2
Source: National Geographic

Figure 1: Pie Chart illustrating harmful greenhouse gasses, the percentage of emission that they make up, and facts about each
gas.

All greenhouse gasses presented in Figure 1 are extremely hazardous biproducts and have the

potential to cause long-term, adverse effects on the environment, but it was not always that way.

According to Christina Nunez, a researcher and writer for National Geographic, when

proportioned correctly, these gasses are beneficial to the well-being of the environment, but they

are “now out of balance and threaten to change drastically which living things can survive on this

planet – and where.”3 Within the same article, the author also states the effects that these gasses

are having and will continue to have on the global population and the environment as a whole.

Some of these adverse impacts include “...respiratory disease, ...extreme weather, food supply

disruptions, ...increased wildfires,” and various other disturbances to the typical, day-to-day life.

2
All data within the table was derived from a National Geographic article written and researched by Christina
Nunez.
3
Christina Nunez – National Geographic
Energetic Utilization of Hydrogen 7

As stated before, a partial solution to this crisis is to find an alternate energy solution that does

not emit these harmful gases; one of which is hydrogen as a source of energy. To illustrate the

difference between the pollution created by the two energy sources, a comparison will be made

using data derived from a study published by UCSUSA, which compared emissions produced by

the gasoline powered model of the Hyundai Tucson and models of the Hyundai Tucson that

incorporate Hydrogen power.

Hyundai Tucson Emissions Comparison

436
Global Warming Emissions Per Mile

450 436 436

400
286

54% Emissions Reduction

350
300
g(CO2)/Mile

250 202
173
200
150
100
50
0

Hydrogen From Natural

Gas 33% Hydrogen
46% Hydrogen

Source: UCSUSA Hydrogen-Based Model Gasoline Model

Figure 2: Within the graphical data above, various gasoline models of the Hyundai Tucson are compared with Hydrogen-based
models in attempt to illustrate differences between the global warming emissions (per mile).

In Figure 2, four models of the Hyundai Tucson are compared based on their global

warming emissions per mile, or grams of Carbon Dioxide emitted per mile. The reason for the

comparison is that the four models vary in the way that they are powered. One model is powered

solely by gasoline and the other three are powered using a hydrogen-based mixture. In Figure 2,

each of the three hydrogen-based models (blue) are compared to the gasoline model (red). In the

first comparison, between the Hydrogen derived from natural gas and the gasoline model, it
Energetic Utilization of Hydrogen 8

becomes evident that the hydrogen-based model emits 34% less global warming emissions per

mile than the gasoline model. In the second comparison, between the 33% hydrogen-based

model and the gasoline model, a larger gap between the global warming emissions produced is

present with the hydrogen-based model producing 54% less global warming emissions per mile

than the gasoline model. Lastly, the 46% hydrogen-based model is compared to the gasoline

model. With this model being the most dependent on the hydrogen power source, it also has the

largest emission reduction in comparison to the gasoline model with a 60% global warming

emission reduction per mile. After analyzing the data presented in Figure 2, it can be concluded

that, the utilization of hydrogen reduces the global warming emissions therefore making it a

cleaner alternative.

Section V: Hydrogen vs. Natural Gases – Renewability

Another benefit of utilizing hydrogen fuel cells as a source of energy is that this form of

energy is renewable. According to the World Gas Reserves, “the world has proven reserves

equivalent to 52.3 times its annual consumption. This means it has about 52 years of gas left”

excluding unproven reserves.4 Considering that natural gases account for 29% of energy in the

United States5 and are rapidly depleting, the long-term utilization of this energy source is not

ideal. A renewable source of energy is needed to avoid this conflict which is where hydrogen

comes into play. Unlike natural gases, Hydrogen has the potential to be renewable. To further

expand, Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, but does not occur naturally on

the Earth unless it is within a compound. Because of this, these compounds must be broken down

in order for Hydrogen to exist by itself. the most practical production of hydrogen from

4
World Gas Reserves
5
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Energetic Utilization of Hydrogen 9

compounds utilizes natural gases which is not a renewable resource therefore making hydrogen a

nonrenewable, but when hydrogen is produced from compounds using a method consisting of a

renewable resource, such as wind, water, or solar power, it also becomes a renewable resource

because hydrogen alone is abundant.

Section VI: Hydrogen vs. Natural Gases – Efficiency

While the possibility of Hydrogen replacing the entirety of the energy infrastructure is

slim short-term, it is presently still a very effect alternative in many cases. The combination of

hydrogen and fuel cells already has many applications that help reduce emissions and also

promote renewability. Some things that hydrogen is used to power are highway vehicles,

specialty vehicles, heat, power, etc. The reason for this, is that hydrogen, as a source of energy, is

efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “a fuel cell coupled with an electric

motor is two to three times more efficient than an internal combustion engine running on

gasoline6.” To further expand on what exactly efficiency means, a comparison between the

energy in gasoline and the energy in hydrogen shall be made. The U.S. Department of Energy

states that “The energy in [1 kilogram] of hydrogen gas is about the same as the energy in [2.8

kilograms] of gasoline7.” Taking that statement into consideration, a simple conversion proves

that the energy in one kilogram of hydrogen is the same amount of energy that is present in

approximately 2.8 kilograms of gasoline making hydrogen the more efficient choice.

Section VII: Drawbacks of Hydrogen as a Source of Energy for Electricity

Similar to numerous other alternatives, there are numerous drawbacks pertaining to the

use of Hydrogen as a source of energy for electricity. Many of these issues stem from the

6
U.S. Department of Energy
7
U.S. Department of Energy
Energetic Utilization of Hydrogen 10

problems caused by the creation of the energy source 8. Hydrogen is a dangerous element and

there is also a large price tag attached to the production, safety, and sustainability of the energy

source. Due to these reasons (and a few additional causes) there is currently not a large demand

for the production of Hydrogen as a source of energy. Once these issues have an effective

solution, it will open the door for many more possibilities, but for the time being, the utilization

of hydrogen is being hindered due to danger, demand, and cost.

Section VIII: Hydrogen – Danger

Natural Gas is a dangerous source of energy, but hydrogen presents similar risks.

According to Washington State University professor Jacob Leachman, “Hydrogen, indeed, has

the highest flammability range and lowest required ignition energy of any fuel (4%-80% H2 by

volume is flammable with air and a grain of sand caught in an escaping gas jet has enough

kinetic energy to ignite a flow) 9.” While the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable

Energy states that “A number of hydrogen's properties make it safer to handle and use than the

fuels commonly used today,10” they also state that, in order to ensure the safety of this substance,

additional measures must be taken when implementing the substance as a source of energy. A

handful of these additional measures include “adequate ventilation, ...leak detection, [and,]

because hydrogen burns with a nearly invisible flame, special flame detectors.11” On top of that,

there is a possibility of additional hazards when hydrogen is being transported across continents.

A proposed idea for the transportation of hydrogen is a pipeline similar to those already being

used for other sources of fuel/energy. The problem that arises is the issue pertaining to the high

8
Production of hydrogen from compounds (mentioned in the Hydrogen vs. Natural Gases – Renewability section)
9
Jacob Leachman - WSU
10
U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
11
U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Energetic Utilization of Hydrogen 11

flammability of hydrogen. If an issue were to occur within the pipeline (such as a leak), it could

cause tremendous damage to not only the pipeline itself, but the surrounding areas as well.

Section IX: Hydrogen – Cost

Another issue currently limiting the use of hydrogen is high cost. Hydrogen is expensive

to produce from compounds and also, initially, will be expensive to transport. While there are

speculations from economists and scientists that Hydrogen has the potential to be as cheap as gas

within 4 years due to the creation of renewable Hydrogen fuel plants 12, the current process of

obtaining hydrogen is relatively expensive due to the cost of the components needed to derive

the individual element from compounds. Another problem making hydrogen is an expensive

alternative is the high-pressure tanks needed to safely contain the substance. These high-pressure

tanks “are very costly because they are complex and require expensive materials such as

platinum.13”

Section X: Hydrogen – Demand

Due to the already established reliability on other sources of fuel/energy 14 and the cost

associated with the production of hydrogen/the implementation of the necessary safety measures

referenced previously, there is a reduced demand for hydrogen as a source of energy. Because of

the small demand, there are few efforts being made to accelerate the change to hydrogen fuel. To

illustrate, there are few hydrogen fueling stations currently present in the United States; all of

which are located on the west coast in California and Washington. This is a minute amount

considering that hydrogen has been classified as an alternative fuel since 1992.

12
Sean Szymkowski - CNET
13
Sarah Nightingale - USC
14
Gasoline, Coal, Water, Wind, Solar, etc.
Energetic Utilization of Hydrogen 12

Section XI: Conclusion

With the supply of natural gases slimming and the environment changing for the worse

minute-by-minute, it is essential to find an alternative source of energy. Though there are a

handful of flaws such as danger, the cost of production and stability, and current lack of demand,

hydrogen as a source of energy possesses numerous traits that set it apart from energy sources

that are currently being utilized. The abundance of it makes it an energy source that promises

longevity, the lack of greenhouse emissions promotes a change in direction for environmental

health, and the efficiency proves to far exceed that of gasoline in many cases. The cost, danger,

and demand are all threating issues to the energy source short-term, but with the correct amount

of resources and attention applied to the globalization of hydrogen as a source of energy, these

issues and be suppressed. Hydrogen may not currently be the most utilized source of energy for

electricity, but it has the potential to provide a efficient, renewable, and clean source of energy

for years to come.

Energetic Utilization of Hydrogen 13

References

How Clean Are Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles? (2020, September). Retrieved April 01, 2021,
from https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/attach/2014/10/How-Clean-Are-Hydrogen-Fuel-
Cells-Fact-Sheet.pdf

Hydrogen Basics. (n.d.). Retrieved April 01, 2021, from

https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/hydrogen_basics.html#:~:text=Hydrogen%20is%20considered%20an
%20alternative,Energy%20Policy%20Act%20of%201992.&text=In%20fact%2C%20a%20fuel%2
0cell,fuel%20for%20internal%20combustion%20engines.

Hydrogen pipelines. (n.d.). Retrieved April 01, 2021, from

https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/hydrogen-
pipelines#:~:text=Gaseous%20hydrogen%20can%20be%20transported,operating%20in%20the%2
0United%20States.&text=Transporting%20gaseous%20hydrogen%20via%20existing,delivering%
20large%20volumes%20of%20hydrogen.

Leachman, J. (2017, March 17). Washington State University. Retrieved April 01, 2021, from
https://hydrogen.wsu.edu/2017/03/17/so-just-how-dangerous-is-hydrogen-fuel/

Natural gas left in the world (BOE):. (n.d.). Retrieved April 02, 2021, from
https://www.worldometers.info/gas/#:~:text=There%20are%206%2C923%20trillion%20cubic,leve
ls%20and%20excluding%20unproven%20reserves).

Nightingale, S. (n.d.). Why haven't hydrogen-powered cars gone mainstream? Retrieved April 02, 2021,
from https://news.usc.edu/trojan-family/why-hydrogen-fuel-isnt-mainstream-as-fossil-fuel-
alternative/

Nunez, C. (2021, February 10). Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is at a record high. here's what you
need to know. Retrieved April 02, 2021, from
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/greenhouse-gases

Safe use of hydrogen. (n.d.). Retrieved April 01, 2021, from https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/safe-
use-
hydrogen#:~:text=A%20number%20of%20hydrogen's%20properties,in%20case%20of%20a%20le
ak.

Szymkowski, S. (2020, June 09). CNET. Hydrogen fuel could be as cheap as gas in 5 years, study finds.
Retrieved April 02, 2021, from https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/cheap-gas-hydrogen-fuel-
cost-
study/#:~:text=In%202025%2C%20a%20kilogram%20of,car%20will%20go%20much%20further.

U.S. energy Information administration - eia - independent statistics and analysis. (n.d.). Retrieved April
02, 2021, from https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/natural-gas/use-of-natural-
gas.php#:~:text=The%20electric%20power%20sector%20uses,power%20sector's%20primary%20
energy%20consumption.