Hydrogen: The Cleanest of All Fuels
Since we are facing extreme and dangerous environmental disasters associated with global warming, scientists all over the world are busy experimenting with alternative sources of energy and fuel. If we continue using coal and oil as sources of power, then we will continue polluting the earth until it has become unlivable for everyone, including plants and animals. In order to preserve and protect our environment and continue to live in a fast-paced and technology-driven world, we have to take the necessary steps to create alternative energy sources. Hydrogen is a viable alternative energy source because it is the cleanest of all fuels. It is not harmful to life on earth or the environment itself. In fact, it’s actually “good” for the environment.
It’s almost laughable that we have never thought to use hydrogen as a source of fuel and energy until now. Hydrogen produces energy and, in turn, energy produces hydrogen. It’s a continuous cycle of energy that is beneficial to everyone on the planet. Hydrogen is also an abundant energy source because it makes up about three quarters of the mass in the entire universe. It can be found directly within water, which covers about 70 percent of the earth. Hydrogen is all around us, and one can only wonder why we never thought to harness its power for the good of the earth before. Perhaps the technology wasn’t readily available, and it was easier to convert oil and coal into fuel instead. But times have changed. The technology is available, and we now have the ability to use hydrogen in a variety of energy-efficient ways.
Hydrogen is essentially a naturally sustainable element. As the simplest element on earth, it is made up of only one electron and one proton. It is also the lightest of all the elements and gasses in the world, and the safest to interact with. For example, a nuclear energy spill is extremely toxic and could cause an array of medical problems for individuals who come in direct contact with it. A hydrogen spill would naturally diffuse and evaporate right into the air. There would be no “spill” to clean up, and it wouldn’t pollute the air, ground, or water around it. Hydrogen is nontoxic and has no odor or color. Therefore, it does not emit harmful substances into the air.
Hydrogen is the cleanest of all fuels because it does not produce any dangerous or harmful byproducts or chemicals into the air during combustion. When you combine hydrogen with oxygen, the only result is useful energy and clean water. What better energy source is there? Hydrogen has also been proven to be far more efficient than fossil-based fuels. It offers an astounding amount of energy that is two or three times more powerful than that of coal or oil. Right now, the most efficient way to produce hydrogen is through electrolysis. Electrolysis is the process of using an electrical current to separate water into oxygen and hydrogen. Many scientists are trying to create a system than can conduct electrolysis on a continual basis. Someday, there might be electrolysis machines placed at the bottom of oceans and lakes in order to create hydrogen.
As of today, many industries use hydrogen as a source of energy to produce chemicals, food products, and electronic gadgets. The transportation industry is also trying to develop vehicles that run on hydrogen instead of petroleum-based fuels. Imagine if the transportation industry harnessed the power of hydrogen. There would be nothing but clean-burning vehicles all over the world. Our environment would be much better off if the transportation industry figured out an efficient way to use hydrogen instead of other fossil fuels. It is not difficult to store, manufacture, or make hydrogen available. There are many different methods and ways to produce hydrogen and distribute it. This allows for flexibility in the design of fuel stations, which will one day be offering hydrogen as a fuel alternative. As more hydrogen-powered cars become available, more and more fuel stations will begin offer hydrogen. Since hydrogen is readily available, it would be a lot cheaper to use. This could also have a positive effect on the world economy, as countries would not be using fuel as leverage over others. If the world started producing and using hydrogen as an energy source on a wide scale, the domino effect would be tremendously positive and beneficial for all.
The bottom line is that hydrogen has many uses, and its benefits are very clear. Every industry needs to reevaluate itself and make environmentally friendly choices for the future. Perhaps someday in the not-so-distant future, every industry in the world will be using hydrogen and other alternative sources of energy instead of fossil fuels. In order to keep our planet healthy for years to come, we have to act now.