Re: The Ignorant, Green Future
I invest in energy, so I have a keen interest in energy supply and demand. I think the "hydrogen economy" is a smoke screen.
Hydrogen is not a source of energy, it's an energy carrier. Energy is required to create hydrogen gas. Energy from fossil fuels, nuclear, or other energy source.
The energy yield in the creation of hydrogen is typically 14%. That means you put 100 watts in and get 14 watts out.
On top of that, the energy density of hydrogen is extremely low. Typically, hydrogen tanks are run at 10,000 PSI, and yet only yield (in the case of this honda) 6mpg. Is this sounding like a good idea yet?
To push a tractor trailer across the country, I think it takes something like 4000 gallons of hydrogen under great pressure. Hydrogen won't drive trains, aircraft, or ships because the energy density is too low.
http://www.unh.edu/p2/biodiesel/article_alge.html
One quick fix for our energy problems is $150-$200/bbl oil. Once prices hit that level, we'll have all the oil we'll ever need (through convservation & production), and as many alternatives as we want.
Oh, and those of you thinking that gasoline prices are going to drop forever, think again. The only reason we've seen gas drop so quickly is because Mr. Paulson's Goldman firm changed the % component of gasoline in the world's biggest commodity index from 8% down to 2.5%. This created a worldwide sell-off of the stuff.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig7/stojan1.html