Although we can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our production and distribution of electricity through the management of electrons – there is a better way. You can’t get any more abundant, simple, or clean than the first element in the periodic table.
Hydrogen has had its share of hype and missed promises over the years, but there is one thing that hasn’t changed – the billions that the auto industry continues to spend on it. Last week at the International Auto Show in Detroit, Toyota confirmed that it is on schedule to sell hydrogen cars by 2015 or sooner in California, Japan and Germany.
Unlike impatient investors, auto manufacturers don’t forget about the inherent problems of batteries and electrical energy storage, and through their efforts, fuel cells have quietly reached some of the critical technical and cost milestones.
This year will be an exciting one for hydrogen as we see Germany show traction with its hydrogen energy storage and transportation ambitions. For Germany it is not only about vehicle fuel, but it is also about balancing intermittent renewable energy and gaining the advantages that hydrogen offers as an energy carrier for both vehicle and stationary demands.
At the forefront of hydrogen activity is Ontario’s own Hydrogenics Corporation, the world leader in hydrogen generation using electrolysis and a leading supplier of fuel cell power module technology. They have been delivering hydrogen generation stations throughout the world and sold another one in Turkey last week.
Check out our video from a recent conversation with the company’s founder and CTO, Joe Cargnelli.
Canada has long been regarded as the worldwide leader in hydrogen technology – a position we will need to maintain as the rest of the world starts to recognize hydrogen as a superior energy carrier.