US Switching from a Coal Economy to a Hydrogen Economy - Report Example

The key to the United s obtaining its goal of sustainability lies within switching from a coal economy to a hydrogen economy Can hydrogen economy effectively replace coal in the United States? America depends on coal for its energy needs today, and almost 22.6 percent of its energy requirements come from coal. Coal supplies half of the electricity requirements of the US. (Infobook) Coal is also used for the production of steel and iron, paper, brick, limestone and cements, other industries. There are however arguments and growing resistance to the use of coal. The growing resistance to use of coal – No to coal. Coal is a fossil fuel that is “non-renewable” taking millions of years to form, and at the rate it is being used today the next generation is most likely to suffer. According to a study, there would not be enough of it after 260 years. (Wikipedia) Worldwide problems have been reportedly caused by use of fossil fuel. Studies showed that coal burning is an air pollutant that produces carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas. This study said that “when a coal is burned chemical called sulfur may be released. When sulfur mixes with oxygen to form sulfur dioxide. Sulphur is a chemical that can affect trees and water when it combines with moisture to produce acid rain.” (Marshal Brain.). We do not want extinction of trees and pollution on our water. The use of hydrogen power is being favored by many people. While there is resistance to coal, an alternative fuel is being developed that is aimed to replace coal. Yes to the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. Due to problems caused by burning of coals, the government and authorities have started to make a study on alternative sources of energy. Right now there are several different ways to create electricity that do not use fossil fuels. These are “nuclear power, hydro-electric dams, solar cells, wind turbines, geothermal power, wave and tidal power and cogeneration” (Brian) .But these alternatives cannot sustain the use on a larger scale. One of the sources being considered is the use of hydrogen power. A lot of research and government spending are being devoted on hydrogen, its properties, storage and acceptability. If hydrogen is considered, the coal economy will be changed to a hydrogen economy which is a lot friendlier to the environment. There are several reasons seen for using hydrogen as fuel. First, it eliminates pollution and does not create environmental worries like oil spills because its only by-product is water. Second, it will lessen the dependence of the US on foreign supply of oil like Middle East. Third, usage technology is simple. It can be produced any where as long as there is electricity and water. It can even be produced in the home of people. Fourth, the greenhouse gases are eliminated in the environment. There will be a lot of economic resources saved for the government which could be allocated for other government spending that is needed now in view of the economic meltdown if dependence of oil from the Middle East is lessened. But will the hydrogen resources sustain the economic activities of the U.S? So far, the hydrogen use is still in its infant stage, and a lot of studies and researches have to be done to adopt it for industry uses. The Department of Energy (DOE) said that there is a big need to intensify the capabilities of hydrogen production, storage and use in order to meet the demands of the future hydrogen economy. The cost of its production must be competitive or lower than the coal to make it economically viable. Hydrogen energy must also be reliable, and technology must be perfected. In the meantime, the DOE is looking on these matters in their Hydrogen Program. (US DOE) The Hydrogen Program of the DOE is intent on the research on the manufacturing process focusing on the cost reduction, and enhancing reliability of the systems. The factors they are looking into include production and delivery, vehicle storage, and use of fuel cells. The research study which started in 2005 shows that the hydrogen program has a long way to go yet. DOE research was done in support of the “President’s Hydrogen Fuel Initiative” which hopes to lessen the country’s dependence on imported oil, and to develop a technology for a commercial viable production of hydrogen powered fuel cells. Is the country ready for hydrogen powered fuel cells? (US DOE) Towards 2005, the Research and Development of DOE faced the challenge of hydrogen power. The role of developing the process was entrusted to them, from manufacturing to the development of the supplier chain and to make the nation ready for the emergence of this new power. (US DOE) The question of safety comes to mind, is the product safe? Unlike the coal which has been tested since 1800, safe practices of the usage of hydrogen powered cells are not yet tested in the market. Is the assurance of safe practices given by the DOE enough to sustain the safety of the product? This is an area of concern that must be looked into and considered to minimize safety hazards related on the use of the product. Another consideration here is there will be a lot of education campaign needed to inform the people about hydrogen as an alternative to coal. While there is an increasing interest on hydrogen technology, a lot of people are not aware of hydrogen power. There must be a lot of effort focusing on the long term benefits of hydrogen power. An argument that should also be noted here is that will there be enough interested investors for the project. Investment for this kind of project requires large resources. This large scale investment needs international campaign for awareness. So, the International Partnership for Hydrogen Economy took it as a challenge and invited interested parties to invest on the hydrogen energy. (IPHE) Conclusion A change from coal economy to hydrogen economy would have a long term benefit for the country and the whole world as well. Our coal reserves will not be depleted, and its polluting effects to the environment will be lessened if not dramatically eliminated. Coal reserves cannot be replaced, and we do not see for the moment, what will be its effect to the environment if it is wasted. If change can be done thru hydrogen, then let us go for it. It saves the country precious dollars, conserves our natural resources and eliminates pollution. It is a complete transformation from century old practice of coal use to a new technology of hydrogen energy. Finally, the legislature had conceded that to give an all out effort on energy policy, and that everybody should “work collaboratively” in giving hydrogen power a chance for the growth of the economy, and at the same time saving the environment. (All American Patriots) The environmental advantages of hydrogen power are far more significant that tends to eradicate the great problems of the fuel economy. The hydrogen economy therefore needs a support of everyone for sustainability of the program in terms of resources for the future of our country and the rest of the world today. Works Cited All American Patriots. “Forward to comprehensive energy plan”. 22 May, 2008. 21 Oct. 2008. Brian Marshall. “How the hydrogen economy works”. How the Stuff Works? 21 Oct. 2008. < http//www. Auto.howstuffworks.com/hydrogen-economy4.htm> International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy (IPHE). “Project Recognition”. .21 Oct. 2008. ---.“Technology Validation”.21 Oct. 2008 The Need Project. “What is coal - History of coal in America”. 2008. 21 Oct. 2008. . . US Dept. of Energy. ‘Hydrogen Program”. 21 Oct. 2008. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. “Fossil Fuel” 21 Oct. 2008 Read More