Element of hope

This article looks at the possibility of hydrogen fuelled vehicles being common place by the 2020s. Some carmakers have begun to roll out or test hydrogen models. Critics' concerns include safety implications and refuelling issues. TRL based Jure Leben from Slovenia, the European pioneering country of hydrogen fuel, is helping with a project to develop a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure, and building on work achieved by the Slovenian army. This model can be re-scaled for bigger countries. Project partners include car companies, local businesses and a petrol company. Hydrogen is sourced locally, eliminating dependence on the price of oil. The safety case for hydrogen is being promulgated in Slovenia and in the UK the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) is building on expertise gained in other industries, adapting good practice to suit the transport industry. BMW's Hydrogen 7 vehicle is described. This car is built on standard production lines, at low volume, ready to showcase the viability of the technology. The environmental impact of different methods hydrogen production is assessed, including oil, gas, coal, electrolysis, and nuclear power. While wind, wave or solar power would offer genuine carbon-neutral transportation, they are more expensive and research is less developed.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09536639
• Authors:
  • HARGREAVES, B
• Publication Date: 2007-11-21

Language

• English

Media Info

• Serial:
  • PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING
  • Issue Number: 29-30
  • Publisher: WOODBRIDGE PRESS
  • ISSN: 0953-6639

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternate fuels; Environment; Fuels; Hydrogen; Manufactures; Pollutants; Protection; Safety
• Geographic Terms: Slovenia
• ITRD Terms: 2442: Emission; 2455: Environment; 3850: Fuel; 7187: Hydrogen; 3647: Manufacture; 9149: Prevention; 2417: Renewable energy; 1665: Safety; 8149: Slovenia
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; Vehicles and Equipment; I15: Environment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01090024
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Mar 17 2008 10:37AM