Hydrogen is the most abundant element present in the universe. However, it does not exist in its natural state on earth and must be produced using other resources, a process which consumes a certain amount of primary energy.

 

Ways of obtaining hydrogen
The most environmentally-friendly method of producing hydrogen is via water (H2O). The idea is to take the water from nature, separate the oxygen and the hydrogen via a process of electrolysis and store it. When used as a source of energy, the hydrogen would once again be combined with the oxygen of the air to produce heat and electricity. It would finally be returned to nature via steam. Nowadays, this formula is no longer profitable. In the developed world, hydrogen is now produced via natural gas, which also contains large quantities of the element. This is far cheaper than the above method. Production via glucose and nuclear energy is also being investigated.

 

Uses
Hydrogen's first use as a source of energy can be seen in the automotive sector. Hydrogen can be directly burnt in similar fashion to petrol. However, the most efficient use is achieved with fuel batteries that, via a slow oxidation of the gas, produce the electricity that powers the motor. In Madrid we will shortly be seeing the first public bus with fuel batteries that use natural gas-derived hydrogen as a fuel. The next step will be to use this technology in cars, something that is already being investigated. Mobile phones can also take advantage of this new technology. The Spanish Hydrogen Association has announced that hydrogen batteries can be installed in mobile phones, which will be recharged by injecting alcohol.

 

- Hydrogen has been used for over 50 years in the chemical, pharmaceutical and space industries. It has also been used in the domestic sector and in the illumination of cities.

-The first car manufacturer that investigated hydrogen as a fuel was BMW, which built models with hydrogen-powered positive ignition engines.

-After 10 years of investigation the German engineer Josef Zeitler has developed the first hydrogen-powered cyclomotor engine.

-The EU has funded a three-year study to develop the technology needed to install natural gas-derived hydrogen pumps in petrol stations.

-Some 2,000 isolated farms in Extremadura are developing an electrical supply project to produce hydrogen from solar panels and store it in fuel batteries. The energy will then be used at night or at times when solar radiation is low.

-Several car manufacturers are collaborating on a project to develop a new high-pressure hydrogen storage system to be used in the motor industry.

-The US President George Bush has allocated $1,200 million to investigate hydrogen-powered cars. He is hoping the US will lead the way in this industry.

 

- Asociaci�n Espa�ola del Hidr�geno (Spanish Hydrogen Association).

- Centro de Investigaciones Energ�ticas, Medioambientales y Tecnol�gicas (Centre for Environmental and Technological Energy Investigation).