Hydrogen - Really? (Man maths & research involved)

[Zakalwe]

In conclusion, with current knowledge, the problems with hydrogen remain that it cannot be produced efficiently (nor in a renewable cycle), and that it cannot be transported efficiently in a renewable manner.

That, plus there are terrible inefficiencies when converting it back to electricity.
In short, the biggest problem with using hydrogen for personal transport is that you have to use hydrogen.

 

[pgkevet]

It’s not just about efficiency. Photosynthesis is inefficient at 30% sunlight, solar panels are worse at less than 20% sunlight energy. Wind and solar are dependent on weather. Tidal, like all forms of energy production, have environmental impacts too. Recycling solar panels and lithium batteries are possible, but not really done at scale yet - and back to energy needs and pollution. All this is in its infancy. Primary goals are moving pollution out of cities and lowering carbon dioxide and methane levels from the atmosphere, while maintaining the absurdity of car production and encouraging travel and 'buying things' and population growth.
Hydrogen has the potential for storing spare renewable generated power, fast refuelling and less vehicle weight.
Dangers? Yes, but remember Buncefield, chernobyl, think what would happen if a warehouse of BEV batteries went up or indeed a traffic jam of Teslas on the M25. The thing is to accept there is a learning curve from the engineering viewpoint to improve efficiencies and mitigate disasters.

 

[Zakalwe]

Some inefficiencies are down to the laws of nature. For example, electrolysing water to release hydrogen consumes more energy than the resulting hydrogen contains. Then you have the costs of compressing, cooling and storing. Add to that the losses incurred when you oxidise hydrogen in a fuel cell to generate electricity to charge the battery that powers the vehicle. It's far better to cut all of that out and just charge the battery directly.

Hydrogen is a complete busted flush for personal transport and almost certainly for goods transport by road.

 

[MrBadger]

From an independent non profit organisation involved in researching hydrogen et. al. as energy source for transport over many years

TRL | The role of hydrogen in achieving Net Zero

TRL's submission to UK Parliament seeking evidence on The role of hydrogen in achieving Net Zero

trl.co.uk

 

[cryo]

In conclusion, with current knowledge, the problems with hydrogen remain that it cannot be produced efficiently (nor in a renewable cycle), and that it cannot be transported efficiently in a renewable manner.

100% correct which is why we do not want politicians with minimal specialization/understanding of just about anything other than selling their soul (lobbying to them bribery to all others) in charge of strategic energy decisions.

 

[TEG]