New Report Shows Hydrogen Vehicles Will Drive Change
May 2, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – April 30, 2009 – Today, the National Hydrogen Association released a new report called the Energy Evolution: An Analysis of Alternative Vehicles and Fuels to 2100. The Energy Evolution shows that a scenario which initially includes a mix of alternative vehicles, and is later dominated by hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles sales is the only way to simultaneously cut U.S. greenhouse gas pollution by 80% below 1990 levels; reach petroleum quasi-independence by mid-century; and eliminate nearly all controllable air pollution by the end of the century. The report also shows that an expansion of hydrogen stations is more affordable than most people think.
In all, the report compares more than 15 of the most promising fuel and vehicle alternatives over a 100-year period, using data and models to create scenarios where one fuel and vehicle alternative becomes dominant in the mix of vehicles over time. The scenarios evaluate the performance and viability of the 15+ alternatives in terms of greenhouse gases, oil imports, urban air pollution and societal costs. A task force of experts conducted the Energy Evolution analysis under the leadership of Xcel Energy’s Frank Novacheck, with significant input from H2Gen Innovation’s Dr. Sandy Thomas. To verify the objectivity of the methods and conclusions, experts from organizations such as the U.S Department of Energy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and U.S. Fuel Cell Council have reviewed the report.
Quite honestly, the results surprised even us, but the data speak for themselves. They show quantitatively why it is absolutely critical that we continue significant efforts make hydrogen vehicles and stations more widely available to consumers, said Jeff Serfass, President of the National Hydrogen Association.
Most people forget that hydrogen technologies like fuel cells are compatible with the other alternatives. For example, development of plug-in hybrid technology advances the development of the same electric drive technology used in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. So the point we want to make today is that we need to work on all the best alternatives together, not one as a replacement for another. And hydrogen is essential to get us to the desired environmental and energy endpoints.
The task force assumed success for the various alternative vehicle technologies and fuels, including advancements in batteries, commercialization of non-corn biofuels, greening of the electric grid and increased efficiencies in conventional combustion engines. These assumptions were made to fairly compare the hydrogen vehicle scenario to fully mature alternative technologies. The conclusions of the Energy Evolution complement previous studies such as the National Research Council’s Transitions to Alternative Transportation Technologies-A Focus on Hydrogen and the California Fuel Cell Partnership’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle and Station Deployment Plan: A Strategy for Meeting the Challenge Ahead.
To obtain a copy of the full report or the four-page brief, visit: http://www.hydrogenassociation.org/evolution
About the National Hydrogen Association
The National Hydrogen Association (NHA) is the Nation’s premier hydrogen trade organization led by over 100 companies dedicated to supporting the transition to hydrogen. Efforts are focused on education and outreach, policy, safety and codes and standards. Since 1989, the NHA has served as a catalyst for information exchange and cooperative projects and continues to provide the setting for mutual support among industry, research and government organizations. Find out more at: www.HydrogenAssociation.org
