What’s Your H2IQ? Hydrogen Is A Growing Alternative Fuel Market

We usually think of hydrogen only when we think of the sun, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) explains that hydrogen is abundant in our environment. It’s stored in water (H₂O), hydrocarbons (such as methane, CH₄), and other organic matter. One of the challenges of using hydrogen as a fuel comes from being able to efficiently extract it from these compounds.

Currently, the process of “steam reforming,” which is combining high-temperature steam with natural gas to extract hydrogen, accounts for the majority of the hydrogen produced in the United States.  Hydrogen can also be produced from water through electrolysis. This is more energy intensive, but can be done using renewable energy, such as wind or solar, and avoiding the harmful emissions associated with other kinds of energy production.

Although the market for hydrogen as a transportation fuel is in its infancy, government and industry are working toward clean, economical, and safe hydrogen production and distribution for widespread use.

During October’s National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy compiled a list of “10 Things You Might Not Know About Hydrogen and Fuel Cells” here to help those interested in hydrogen to brush up on their knowledge.

How is your H2IQ?

Find easy-to-understand information about hydrogen (H₂) and fuel cell technologies here!  Increase your H₂IQ by checking out these DOE fact sheets and other introductory resources. Also visit the DOE’s hydrogen multimedia page to find infographics, videos, and animations about hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.