Hydrogen economy: a preliminary technology assessment. Executive summary

Hydrogen must be manufactured from basic energy resources since it is not a naturally occurring energy form. This Executive Summary addresses the question of the feasibility of the use of hydrogen as a fuel. Although it is generally believed that hydrogen might soon become less expensive than petroleum, competition among fuels in the energy marketplace and the need to derive hydrogen from other energy sources will insure that hydrogen does not become less expensive than alternatives for a very long time. Transitions involving change in basic infrastructure technologies, systems, and institutions are difficult to effect because new, embryonic systems must compete with established systems, often at a price disadvantage. This report summarizes: (1) prospects for a hydrogen economy; (2) hydrogen production and handling; (3) transition to a hydrogen economy; (4) consequences of a hydrogen economy; (5) policy implications for the Federal Government; and (6) recommended government hydrogen RandD priorities.