While the Australian government is starting to explore its options for the development of hydrogen fuel capabilities, actual progress in this area will depend on both technological feasibility and societal willingness to actually adopt a hydrogen economy. A hydrogen economy must include capabilities for the production, storage/transport, and consumption of hydrogen fuel. Most hydrogen fuel is produced via water electrolysis and then compressed for storage. It can then be converted to electricity in a fuel cell or burned for heat.
Key Takeaways:
- Public consultation on a national hydrogen strategy was opened this month by the Federal coalition government and labor has pledged money for hydrogen funding.
- Hydrogen fuel has many industrial uses one of which is to launch rockets into space and it holds potential for heating our homes.
- In the production of hydrogen to make it a fuel, the best method of production is water electrolysis which involves splitting water using electricity.
“There are two key aspects to assessing our readiness for a hydrogen economy – technological advancement (can we actually do it?) and societal acceptance (will we use it?).”
