Hydrogen as energy source to avoid environmental pollution

Abstract

Hydrogen was proposed in the seventies as an energy source for the future. The main reason for the proposal was the petroleum crisis, which called attention to alternative energy sources and the necessity of hydrocarbon substitution. As an energy source, hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and is also common on earth. Hydrogen is the most important alternative energy source for the growing energy demand and is the answer to the present need for clean, efficient and environ- mentally friendly energy technologies. Burning hydrogen produces water and a small amount of nitrogen oxides, which can be eliminated with fuel cells. A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that produces electricity without combustion in an efficient and silent manner. If the hydrogen is obtained from a primary CO2 free energy source, such as solar, wind or nuclear, the green-house effect and the acid rain could be avoided during energy generation. Hydrogen can also be used as an energy carrier. The state of the art in research and development on hydrogen worldwide and in Mexico is presented.