The need for increasingly environmentally friendly methods of transport and alternatives to fossil fuels has led to the search for the clean energy fuel of the future.

When looking for a new clean energy source, scientists wanted a fuel that was available in unlimited supply and would give off no emissions when burnt.

Experts believe that the automotive fuel of the future is hydrogen. Hydrogen has the potential to replace fossil fuels as a means of powering cars. It can also be used to generate electricity.

When hydrogen is used as a source of energy, it gives off only water and heat. No carbon dioxide is produced, making it a good source of ‘clean' energy.

What is hydrogen?

Hydrogen is a chemical element represented by the chemical formula H and is the most common element in the universe. Hydrogen is found in small quantities as a non-toxic, colourless and odourless gas in the air. However, hydrogen is most commonly found in combination with oxygen (O) to form water (H2O).

Hydrogen has the ability to act as an ‘energy carrier’. This means it can be used to store and deliver energy to where it is needed.

Advantages of hydrogen power

As well as being a source of clean energy, hydrogen power has other advantages:

• Hydrogen has an energy 'density' which makes it a very efficient fuel - one kilo of hydrogen contains three times as much energy as a kilo of oil
• Hydrogen can be efficiently transported and stored and therefore helps tackle supply and demand issues
• Hydrogen is suitable for a decentralised energy supply – it is available throughout the world and is not limited to a specific region

The hydrogen age

Developments are moving so fast in this field that the hydrogen age has perhaps already begun. Hydrogen is set to become a major energy source in the future but there are many hurdles to overcome. New technologies have to be developed, tested and go into production. Their efficiency and profitability have to be ensured and they must gain a broad customer acceptance before market entry. Lastly, a viable infrastructure (for example, hydrogen filling stations) needs to be put in place.