RE: This company is doomed6 Jun 2023 14:32
My first post, so apologies. I am just conducting research and have no investment in any of the current hydrogen stocks. Still, I am looking to learn about all the current technologies in the marketplace and the innovation we as a country are undertaking. For my first post, I thought I would reply to 'visitinghost' hope you find it of use.
To start, I would like to commend you on your engagement with this critical topic. The discourse around hydrogen as a potential energy source is indeed complex and multidimensional. However, there are several points within your argument that could benefit from a more nuanced approach. As a professor of physics, my goal is to provide clarity by examining these points through the lens of scientific principles and current research.
Firstly, your assertion that hydrogen is inherently more expensive and less efficient due to its thermodynamic properties is a valid point, but it doesn't paint the whole picture. Indeed, the production of hydrogen, particularly via electrolysis, is energy-intensive, and the energy return on investment currently is not as favourable as some other energy carriers. Yet, it is crucial to remember that technology and efficiencies evolve over time. The cost of producing hydrogen, especially green hydrogen, is expected to fall dramatically in the coming decades due to technological advancements and economies of scale. As of now, there are more than 1,000 hydrogen projects announced globally, representing $320 billion of investment through 2030, and about 10% of this investment volume has already passed the final investment decision (FID)1. This shows a robust and growing commitment to making hydrogen a viable energy source.
Next, you mentioned the "thermodynamic limits" of hydrogen and likened these limits to the asymptote of a learning curve, suggesting that no matter how much we improve our methods, we'll never overcome these inherent limitations. While it's true that we cannot break the laws of thermodynamics, this argument fails to consider the unique qualities that make hydrogen a promising energy carrier, especially in areas where other renewable energy sources fall short. For instance, hydrogen has high energy density by weight, making it particularly useful for applications where weight is a critical factor, such as in aviation or long-haul transport.
You also mentioned the idea of using hydrogen for propulsion being limited and suggested that it is easier to convert excess hydrogen into e-fuels for niche markets. While it is true that the current application of hydrogen fuel cells in transport is limited, primarily due to infrastructure and cost challenges, these issues are not insurmountable. With continued research and investment, it is conceivable that we could see a much wider application of hydrogen fuel cells in the future.