The Downsides to Using Hydrogen as Zero-Carbon Energy Source

We are equal parts excited and repulsed by hydrogen as an energy source. We're excited because, seemingly overnight, everybody and his brother (and sister) are jazzed about converting to hydrogen energy. Mountains of money are being poured into hydrogen research and infrastructure. The federal government is spending $8 billion (out of $1.2 trillion) to establish regional hydrogen hubs. Even companies in the Marcellus/Utica are jazzed because hydrogen production offers a huge new customer for M-U molecules. On the other hand, we're repulsed because hydrogen is a "poor" fuel that faces "major obstacles" to its widespread adoption. We're concerned about chasing after the wind--sinking a LOT of money into something that ultimately won't pan out. Let's have a hard and honest look at some of the downsides to hydrogen energy.

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