Hydrogen Automotive Fuel: Production and Delivery

Today's principal and cheapest source of hydrogen in the United States, steam-reformed natural gas, does not have attractive prospects in the far-term future. Alternative procedures or processes therefore are in various phases of research and development. Hydrogen can be produced by the electrolysis of water, and production of hydrogen from coal and water is under study. Thermochemical, photochemical, and biochemical procedures are being researched as long-term routes to hydrogen.

Feasibility studies indicate the possibility of long-distance transmission of hydrogen gas via pipeline. Local distribution of hydrogen fuel presents a major problem that requires investigation and development. Technically and economically, other synthetic fuels, such as liquid hydrocarbons from coal or oil shale, are favored alternative automotive fuels for the mid-term future.