For years, we’ve heard that hydrogen is an environmentally friendly vehicle fuel, but what are its benefits and drawbacks in production? Why do we use it so little? Currently, over 96% of hydrogen production comes from non-renewable sources, effectively negating its green properties despite it producing water vapor as waste when used to generate energy.
In this blog, we’ll explore the disadvantages of hydrogen compared to petrol.
1. Low Energy Density
When comparing it to petrol, hydrogen falls short with its significantly lower energy density. This means we need a larger volume of hydrogen to match the energy content of petrol. Liquid hydrogen packs just 8 MJ/L in density, while petrol boasts 32 MJ/L.
2. High Production Costs
It can be more expensive to manufacture hydrogen, especially through processes like electrolysis, than it is to extract and refine crude oil to make petrol.
Because of this cost differential, hydrogen fuel may not be as economically viable as it once was, particularly in areas where petrol is widely available and reasonably priced.
3. Storage Problems
Gases like hydrogen can easily catch fire, requiring storage in a high-pressure environment. Even a minor leak in the tank could lead to serious explosions or damage to the car.
4. Handling Safety
Because hydrogen is extremely combustible, improper handling can endanger public safety. The possibility of hydrogen leaks and the requirement for appropriate safety precautions when handling and storing hydrogen fuel are causes for concern.
5. Poor Infrastructure
Compared to the infrastructure for petrol, hydrogen production, storage, and distribution are less advanced. While hydrogen fuelling facilities are few and expensive to construct, petrol stations are widely distributed and well-established.
6. Expensive Conversion of vehicles
The process of switching petrol-powered cars to hydrogen fuel can be expensive and necessitate considerable engine and fuel system changes. This may make it more difficult for fleet operators and customers to accept.
7. Public Awareness
Compared to electric and petrol-powered vehicles, the public is generally less familiar with hydrogen fuel cell technology, which may have an impact on consumer acceptance and adoption.
8. Effects of Production on the Environment
Although hydrogen fuel cell cars emit no emissions at the exhaust, the process of producing hydrogen may affect the environment. For instance, greenhouse gas emissions may arise from the production of hydrogen from natural gas by steam methane reforming.
9. Under-development technology
Compared to Electric and internal combustion engines powered by petrol, hydrogen fuel cell technology is still in its infancy and less developed. That gives rise to doubts about the long-term durability, performance, and dependability of hydrogen fuel cell cars.
Conclusion
These challenges, especially manufacturing costs and energy density, must be addressed for hydrogen to be widely adopted as a transportation fuel in the future. However, as these issues are resolved, people are likely to embrace hydrogen and utilize it as fuel.