Production of Hydrogen

Abstract

Perhaps the most important factor influencing the viability of an energy system based on a synthetic fuel is the fuel’s production. At present, almost all the hydrogen produced worldwide is derived from hydrocarbon sources. But, as pointed out previously, since hydrogen is to replace fossil-fuels in the long term, alternative raw materials will have to be found and alternative processes developed to produce hydrogen. The only ‘endless’ source of hydrogen is the sea. At present electrolysis of water is limited to areas where cheap hydro­electric energy is available. As oil and gas, the traditional sources of hydrogen, become too expensive to use in this context, water will gradually take over as the sole raw material, and in the long term it is likely that alternative energy sources will provide the necessary heat.