PS: Hydrogen as the primary fuel for cars should get much more attention, the advantages are fairly obvious, the downsides very limited, it is a matter of getting the economics right -- not the engineering. This goes, as far as I am concerned, whether you are a devoted follower of the Great Global Warning God, a luke warm warmista, all the way the spectrum to being a fan of the next ice age cometh.
Correct Leadie. Clean energy for ALL sectors (Electricity29%, Transportation 27%, Industry 21% Commercial and Residential 12% and Agriculture 9%) sustainable till the sun burns out and for less money than we are now paying. When fully implemented it would be the end of particle and greenhouse pollution. What's not to like?
Recent developments in the cost and efficiency of fuel cell units could turn the tide away from battery tech.
CSIRO research into membrane reactor technology revealed in May has the potential to transform liquid ammonia (something Australia has in great supply) into high-purity hydrogen for use in electric vehicles.
Dr Larry Marshall, chief executive of the CSIRO, described the development as "a watershed moment for energy".
Brett Cooper, chair of renewable hydrogen for the scientific body, says it could make Australia a major player in the regional energy market.
"With this technology, we can now deliver our renewable energy to Japan, Korea and across the Asia-Pacific region in liquid form, as renewable ammonia, and efficiently convert it back to pure hydrogen for cars, buses, power generation and industrial processes," he said.
"This market didn't exist 10 years ago – now Australia is positioned to be the number one renewable fuel provider in the world's fastest growing region."
Hyundai and Toyota, which both run fuel cell demonstration vehicles in Australia, support the CSIRO's program.