With hydrogen fuel cells you are not only lessening the amount of air pollution but you are also using a much more efficient source of power. For example, an internal combustion engine uses less than 20 of the energy potential in gasoline while a fuel cell uses about 60 of the energy available in hydrogen. Not to mention the added benefit of no longer being reliant on foreign powers to fulfill our oil needs. With hydrogen fuel cells, we would rely on no one but ourselves, and those are just benefits at a glance.

Truth is, there are a number of practical obstacles to the widespread adoption of hydrogen power.

First of all, hydrogen fuel cell systems are expensive. The pilot concept cars are costing anything up to a million each, far too much for commercial viability. Battery-based systems are much cheaper and are already showing up in the family car market.

Second, hydrogen-powered vehicles require a specialist infrastructure. Without a lot of hydrogen cars on the road, companies cannot afford to provide hydrogen refueling stations. Without hydrogen refueling stations… Battery-powered vehicles can plug in to the mains and companies including McDonald’s are looking into the possibility of high energy charging stations in their car parks.

Also, the hydrogen needs to be obtained somehow. Splitting water to make hydrogen and oxygen requires a lot of electricity. Unless all of that electricity is gained from renewable resources, then the emissions problem is just being moved around. This is, of course, also a problem with battery powered cars but the inefficiency of creating the hydrogen means more electricity is needed than to charge your battery.

In short, hydrogen fuel cells are a great idea but less practical in the short term than battery power, and possibly even in the long term. They may never be a viable alternative.Still bored? Click to continue: UK’s first open access hydrogen refueling station opens

If we reduce greenhouse gas emissions, perhaps we will be able to ensure a more stable environment in the future.The full explanation can be found at http://ijrnews.com/2011/09/22/coal-power-looks-at-fossil-fuels-and-their-rarity/ Global warming otherwise can lead to rising sea levels, more extreme weather and an increase in droughts. There are so many ways to reduce emissions. By simply consuming less energy both individuals and groups of people can reduce emissions. Developing and using earth-friendly alternatives to the burning of fossil fuels can lead to huge reductions. For example, hydrogen powered cars are a great alternative to gas-fueled vehicles. The less gas we burn to power our cars, the less carbon dioxide to trap heat in the atmosphere. If implemented on a large scale, changing to hydrogen powered cars could slow the negative effects of climate change. The more people who make lifestyle changes for the sake of the environment, the more significant the reduction.