This page updated July 26, 2007

Choose the category your question relates to:     Why Hydrogen     CA H2 Net Blueprint Plan     Hydrogen Fuel   Hydrogen Production   Hydrogen Vehicles   Fuel Cells     Safety     Big Picture Policy     WHY HYDROGEN     Why hydrogen? Hydrogen has many important advantages over other fuels. Hydrogen can be made from renewable sources, it is clean to use, and it is the fuel of choice for energy-efficient fuel cells. Hydrogen is first on the periodic table of the elements, is the least complex and most abundant element in the universe. Hydrogen will play a critical role in a new, decentralized energy infrastructure that can provide power to vehicles, homes, and industries. Hydrogen has the ability to address several high-priority areas for California:   Energy security and diversity: Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of domestic sources, including renewable sources. This enables diversification of our energy supply, especially in the transportation sector, which is currently almost 100% dependent on petroleum fuels.   Synergy among energy use sectors: Hydrogen “energy stations” can provide heating, cooling and power for homes and businesses, while co-producing hydrogen for use in vehicles. As an energy carrier, hydrogen can store, move and deliver energy in a usable form to consumers. This useful attribute can help improve and stabilize the ways our electricity system meets growing consumer demand.   Environmental protection: Hydrogen fuel can be used in vehicles powered by either internal combustion engines or fuel cells, resulting in near-zero or zero tailpipe emissions. When hydrogen is produced from renewable resources and used to power fuel cell vehicles, the entire chain of processes (fuel production through end use in a vehicle) results in extremely low environmental impacts.   Economic development: California has long been at the forefront of emerging high-technology industries. State officials have recognized that early support for these industries can translate into job-creation benefits as technologies flourish in the marketplace. If California continues to lead in creating demand for hydrogen fuel stations and products, companies with related technologies are more likely to choose our state to locate new technology centers and manufacturing facilities.     CA H2 NET BLUEPRINT PLAN     What is the California Hydrogen Highway? The California Hydrogen Highway is a vision for a network of hydrogen fueling stations located across the state in such a manner that California motorists have ready access to refueling.     What makes a hydrogen station a CA H2 Net station? CA H2 Net stations will provide some form of public access and meet the environmental standards established in the blueprint plan.     What are the goals of the CA H2 Net? A three-phased approach has been established to implement the CA H2 Net. The goal of the CA H2 Net is to deploy Phase I, which is 50-100 hydrogen stations and 2,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010. Phases II and III will be achieved at an accelerated pace as determined appropriate through biennial technology and market reviews. This phased approach ensures that the CA H2 Net is implemented in a way that makes sense for technology readiness, the environment and the economy.     Who will implement the CA H2 Net? The CA H2 Net will be implemented by the CalEPA in coordination with state and local agencies. Additionally, a public-private partnership will be established to collaborate and share responsibilities for implementation.     Who will make up the public-private partnership? The partnership will be made up of the diverse group of hydrogen representatives that helped develop the Blueprint Plan. These stakeholders share a common interest in energy, national security, a healthy environment, economic growth and opportunity for California. They include the entities making hydrogen, building stations, manufacturing cars, developing stationary applications, and establishing policies that provide the foundation of a hydrogen economy.     What is the purpose of the biennial reviews? Biennial reviews are built into the implementation process to regularly evaluate technological maturity and commercial readiness for vehicles and other hydrogen-fueled products in order to determine the appropriate pace at which to move through the three phases of implementation. This mechanism will ensure station and vehicle deployment are in sync, and will allow goals and strategies to evolve as needed to accommodate the rapidly changing state of technology.     How will the CA H2 Net be funded? Initial risks and investments will be shared between industry and government through a public-private partnership. Specific mechanisms for funding will be developed in conjunction with the Legislature. The current pace to develop hydrogen-fueled vehicles and products is hindered by the need to solve the so-called “chicken-or-egg” question: which should come first, commercialization of vehicles that run on hydrogen, or building of the fueling stations that dispense it? Who should take the initial risk with expanded investments: hydrogen producers or vehicle manufacturers? What is the appropriate role of the government? Past experience with clean, alternative fuels in California has helped answer these questions: the early risks must be shared in order for a technology to progress.     What environmental guidelines will be established for the CA H2 Net? Hydrogen can be derived from a variety of sources, some more sustainable than others. To address the environmental concern of hydrogen production from non-renewable resources, the blueprint plan establishes three goals for the CA H2 Net to address greenhouse gas emissions, the use of renewable sources, and emissions of criteria and toxic pollutants:       Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) for Hydrogen to initially utilize 20% renewable resources in the production of hydrogen (in excess of the State’s 20% RPS for stationary power) and gradually increase in subsequent years.   Guidelines to ensure the CA H2 Net provides, in the aggregate, an initial 30% reduction in GHG emissions relative to conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles, and gradually increase reductions in subsequent years.   Compliance with criteria and toxic emission standards such that emissions of smog forming and toxic pollutants do not increase compared to fossil fuel vehicle use.   It was recognized early on in the blueprint development process that firm goals needed to be established to ensure that the CA H2 Net would be - from the very beginning - as clean, if not cleaner, than what we're using now. In addition, the Governor's Executive Order explicitly states that the production of hydrogen used for the CA H2 Net must come from "significant and increasing" use of renewable sources.     What is the strategy for siting hydrogen stations? The CA H2 Net will plan and build a network of hydrogen fueling stations along California’s interstate freeway system and in the urban centers that they connect, so that by 2010, every Californian will have access to hydrogen fuel. Stations will be focused initially in the highest expected vehicle / population centers, such as Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco and San Diego, and adapted, expanded and linked together as the vehicle population grows. Stationary fuel cells with co-generated hydrogen will be established in locations that can use on-site power generation.     How will the hydrogen be produced? The blueprint plan recommends utilizing a mix of hydrogen production pathways that meet the environmental guidelines and work toward the long-term goals of the CA H2 Net. This strategy provides flexibility to test a broad range of production methods in order to maximize experience gathering and allow superior pathways to evolve, while ensuring adequate infrastructure exists to support maximum deployment of hydrogen vehicles.     What safety measures will be taken? Strict codes, standards and permitting requirements for hydrogen stations in California already exist. However, the blueprint plan recommends a process for updating those requirements to support more widespread deployment of hydrogen production and fueling facilities as well as ensuring comprehensive information sharing and training for local permitting and emergency response personnel.   HYDROGEN FUEL   Why use hydrogen as a fuel? Hydrogen has the potential to be produced through a variety of clean and / or renewable energy sources, and hydrogen can be produced form non petroleum sources thereby reducing the state's dependence on petroleum. When used as a source of energy, hydrogen produces zero or very low emissions. The emissions from a hydrogen fueled fuel cell engine contain only water vapor. Even when burned in a conventional internal combustion engine, the emissions are significantly lower than when using a carbon based fuel. Hydrogen can be produced through a variety of clean and/or renewable energy sources, and hydrogen can be produced from non petroleum sources thereby reducing the state's dependence on petroleum.   What are the differences between hydrogen and other fuels? Hydrogen is the most common chemical element in the known Universe and one of the most abundant elements in the earth's crust. On the planet, however it does not exist in nature in its pure form. Hydrogen can be produced from a fuel such as ethanol, gasoline, natural gas, methanol, or through the electrolyses of water. Carbon based fuels are harvested from limited, naturally occurring, underground reserves. Hydrogen contains about 2.6 times the energy per unit mass as gasoline (i.e.: 1 kg of hydrogen has 2.6 times more energy than 1 kg of gasoline). However, hydrogen needs about 4 times the volume for a given amount of energy (i.e.: it takes 4 gallons of hydrogen to have the same amount of energy as is contained in 1 gallon of gasoline). Hydrogen readily disperses upwards, whereas gasoline is heavier than air and tends to sink. The burning of carbon based fuels emits carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons, particulate matter and other potentially toxic compounds. Whereas combusting hydrogen produces heat, water, and some oxides of nitrogen. In hydrogen fueled, fuel cell engines, only heat and water vapor are produced.   How much will consumers pay for hydrogen compared to gasoline? Ultimately, the price target for hydrogen as a vehicle fuel will be competitive with gasoline. The DOE has set a milestone target of $1.50/gallon of gasoline equivalent by 2010 (DOE Posture Plan, February 2004). Even if this price is not achieved in this timeframe, the State sees the value in offsetting the initially higher price for hydrogen due to the benefits gained through reduced air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and reliance on petroleum.   Where will I get hydrogen and who will sell it ? Eventually hydrogen will be as readily available as gasoline today. Until then, hydrogen stations will be strategically located to allow throughout the state. The current fuel providers and entities currently active in hydrogen related industries would sell hydrogen.   Could a hydrogen bomb be made from hydrogen fuels ? A hydrogen bomb reaction would only occur under special circumstances requiring enormous pressure and extremely high heat - conditions that could not occur in a hydrogen vehicle.   If hydrogen can be produced from natural gas, or water and electricity, can it be produced at homes or offices ?   There is a possibility that hydrogen could be produced at home. Work is ongoing by vehicle manufacturers, hydrogen infrastructure providers, and energy providers on low volume hydrogen generators. These devices could be based on natural gas reformation or electrolyses of water. Initial devices will most likely be able to refuel one car per day.     Do we have any experience handling hydrogen ?   Hydrogen is used today in a variety of industrial settings such as chemicals production, petroleum refining, and metals treating. Products that use hydrogen during the production process include fertilizers, glass, vitamins, cosmetics, soaps, lubricants, even margarine and peanut butter.     HYDROGEN PRODUCTION   Where does hydrogen come from? Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, and can be found in water, fossil fuels and other sources. It bonds with other elements to form commonly known molecules such as water, methane (natural gas) and methanol. Hydrogen is produced by unlocking the chemical bonds in these molecules that form these substances. The water molecule, for example (H20), consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to an oxygen atom. One way to produce hydrogen is to use energy to break water apart through a process called electrolysis. In this process, electricity and a catalyst combine to separate the hydrogen from the oxygen in the water. Another approach is to liberate the hydrogen by "reforming" fuels such as gasoline or natural gas.   Is there enough natural gas to meet increased hydrogen demand ?   There is enough natural gas to meet initial hydrogen demand. In addition, natural gas reserves are more equally distributed worldwide than those of oil. Future production of hydrogen will result through a variety of methods such as using solar or wind energy, bio-mass, or even through photo biological means.     Doesn't using natural gas prolong California's dependence on fossil fuel ?   Currently most of California's natural gas comes from domestic sources or from politically stable countries such as Canada or Mexico. The use of natural gas for hydrogen is a near term solution. Long term strategies for the production of hydrogen focus on renewable sources.     Does it take more energy to produce hydrogen than you get out of it ?   Any conversion of one form of energy to a different form of energy consumes energy. It is also true that the production of gasoline from crude oil uses less energy than the production of hydrogen. However, fuel cell engines are capable of operating at much greater efficiency than the  internal combustion engines (ICE). Therefore, the well-to-wheel efficiency (point of fuel production to the point of fuel use) for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is greater than petroleum fuel ICE vehicle.     HYDROGEN VEHICLES     Who will make hydrogen vehicles?   All of the world’s major auto manufacturers have well-established hydrogen vehicle research and development projects. Many, including Ford, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, DaimlerChrysler, Nissan, and Hyundai have already begun deploying these vehicles in everyday, real world applications.     What are the major activities that must be accomplished in order to commercialize fuel cell vehicles?   Prove the reliability and durability of the fuel cell Increase range by improving how hydrogen is stored on board the vehicle Reduce the cost of building fuel cell vehicles to be competitive with today's cars Invest in infrastructure to support wide-scale vehicle introduction Secure public acceptance to create demand for this technology Avoid prolonged dependence on fossil fuels by ensuring that an increasing percentage of hydrogen is produced from renewable energy Ensure proper safety mechanisms, codes and standards, and practices are in place to safely handle hydrogen fuels and vehicles     When will hydrogen vehicles to be made available to the general public?   Commercialization of hydrogen vehicles will take time. The transition to hydrogen used in the demanding confines of an automobile requires careful steps. It is the auto makers belief that hydrogen vehicles, at launch, must be as good or better than today's internal combustion engine vehicles for successful market adoption. Likewise, the fuel infrastructure choice must develop wisely. From setting proper codes and standards for safe operation and maintenance of the vehicles, stations and fuel, to creating a new fueling infrastructure and educating consumers…it takes time.     FUEL CELLS     What is a fuel cell? A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that produces electricity efficiently, silently and without combustion. Hydrogen fuel (which can be obtained from methanol, natural gas, water, or petroleum products) is combined with oxygen (from air) to produce electrical energy.     How do hydrogen fuel and oxygen produce electrical energy? A Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell is made of two plates sandwiched together with a plastic membrane coated with a catalyst. Hydrogen (from the fuel) and oxygen (from the air) are fed through channels in the plates on either side of the membrane. The hydrogen and oxygen atoms are attracted to each other; however, only the proton part of the hydrogen atom can pass through the membrane to reach the oxygen. The electron has to take the long way around the membrane to reach the oxygen atom - creating energy in the process. The hydrogen electron is eventually united with the proton and oxygen atom to create water (H2O).     What are the benefits of fuel cell technology? The most impressive fuel cells benefits are their high fuel efficiency and zero emissions. In addition, fuel cell technology can help us reduce our dependence on petroleum because fuel cells use hydrogen, and hydrogen can be produced from many sources, including renewable sources. When using hydrogen, fuel cells don’t emit any pollution or greenhouse gases either. The only by-product is water vapor. The electric drive train of a fuel cell vehicle provides other benefits, too. An electric motor gives these vehicles a very high torque for quick starts and quiet ride. In addition, fuel cells create plenty of on-board power for devices such as GPS and DVD players. Fuel cells are powerful, have the potential to be easy to maintain, and can contribute to reducing noise pollution, a significant issue in urban areas.     What is the difference between a fuel cell and a battery? Fuel cells and batteries are similar as they both deliver electrical power from a chemical reaction. However, in a battery, the chemical reactants are stored within the battery and are used up during the reaction. Then, the battery must be recharged or thrown away. In a fuel cell, the reactants (H2 and O2) are stored externally to the fuel cell, so it will keep producing electricity as long as reactants are delivered to the fuel cell. Therefore, a fuel cell vehicle is refueled instead of recharged.     What is a stationary fuel cell, and what is the benefit? Much of our electricity is generated at central station power plants using nonrenewable, imported fuels and transmitted to various sites by transmission and distribution lines. To address environmental, greenhouse gas and energy security issues, California has committed to increase the generation of power from renewable resources from the current level of 12 percent to 20 percent by the year 2010. In addition, the Governor is committed to investing in clean generation and co-generation at the site where the electricity is needed. This is referred to as distributed generation, a term used for a decentralized approach to generating electricity. The advantages of distributed generation are:   Increased reliability by producing power on-site Ability to utilize the heat generated by these systems in the form for heat, air conditioning, and hot water Gradual investment in energy generation, where it is needed most, when it is needed most Ability to use multiple fuels, including "opportunity fuels" like landfill gas or anaerobic digester gas from wastewater treatment facilities   The successful integration of fuel cell technology into the market in California is arguably one of the most effective strategies we can take to resolve the energy and environmental challenges we face in California today. (California Stationary Fuel Cell Collaborative) Fuel cells could produce electricity for homes, businesses, institutions, and industry through stationary power plants. Early hydrogen stations would likely be multi-use stations, called “energy stations”. Unlike a gasoline station that can only be used to refuel gasoline vehicles, hydrogen fueling stations could power a building and fuel a vehicle from the same station.     What role do stationary fuel cells have in the hydrogen highway ? The hydrogen stations would likely be multi use. Unlike a gasoline station that can only be used to refuel gasoline vehicles, most early hydrogen fueling stations would be energy stations. The primary usage of these stations in the early years may be providing power to a building or for industrial purposes. In this way, stationary fuel cells would play a critical role in the success of the hydrogen highway.     How much will stationary fuel cells cost ? The high capital cost for fuel cells is by far the largest factor contributing to the limited market penetration of fuel cell technology. In order for fuel cells to compete realistically with contemporary power generation technology, they must become more competitive from the standpoint of both capital and installed cost (the cost per kilowatt required to purchase and install a power system). In the stationary power market, fuel cells could become competitive if they reach an installed cost of $1,500 or less per kilowatt. Currently, the cost is in the $4,000+ range per kilowatt. In the automobile sector, a competitive cost is on the order of $60 - $100 per kilowatt, a much more stringent criterion. The high capital cost (on a $/KW basis) today has lead to a significant effort focused cost reduction. Specific areas in which cost reductions are being investigated include: Material reduction and exploration of lower-cost material alternatives Reducing the complexity of an integrated system. Minimizing temperature constraints (which add complexity and cost to the system) Streamlining manufacturing processes Increasing power density (footprint reduction) Scaling up production to gain benefit of economies of scale (volume) through increased market penetration.     Where/how will stationary fuel cells be used ? Fuel cells could potentially produce electricity for homes, businesses, institutions, and industry through stationary power plants. Sizes range from 1 kilowatt (the average U.S. house uses about 1-2 kilowatt and peak at 15 kilowatt during high usage times) to several megawatts (enough to power institutions or factories). (National Fuel Cell Research Center)     Isn't it better to use renewable energies in the power-generation sector rather than the transportation sector ? It is important for California to develop renewable energy resources and look to distributed generation, that is energy production that is independent of the electricity grid. However, it is also important to invest in hydrogen fuel for the transportation sector as well since it is the largest consumer of fuel in the State.     SAFETY   Is hydrogen safe? Hydrogen is no more and no less safe than gasoline and other motor vehicle fuels. Hydrogen, which exists as a gas under normal atmospheric conditions, is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and non-toxic. It can also be safely transported. Like any fuel, hydrogen is flammable. Hydrogen’s flammable properties are different than those of gasoline and, therefore, it has different handling requirements. Hydrogen, for instance, can ignite with less energy than gasoline, but requires a greater concentration of hydrogen and oxygen to burn. Hydrogen is extremely light and buoyant, so it dissipates into the open air very quickly, making any flammable concentration of hydrogen unlikely. Hydrogen stations and vehicles utilize many redundant safety systems to ensure the fuel system shuts down and concentrations of hydrogen are too low to be unsafe. Large amounts of hydrogen have been produced for commercial and manufacturing uses for many decades, with an exemplary safety record.     What about the Hindenburg? Unfortunately, hydrogen has gotten a bad rap from the Hindenburg tragedy. The airship was not destroyed because it was filled with hydrogen. It turns out that the material used as the skin of the dirigible was highly flammable and caught fire from static electricity. When the skin burned, the lighter-than-air hydrogen escaped and, as would be expected with any flammable substance, it also burned. The largest contributor to the fire was from skin of the dirigible, not hydrogen.         BIG PICTURE / POLICY   What should the role of government be? The public sector needs to focus on how it can help set the stage for hydrogen commercialization so that investment by the private sector can take place - by looking at incentives, loan guarantees, revenue bond funding, education and training, and codes and standards. Investors have also called upon government to set goals, deadlines, and priorities, such as the vision of the California Hydrogen Highway Network.     Why does the State need to be involved - why can't industry do this? Timing is a critical issue. Because the transition to a hydrogen economy is in the public's interest, the State needs to take the responsibility for a longer focus than industry is compelled to do for shareholders. The longer vision requires this up-front investment in research, development, and demonstration of technologies that have multiple benefits. It's also in the State's best interest to aggressively explore options to ensure a secure and sustainable energy future for our residents. The State can also help expedite and coordinate activities such as implementation of codes and standards that will facilitate deployment of the stations. Government plays an important role, and can help create the foundation for hydrogen commercialization so that investment by the private sector can take place. Activities such as establishing incentives, loan guarantees, revenue bond funding, education and training, and codes and standards are critical activities that require government leadership. Investors have also called upon government to set goals, deadlines, and priorities, such as the vision of the California Hydrogen Highway Network.     How can we be sure the hydrogen vehicles will be there to support the stations? Stations will be located and built in coordination with the expected availability of vehicles in fleet demonstration sites, and expanded to more areas as commercial availability of vehicles expands. The concept of the Blueprint plan is to determine the effort necessary to advance a hydrogen economy in California. This means the state will provide leadership, incentives and policies that drive advancement of hydrogen vehicle technology as well as station deployment.     Is California moving too quickly on hydrogen? A hydrogen economy is already evolving around us - auto manufactures are investing billions in hydrogen technology, oil companies are diversifying their portfolios, including clean, renewable fuels, and other states and countries are creating policies and investing in hydrogen in various ways. Meanwhile, petroleum supply constraints, national security implications, and threats to human and environmental health accelerate the State’s need to develop sustainable solutions. California has the opportunity to provide the needed leadership that will nurture these efforts, foster collaboration and create momentum in a way that will benefit our state as much, and as soon as possible. California historically has led economic and environmental policies and initiatives that have spurred technological development, and which other states and countries have used to model their efforts. We should continue to provide the same leadership now at a time when there is so much to gain.