Hybrid Cars
Hydrogen fuel is the first zero emissions fuel which is now available, purely as a protype at the moment. The reason for this is that it is infinitely renewable. The only emission produced from hydrogen fuel is water. A hydrogen car has a fuel cell and a hydrogen storage tank similar in size to the normal petrol/diesel tank. The fuel cells operate like a battery. The hydrogen is mixed with oxygen to produce electric power. Many experts believe hydrogen will replace petrol/diesel and gas for cars over the next few decades.
The reason there is such a delay in the hydrogen car being produced is mainly due to the problem of storing the hydrogen. The hydrogen car requires more storage to produce the same mileage as a conventional petrol/diesel car. As hydrogen is a gas that is not freely available on its own, it has to be separated from other elements. Currently hydrogen is steamed from natural gas. The fuel cell which produces the electric power has taken a long time to make it commercially viable. Until recently a hydrogen car cost up to twenty times more than a conventional petrol car and there is also a lack of infrastructure to support the production, maintenance and refuelling of the vehicle. Hydrogen burns very intensely and concerns for safety have been expressed. Storage solutions for hydrogen are still in the development stages and in theory the current hydrogen storage systems could explode. Hydrogen is the smallest molecule in the universe and can escape through the tiniest fractures causing metal to become brittle and crack.
What are the benefits of using Hydrogen
Hydrogen fuel is currently generated from natural gas as this is the cheapest method of manufacture. Hydrogen fuel if designated, the correct resources and could be the fuel of the future. Hydrogen fuel is still in its infancy but with time and the current problems being solved through continuous research and development will make hydrogen a more viable option and a more carbon neutral alternative to the current fossil fuels being used as ultimately these fuels will be exhausted and as hydrogen is an infinite fuel it will never run out. It could ultimately be a fuel for everyone in the future.
What is Bio Diesel
This fuel is made from animal fats or vegetable oils which can be blended with conventional diesel in a diesel engine. Usually biodiesel is made from soyabean oil, plant oils, palm oil or rapeseed oils, most of which can be grown in Ireland.
What are the benefits of Bio Fuels
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional transport fuels
Biofuels can be up to 60 percent less harmful to the environment than fossil fuels
Tax incentives are available for biofuel cars e.g. lower VRT and road tax
Biofuel crops can be grown in third world countries so generating employment and income for people in these regions
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