Well, Planet Reality has plenty of cases that support all you wrote.
Take a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) published in May 2020 found that the production of hydrogen is still largely dependent on fossil fuels, with only a small fraction coming from renewable sources. The report states, "Hydrogen can play a role in a low-carbon energy system, but its deployment will need to be carefully managed to ensure it is produced, transported, and used in a way that minimizes emissions." (1)
Equally, in October 2020, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, released a study showing that the use of hydrogen fuel cells in vehicles poses a serious safety risk due to their tendency to leak explosive vapor. The researchers found that even minor accidents could result in fires or explosions, making hydrogen cars potentially more dangerous than gasoline-powered vehicles. (2) This raises questions about the practicality and safety of using hydrogen as a substitute for traditional fuels.
Last but not least in January 2022, the European Commission announced plans to increase funding for hydrogen research and development, acknowledging the potential of hydrogen as a decarbonization tool. However, the commission also emphasized the need for caution, stating, "While hydrogen has great potential, we must be careful not to replicate the mistakes of the past where subsidies created market distortions and stranded assets." (3)
Just taking three examples that support the idea that hydrogen is not the simple solution to our energy problems that some proponents claim it to be. While it may have potential as a clean energy source in the future, its production, storage, transportation, and usage pose significant challenges that must be addressed before it can become a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Therefore, policymakers and investors should exercise caution when promoting or investing in hydrogen technologies.
References:
(1) International Energy Agency. (May 2020). Hydrogen – A vision for its role in the global energy mix. Retrieved from <https://www.iea.org/reports/hydrogen/>
(2) University of California, Berkeley. (October 2020). Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Pose Safety Risks, Study Finds. Retrieved from <https://www.berkeley.edu/news/2020/10/07/hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicles-safety-risks>
(3) European Commission. (January 2022). EU boosts funding for hydrogen research and development. Retrieved from <https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_108>
