Wonderful Hydrogen

Dear Reader,

"If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all," said Thumper, the little rabbit from the Disney movie Bambi. Although the logic is admittedly rather childish and difficult to put into practice in everyday life, particularly for journalists, I will try my best.

Hydrogen is one solution, but not the only one. This was the conclusion reached by the majority of experts at the International Vienna Motor Symposium. The simple molecule can and must be used as a fuel. In addition, it makes it possible to store and transport electrical energy and therefore lays the foundation for any further use of electricity, for example in the form of e-fuels. The keyword in this context is systemic efficiency. This refers to the fact that energy, depending on how it is used and generated, should only be converted into another form when this is unavoidable. For example, where it is possible to use electricity from renewable sources directly, we should definitely do this. However, this will not work on long- haul routes or in industrial applications, shipping, aviation or the cars currently on the roads. In these cases, energy in molecular form, either gaseous or liquid, is needed and hydrogen is at least the basis for this, if not the fuel of choice. It is true that there is wastage during the production of hydrogen, the subsequent processing and ultimately the conversion back into electricity or thermal energy. But this does not conflict with the principle of systemic efficiency, if there is no other alternative.

This means that technology neutrality remains the top priority. It is also becoming clear that not every manufacturer needs to cover all the technological options in order to remain successful in the future. Each one of them will find their own place, which makes the trench warfare between the defenders of different technologies redundant.

In a clean circular economy based on green electricity, CO₂ from the air and hydrogen, we will be able to supply all sectors with the necessary fuels. I think that is good news or as Thumper would say "something nice."

I hope you enjoy this issue of MTZ.

Marc Ziegler

Deputy Editor in Chief