The ingenuity of entrepreneur Elon Musk is renowned and his longstanding stance against hydrogen fuel cells is no exception. While renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are gaining in popularity, Musk has cited his reasons for being against the use of hydrogen fuel cells.
In July 2013, Musk unveiled a concept at the Universities Space Research Association meeting that seemed to hint at his preference for electric batteries over hydrogen fuel cells. He argued that electric batteries are much easier than fuel cells from a technological standpoint, with simpler research and engineering needed.
Musk’s main reason for opposing hydrogen fuel cells centers around its potential for personal use in vehicles. He does acknowledge that hydrogen fuel cells have the potential to take some share in commercial aviation, given the statistics indicating that its potential for power is higher than lithium-ion batteries.
However, Tesla Motors has made clear that what Musk is advocating for is the use of renewable biomass fuel cells, rather than hydrogen. Renewable biomass fuel cells are produced by burning organic materials, such as wood and agricultural waste, which then release energy. This process releases fewer emissions than when burning petroleum products or coal.
While some experts believe that hydrogen fuel cells are the way of the future, Musk disagrees, citing the fact that such fuel cells require a tremendous amount of energy in order to produce a usable amount of hydrogen.
In fact, the energy efficiency of traditional energy sources such as coal and natural gas is much higher. Despite the fact that hydrogen fuel cell technology has improved, the efficiency is still relatively low compared to other energy sources.
To make matters worse, hydrogen fuel cells require a significant infrastructure investment, and most governments are not prepared to make such investments. This means that hydrogen fuel cells are unlikely to be commercially available, making them a much less viable option than renewable sources.
Environmental and Economic Impacts of Fuel Cells
Musk is also highly concerned about the environmental and economic impacts of hydrogen fuel cells. While hydrogen fuel cells have been touted as a clean energy alternative, their reliance on transportation and storage of liquid hydrogen makes them more expensive than other renewable sources.
Furthermore, hydrogen fuel cells are only as clean as the source of the hydrogen fuel. This means that most hydrogen fuels are derived from natural gas or oil, which are both non-renewable sources that release carbon dioxide emissions. In fact, the energy efficiency of fuel cells is much less than that of electric batteries, meaning they generate more emissions.
Additionally, because liquid hydrogen must be stored under high pressure, fuel cells are prone to leaks. This means that hydrogen gas can escape, thus leading to an increase in emissions.
Alternatives to Hydrogen Fuel Cells
The alternatives to hydrogen fuel cells are electric batteries and renewable biomass fuel cells, both of which have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Electric batteries are widely used in consumer electronics such as phones and computers, and they have become increasingly popular for use in cars.
Electric batteries are a much more efficient choice than fuel cells and can provide a lower total cost of ownership when compared to fuel cells. Furthermore, electric batteries do not require a large infrastructure investment and can be used with existing electric grid systems.
The second alternative to hydrogen fuel cells is renewable biomass fuel cells. These are produced by burning organic materials, such as wood and agricultural waste, which then release energy. This process is much less polluting than burning petroleum products or coal and is an energy-efficient choice.
These renewable biomass fuel cells are not as powerful as hydrogen fuel cells and are still relatively unknown. However, they have the potential to become a mainstream source of energy in the future.
Elon Musk’s Position on Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Undoubtedly, Elon Musk’s view of hydrogen fuel cells is complicated. His position centers around the lack of an appropriate infrastructure, the inefficient use of energy, and the lack of renewable options.
While some experts continue to back the potential of hydrogen fuel cells, Musk believes that renewable sources such as solar and wind, along with electric batteries and renewable biomass fuel cells, present a more viable option for widespread usage. His arguments are valid and it is clear that he does not view hydrogen fuel cells as a viable option for the future.
Significance of Abandoning Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Advocates of renewable energy sources point out that abandoning hydrogen fuel cells could lead to a much lower cost of energy production. This is because electric batteries are much more efficient and cost effective compared to fuel cells.
Electricity produced via electric batteries is likely to be significantly cheaper than electricity produced by fuel cells, depending on the source of the fuel and the infrastructure investment required. In addition, the lower cost of energy would make it possible to reduce pollution from sources such as cars, factories, and other sources.
What’s more, renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, also have the potential to significantly reduce emissions and mitigate climate change. This would make it easier to meet emissions targets and improve public health and safety.
Musk’s Alternatives to Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Despite some of the advantages of hydrogen fuel cells, Musk is advocating for alternatives. These include electric batteries and renewable biomass fuel cells.
Electric batteries are already being used in many consumer electronics and cars, and they are becoming increasingly popular. Their energy efficiency and cost effectiveness make them a viable option.
Renewable biomass fuel cells are produced by burning organic materials such as wood and agricultural waste, and they release fewer emissions than traditional energy sources. Though not yet as popular as electric batteries, these fuel cells have the potential to become a mainstream source of energy in the future.
The Limitations of Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Though some experts stand behind the potential of hydrogen fuel cells, there are several limitations. These limitations include a high cost of production, a lack of renewable fuels, and an inefficient energy use.
Hydrogen fuel cells are much less efficient than electric batteries, and they require a large infrastructure investment. Furthermore, the source of hydrogen fuel is often non-renewable, which increases emissions. All of these factors contribute to Elon Musk’s view that electric batteries and renewable biomass fuel cells are a better option than hydrogen fuel cells.
Cost Benefits of Abandoning Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Abandoning hydrogen fuel cells would likely lead to a lower cost of energy production compared to other sources, due to the greater efficiency of electric batteries. This reduction in cost would make it more affordable for individuals and businesses alike.
Furthermore, increased adoption of renewable energy sources would reduce emissions from sources such as cars, factories, and other sources. This would potentially help to mitigate climate change and improve public health and safety.
Conclusion of Elon Musk’s Stance
Elon Musk’s stand against hydrogen fuel cells is clear. His arguments are valid and compelling, and he believes that electric batteries and renewable biomass fuel cells offer a more viable and sustainable option.
In addition, abandoning hydrogen fuel cells could lead to a significant reduction in cost, as well as an improvement in public health and safety. Furthermore, an increased adoption of renewable energy sources could have a significant impact on mitigating climate change.
