While electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity as a cleaner alternative to traditional cars, the potential of hydrogen as a future energy source should not be overlooked, according to national oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc. The company, in collaboration with Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., plans to domestically produce EVs this year. Additionally, PTT is working with other firms to develop hydrogen fuel.
Developing hydrogen fuel on a commercial scale for the automotive industry is not without its challenges. Japanese automakers have long been researching hydrogen fuel, but PTT’s chief of new business and infrastructure, Buranin Rattanasombat, acknowledges that batteries are currently the better choice for cars. However, he emphasizes that hydrogen is still important, as it has proven successful in large vehicles like trucks and buses, as well as in certain factories.
Green hydrogen, derived from renewable energy, is the ideal choice for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, although it is more expensive to produce. In some cases, countries may initially opt for grey hydrogen, derived from natural gas, as a stepping stone towards a hydrogen-based economy. While it generates fewer emissions than coal, it is not the most sustainable option.
One of the reasons Japanese firms are interested in hydrogen fuel is that it requires fewer changes to oil-powered engine technology compared to electric mobility technology. By investing in hydrogen, these companies are hedging their bets and ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancements.
In conclusion, while batteries remain the primary choice for electric vehicles, the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source should not be overlooked. With ongoing developments in hydrogen fuel production and infrastructure, it may play a significant role in reducing air pollution and promoting sustainable mobility in the future.
FAQ Section:
1. What is the potential of hydrogen as a future energy source?
According to PTT Plc, hydrogen has the potential to be a clean energy source for the future. It has proven successful in large vehicles like trucks and buses, as well as in certain factories.
2. Why is hydrogen still important despite batteries being currently better for cars?
While batteries are currently the better choice for cars, hydrogen is important because it has proven successful in large vehicles like trucks and buses, as well as in certain factories. It also requires fewer changes to oil-powered engine technology compared to electric mobility technology.
3. What is the difference between green hydrogen and grey hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is derived from renewable energy sources and is considered the ideal choice for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. However, it is more expensive to produce. On the other hand, grey hydrogen is derived from natural gas and is a stepping stone towards a hydrogen-based economy, but it is not the most sustainable option.
4. Why are Japanese firms interested in hydrogen fuel?
Japanese firms are interested in hydrogen fuel because it requires fewer changes to oil-powered engine technology compared to electric mobility technology. By investing in hydrogen, these companies are hedging their bets and ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancements.
5. Are batteries still the primary choice for electric vehicles?
Yes, batteries remain the primary choice for electric vehicles. However, the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source should not be overlooked, and ongoing developments in hydrogen fuel production and infrastructure may play a significant role in reducing air pollution and promoting sustainable mobility in the future.
Definitions:
1. Electric Vehicles (EVs) – Vehicles that are powered by an electric motor and battery pack instead of internal combustion engines, resulting in zero tailpipe emissions.
2. Hydrogen Fuel – A type of fuel that is produced through the chemical reaction of hydrogen gas with oxygen in a fuel cell, resulting in the generation of electricity.
3. Grey Hydrogen – Hydrogen fuel derived from natural gas, which is a stepping stone towards a hydrogen-based economy but not the most sustainable option.
4. Green Hydrogen – Hydrogen fuel derived from renewable energy sources, which is the ideal choice for reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
5. Carbon Dioxide Emissions – The release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change and global warming.
Suggested related links:
– PTT Plc
– Hon Hai Precision Industry Co.
– Electric Vehicles on Wikipedia
– Hydrogen Fuel on Wikipedia