There was a panel discussion at this week's SAE Congress that I couldn't pass up. Titled "Fuel Cell Vehicle Panel: Challenges Remaining for Commercialization," the session was a bit of a brainstorm on just how we might one day drive hydrogen-fueled cars with some of the people who are working quite diligently on the problem today. The panel featured Dr. Massimo Venturi, CTO of NuCellsys GmbH, Germany, Dr. Kev Adjemian, senior principle engineer, Nissan Fuel Cell Laboratory, Michigan, and Dr. James Miller, director, Electrochemical Technology Program, Argonne National Lab (for DOE), Fuel Cell Laboratory, Chicago. The three spoke and answered questions for about 30 minutes. Needless to say, the big problems weren't solved in this half hour, but it was enlightening to hear from another industry panel where things stand today regarding the automobile and the hydrogen economy. Considering that the public's perception of hydrogen fuel is currently defined (for many) as the Hindenberg explosion, there are more than just technological issues to deal with.

Because of the nature of the SAE Congress, I did not have permission to post the audio of this panel. Instead, I've detailed some of what was said and given a few of my own thoughts after the break.

GM isn't the only one ready for a lot of hydrogen fuel cell cars. Daimler chairman Dieter "Dr. Z" Zetsche believes that the technology for fuel cell vehicles is here today and that vehicles using the hydrogen-for-energy system will be available in five to eight years time. Zetsche also believes that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will compare favorably with their competition, which we assume means other alternative powertrains like full-electrics and hybrids. One reason he cites as a fuel cell benefit over electric cars is range, suggesting that hydrogen electrics could travel 300 miles on a single tank of hydrogen. One unanswered question, though, is how far will pure electrics be able to go on a single charge in five to eight years time. Still, by refilling a hydrogen tank, the driver gets another 300 miles while it will likely take another full charge for the electric car. Zetsche recognizes that a potential problem area exists regarding the infrastructure that a hydrogen fueling system would require. We remain intrigued by the technology, but recognize that major advancements must be made before jumping on the fuel cell bandwagon. We also believe that other extended-range electric vehicle technologies will allow for many of the same benefits as hydrogen fuel cells.

[Source: Just-Auto (sub. req'd.)]

Any future version of the "hydrogen economy," if such a thing ever exists at all, will require massive amounts of technology which has either not yet been invented or needs much more refinement. If you are interested in knowing more about these upcoming technologies, including hydrogen-powered cars, maybe you should check out the 2008 Hydrogen Expo in Sacramento, California. The event started today and will continue through April first (Tuesday). Besides seeing exciting technology such as a fuel cell powered blender and a cybercafe running on fuel cell power, you might be able to drive one of fifteen available hydrogen powered cars. If you're in the area, this event may be worth checking out to see in person some of the cool concept vehicles that you read about on these very pages. Feel free to send us some pictures if you go.

[Source: 2008 Hydrogen Expo]

According to Ecoticias (in Spanish), Iceland opened the world's first hydrogen fuelling station for a bus fleet four years ago. Icelandic New Energy, the owner of the station, has decided that from now on, the station will be open for everybody who wants to fill up any hydrogen-fuelled vehicle.

New Energy's plans for hydrogen are backed up by Iceland's government, which aims to have 40 percent of the vehicles running on the streets of Reykjavík to be hydrogen-powered by 2009. The plan goes even further: Iceland aims for be a fossil fuel-free country by 2050.

The good thing is that the availability of geothermal and hydroelectric resources in the country is so good that Iceland can produce hydrogen from non-polluting sources.

Related:

• How perfect does Iceland's Driving Sustainability '07 conference sound?
• Quantum to deliver 10 hydrogen-fueled vehicles to Iceland
• Iceland taking a serious look at hydrogen

[Source: Ecoticias]