All fuel production creates emissions, including greenhouse gases. Generally, emissions are associated with producing a fuel and using it in a vehicle (called the "well-to-wheels" cycle). Because hydrogen can be made using different methods and different sources, the well-to-wheels comparison is particularly important.
When producing hydrogen using electrolysis and renewable energy, the well-to-wheels emissions are zero. No pollutants, no greenhouse gases.
When producing hydrogen from natural gas—the most common method of making hydrogen today—the well-to-wheels emissions is between 40% and 60% less greenhouse gases than a gasoline car, and about 20% less than a hybrid. The FCV pollutants are zero.
When using grid electricity for electrolysis, the well-to-wheels emissions for CO2 and pollutants is higher than for a gasoline car. The emissions are, however, more easily controlled from a single source (the power plant) than from millions of cars.
California Fuel Cell Partnership members are committed to finding cost effective ways to produce hydrogen from renewable energy sources such as plant material, solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower. We will have even more zero-carbon transportation once green methods of production are commercially viable.
More resources:
Fact sheet from Energy Independence Now |
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