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PERSPECTIVE: HYDROGEN ECONOMY IN UKRAINE Print
Tuesday, 10 January 2012

Due to the growing demand for energy resources, the exhaustion of fossil fuels and the increasing level of pollution many countries head for the development of hydrogen economy in order to provide environmentally friendly fuel and power supply.

Here are the main advantages of hydrogen technologies: they are eco-friendly, the required resource base is practically inexhaustible, they can be applied in different spheres - energy, transport, power supply for electronic devices, etc. However, at the moment hydrogen technologies are not quality and efficient enough to replace traditional energy sources and traditional fuels.

In Ukraine, the research into hydrogen technologies is still in its infancy, despite the fact that a lot of scientific institutions are engaged in these protracted studies. It must be noted that successful development of hydrogen technologies would enable to rationally use Ukraine's energy resources (including alternative energy resources), to diversify energy sources, to achieve energy independence, to stop environmental degradation.
To achieve this purpose it is suggested for research institutions to collaborate under the aegis of National Academy of Sciences, and to create an effective plan of action involving both public and private investment for its implementation. Besides, it is suggested to use the deposits of zirconium ore and rare earth elements and to involve the related branches of industry for production of fuel cells and other components of hydrogen systems. It is suggested to provide these enterprises and scientific research institutions with initial tax relief and other support. It is also suggested to take every opportunity to produce hydrogen in Ukraine.

Using hydrogen fuel is very promising, and heading for hydrogen economy would enable to develop energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. The research activities must start right away to keep up the pace of global energy revolution. This would allow Ukraine to take its place among the advanced countries in the distribution and usage of hydrogen technologies instead of using outdated and inefficient technologies.

 
Some facts about hydrogen Print
Saturday, 10 January 2009

Key Hydrogen Messages: Quick-Reference

Increased use of hydrogen as a fuel can provide benefits to energy security, the environment and economic growth.
a. Hydrogen can benefit energy security through energy diversification as it can be produced from a variety of primary energy sources, including renewables. For this reason, hydrogen can be an alternative to oil.
b. Hydrogen can benefit the environment because it can be produced and used in ways that improve health-related air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
c. Hydrogen can contribute to economic growth through job development, investment opportunities, and the creation of a sustainable, secure energy supply.

Hydrogen fuel cell car in London

Zero-tailpipe-emission Mercedes Fuel cell car in London. Image from speedace.info 

 
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