Tomorrow's Energy: Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and the Prospects for a Cleaner Planet

by Peter Hoffmann, Tom Harkin (Foreword by)

Hydrogen is the quintessential eco-fuel. This invisible, tasteless gas is the most abundant element in the universe. It is the basic building block and fuel of stars and an essential raw material in innumerable biological and chemical processes. As a completely nonpolluting fuel, it may hold the answer to growing environmental concerns about atmospheric accumulation of carbon dioxide and the resultant Greenhouse Effect. In this book Peter Hoffmann describes current research toward a hydrogen-based economy. He presents the history of hydrogen energy and discusses the environmental dangers of continued dependence on fossil fuels. Hydrogen is not an energy source but a carrier that, like electricity, must be manufactured. Today hydrogen is manufactured by "decarbonizing" fossil fuels. In the future it will be derived from water and solar energy and perhaps from "cleaner" versions of nuclear energy. Because it can be made by a variety of methods, Hoffmann argues, it can be easily adapted by different countries and economies. Hoffmann acknowledges the social, political, and economic difficulties in replacing current energy systems with an entirely new one. Although the process of converting to a hydrogen-based economy would be complex, he demonstrates that the environmental and health benefits would far outweigh the costs.

Genres: Science, Sustainability, Nonfiction

301 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

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Reviews

[Glenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Explains how hydrogen works and what it could do, but doesn't go into the problems associated with it so much (such as storing it).

[Erik Petushi · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in all, it was a very detailed book with plenty of different outlooks on Hydrogen Fuel Cells. Hoffmann is obviously very well educated on this topic and the different methods of application. His claims and writing were backed up by seemingly very trustworthy sources. If one wanted to educate themselves on hydrogen fuel cells, applications of them in different sectors of technologies, and their effects on environmental factors, this is an extremely sufficient book. Furthermore, it was not only the content that was exceptional but the way of presentation as well. Hoffmann offers his views and evidence in an objective manner. He allows readers to make decisions on their own using his work, not forcing it upon them. This, I feel is the correct way to present a book regarding environmentalist ideas.
The reason this review isn't a five-star is that I felt he should have included a more sufficient counterargument and response. For a book to present a solution to a problem (in this case alternative energy), it needs to present prior skepticism and respond to it. Hoffmann presented his views as if they had no flaws in which is not true. Doing some minor research, many have differing views and offer their reasons as to why Hydrogen fuel cells are not the future. Hoffmann should have given a stronger response to them, in my opinion.

[Aiden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, Peter Hoffmann's intellectual dive in on Hydrogen Fuel cells was very informative and well written. I thought that he was able to organize his thoughts in each chapters was very well done and included more than plenty information on each application of Hydrogen. I found the use of quotes to introduce a topic or better explain an idea already presented very useful in the process of understanding the written word My only two complaints about the book are that it was harder to follow sometimes as some of the concepts fell outside a beginners knowledge of the different types energy, and that the pacing in certain parts of the book was off. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the concepts of Hydrogen fuel cells but would also suggest that they get some background knowledge on different types of primary sources of energy and how they work with secondary energy. However, despite these grievances Hoffmann delivered a well written and informative book about the future of Hydrogen fuel cells and the future of clean energy.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well studied and well written, the grand history of generations of hydrogen research and hydrogen mass implementation struggle. so many failures, setbacks, fading to oblivion, getting nowhere, etc. but still going on.Not like many other kind of books with the author having a biased and cheerleading mindset and using examples which just supports his /her idea, without mentioning or intentionally eliminating the final dead end of the quoted examples in its final shapes, Mr. Peter Hoffmann's quite objective, but also effective, not by misleading or say luring you into a believer, but by show you the whole picture, including the failed struggles and setbacks, thus give you a much clear and down to earth view about Hydrogen. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who interested in hydrogen or general sustainability and energy issues.

[Paul Varner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost every developed country has a "Hydrogen Highway" where hydrogen powered cars can travel and be filled at hydrogen fueling stations. This will get more attention since the 2010 gulf oil disaster. Norway has the largest and most advanced, I think. California has one. Honda has 100-200 Acord-size prototype cars running in Calif.

Somewhat technical for the non engineer, but to me the generation of Hydrogen from solar and wind power helps answer the "storage" problem associated with these two big future clean electric generating sources.

[Mickey Somsanith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introductory read to tomorrow's energy decision. It gives you a pretty good idea of what can be done to move away from a fossil-fuel based society. Very informative, and the ideas that are out there are very creative. Also, if you're an investor like me, it'll help you understand the new technologies and their limitations. It's very good for all the environmentalists out there.

[gargravarr · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're interested in alternative fuels, give it a go.

[Roger Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of cool concepts in here. Worth a read.