Dr. Venki Raman
President
Protium Energy Technologies
Orefield, Pennsylvania

 ABSTRACT

Current energy policy attempts to accelerate the development of new energy sources as alternatives to fossil energy sources (coal, oil, natural gas etc.) via a disparate set of R&D as well as production subsidies and tax incentives. Included in these alternatives are renewable energy (RE) sources (e.g. solar, wind, geothermal, biomass etc.) and hydrogen (which is not an energy source but a clean energy carrier). What is not often adequately understood or considered in the strategic development of these alternative energy technologies is the vital linkage between these technologies, the diligent pursuit of which will ensure their success in the marketplace. Moreover the public has little or no appreciation of the complementary nature of RE sources and hydrogen as a clean carrier.

The author who has a rich heritage in the hydrogen energy field and who now also consults in the broader renewable energy arena has first hand experience of the challenges involved in bridging the chasm between the two and the critical need for integration of hydrogen and renewable energy (RE) strategies from commercial and policy perspectives. Current policy considerations in the U.S. are heavily weighted in favor of producing liquid automotive fuels from biomass wastes and crops (BTL). Hydrogen is largely an after thought in most discussions of alternate fuels.

This paper will present an overview of the current circumstances surrounding RE and hydrogen energy developmental technologies; illustrate the vital links between these technologies; and why they should be linked closely in any policy considerations to assure their success.