If this works, it's a game changer

Misconception 1: Hydrogen can only be used in a fuel cell

Reality: Fuel cells are great devices because they chemically convert hydrogen directly to electricity and water, which gives them high fuel efficiencies. But hydrogen is a fuel and can be burned in combustion engines designed for its use – both turbines and reciprocating engines – and can also be used to generate heat for industrial processes and even for home use. At ZEI we’ve cooked some fantastic steaks on our hydrogen barbecue!

Misconception 2: Hydrogen is too expensive

Reality: Hydrogen is a commodity in the industrial sector primarily used in refining crude oil and making ammonia for fertilizer, where it is made for around $1.50 per kilogram. Through a coincidence of energy and volume conversions this is roughly equivalent to paying $1.50 for a gallon of diesel. However, pressurizing or liquefying and then transporting the hydrogen to your boat from the hydrogen plant adds cost, and that is highly variable depending on how much you are purchasing at a time, how far you are from the plant, and other factors. We have seen prices of delivered hydrogen anywhere from around $5.50/kg to more than $30/kg. The good news is twofold: first, when using hydrogen in a fuel cell you only use about half of what you would in a diesel engine, meaning that $5.50/kg price is about equivalent to paying $2.75 for a gallon of diesel. Second, the cost of producing hydrogen from renewable energy is dropping rapidly as wind and solar power continues their price drops, and the cost of transporting hydrogen is also decreasing as the transportation network expands. The expectation is hydrogen will reach a stable cost of around $4.00-$5.00/kg within 10 years, which means that even for vessels placed into service today the total cost of ownership will end up being less than diesel-powered boats over the vessel’s life.

Misconception 3: Hydrogen is made from natural gas, so it’s not really zero emission

Reality: Emissions from any fuel come from two places: fuel production and fuel use. On the use side, hydrogen is always zero emission when used in a fuel cell, producing only water. If hydrogen is burned it also produces NOx. On the production side, hydrogen is primarily made from natural gas, and that process generates pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions. However, hydrogen can also be made by electrolyzing water, which is zero emission when the electricity comes from renewable sources. As mentioned above, it is expected that 100% renewable hydrogen will actually become less expensive than natural-gas produced hydrogen within the next 10 years, partly due to the economics of the production and partly due to policies which give credits to these green fuels.

Misconception 4: Hydrogen is not available near me

Reality: Hydrogen is produced all throughout North America, and can be transported anywhere on the continent. As mentioned above, the transportation aspect affects the cost, but rest assured that it can get to anywhere you are. And a second alternative is to make your own hydrogen at your dock. In some cases this can be more cost effective and with easier logistics than hydrogen delivery. This ability to generate your own vessel fuel and the energy independence that comes with that is unique to hydrogen. ...