Hydrogen power has long been hailed for its potential to revolutionize transportation, and yet, widespread adoption of the clean fuel still feels like some sort of distant dream that we’re not getting closer to. Now some proponents insist that this magical-seeming alternative fuel is ready for prime time. To illustrate why let’s look to the warm shores of Hawaii.
In the coming months, a hydrogen-powered shuttle bus will be integrated into the Hawaii County public transit fleet. By summer, an electrified Ford F-550 equipped with a fuel cell should be transporting citizens up and down the hills of the Big Island. So, why is Hawaii a perfect place for hydrogen-powered transportation? The answer lies on the rooftops of Hawaiian homes.
You see, the massive penetration of rooftop solar means that upwards of 30 percent (some days far more) of Hawaii’s electricity already comes from renewables. Utility-scale projects, including wind and hydropower farms, are generating yet more clean power. That’s led to an embarrassment of riches: Hawaiian Electric now draws too much solar on many days and is often forced to curtail it at times when the sun is shining and the energy consumption is low. But that excess solar could be used to produce hydrogen and containerized for later use by vehicles, allowing for hydrogen power to be generated in a truly green way.
Although we must be careful with putting too much hope into Hawaii’s hydrogen bus project, it does seem as if the stars are finally aligning for hydrogen power.
