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"Aspire
rather to be a hero than merely appear one." Introduction: While moving to alternative energy sources is a politically-charged proposition, the current reliance on fossil fuels is short-sighted. Electrical energy consumption is a major source of air pollutants, which return to the earth in the form of acid rain, which then contaminates the soil. We need a sustainable environmental policy, which requires a diversification of energy sources, and a move toward readily renewable energy such as wind, solar, and biomass generated power. The Paradox of Supply and Demand The age of hydrogen-generated electricity is near, but the development of a hydrogen infrastructure is kind of like the “chicken and the egg” scenario. Which comes first? Vehicle and equipment manufacturers are reluctant to develop hydrogen-powered engines until there is a real infrastructure to support it. Energy companies are reluctant to invest in infrastructure until there is a demand for the product. So where do we begin? We believe that an effective starting point exists in the agricultural and waste management industries. Both of these sectors have a predictable, repeatable, and known transportation and equipment variable. The vehicles and equipment work mostly on repeated short routes and predictable cycles. If the hydrogen is being produced on site, the current limitations on range of vehicle operation become irrelevant. With the creation of a viable infrastructure, manufacturers will want to invest in development of these vehicles. As a result, innovations will proliferate, due to competition for dominance in this potentially explosive growth industry. The electrolytic production of hydrogen is simple, and can be “wheeled” to other locations via the electrical infrastructure. Therefore, with relatively little cost to generate electricity, we can quickly develop a viable hydrogen distribution system. Here at Save The Planet Now, we are working to make
this concept a reality, by sponsoring clean energy projects such
as the BioMass to Hydrogen Project currently under development in
the City of Orlando, Orange County, Florida. During 2001, Orange
County, known for its tourist industry and Walt Disney World, was
rated as among the worst 20% of all counties in the U.S. in terms
of air releases, according to Scorecard.org.**
This makes it a prime target for implementing clean energy strategies.
For an overview of the BioMass to Hydrogen Project, read on . . . ** (Note: See how your community rates on this very useful site! The site gives a ranking status, and also tells who and what are the contributing factors!)
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