Jinn of Quality and Risk

Vaclav Smil: one small benefit of the current interest in [fuel cells] is that even many scientifically illiterate enthusiasts now realize that hydrogen is not an energy source, merely an energy carrier. Unless we get some environmentally benign means of producing it by the electrolysis of water (that would require either exceedingly cheap photovoltaics or an entirely new generation of nuclear reactors) we would get it by using today's most practical method: steam reforming of natural gas. If you wonder how that would not lead to higher natural gas prices (and hence to higher oil prices as the two fuels are substitutable to a large degree) and how that would reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, you have to ask true hydrogen believers for an explanation. Smil also points out the much larger problem of the capital inertia inherent in the huge installed base of internal combustion engines, and the known short-term opportunities for further improvements in their efficiency and economy.

See also: Fuel economy [is a personal choice] (2002-Nov-26)
Hybrid cars are not economical [at these prices] (2002-Nov-26)
Hydrogen car prototype [breaks down] (2002-Oct-18)
When the oil runs out [by 2050 at the earliest] (2002-Oct-17)