Hydrogen Energy

Paul Ekins, an environmental economist, joined the UCL Energy Institute, University College London, as Professor of Energy and Environment Policy in August 2009. He leads the Energy Systems theme of the UK Energy Research Centre and University College's involvement in large research consortia on Bioenergy and Hydrogen.

'This marvellous volume sets out how a transition to a hydrogen economy might come about. It will surely do much to hasten its arrival!' Professor Peter Edwards, University of Oxford, UK'This book brings a much needed critical perspective to the hydrogen debate. Unlike much of the hype around the 'hydrogen economy', the authors don't assume hydrogen is the answer - but ask what would be required for it to have a significant impact.' Jim Watson, Director, Sussex Energy Group and Co-leader, Tyndall Centre Climate and Energy Programme, University of Sussex, UK'How - and whether - hydrogen might contribute to a sustainable energy economy is one of the great imponderables of energy policy. The outcome depends on improving technological performance, lowering costs, gaining public acceptance and above all engineering systemic change. Don't look to this book - or any other book - for a prediction of the future. But if you want this complex problem untangled look no further. This book will tell you all you need to know about what we don't know.' Professor Jim Skea, Research Director, UK Energy Research Centre'From the Editor of Nature to the presenter of Top Gear, all believe that hydrogen as a widely used, secure and sustainable energy carrier is essential and inevitable. But hard challenges abound: this marvellous volume sets out how a transition to a hydrogen economy might come about. It will surely do much to hasten its arrival!' Professor Peter Edwards, University of Oxford, UK

• 1. Introduction and Overview 2. Innovation and Technological Change3. Hydrogen Technologies and Costs4. Hydrogen Markets: An Assessment of the Competitiveness of Fuel Cells5. Hydrogen Transitions: A Socio-Technical Scenarios Approach6. Hydrogen System Modelling 7. Hydrogen in Cities and Regions: An International Review8. Hydrogen in Vancouver: A Cluster of Innovation9. Hydrogen in the UK: Urban and Regional Drivers and Differences10. Hydrogen Risks: A Critical Analysis of Expert Knowledge and Expectations11. Public Attitudes to Hydrogen 12. Hydrogen and Public Policy: Conclusions and Recommendations Index