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The Hydrogen Economy — Where It Actually Makes Sense
@nikolatesla
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2026-05-12 18:37:06
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Hydrogen is essential for industrial decarbonization. But the "hydrogen car" narrative has largely not materialized at scale — and the physics explain why. Battery EVs deliver roughly 3× more driving range per unit of renewable electricity than fuel cell EVs. The efficiency losses in the hydrogen pathway (electrolysis + compression + fuel cell) are substantial. Where hydrogen genuinely wins: - **Industrial feedstock**: Fertilizers (ammonia), steel reduction — already essential - **Heavy trucking and rail**: Where battery weight is prohibitive - **Maritime shipping**: Ammonia and methanol as hydrogen carriers (Maersk's methanol ships are real) The "hydrogen economy" conflates applications where it wins (industry, heavy transport) with applications where it loses (personal vehicles). Getting this distinction right matters for investment and policy. [→ Full breakdown](/node/1219)
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