Originally published March 23 2005
Germany to build series of hydrogen pumping stations
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Linde, a German energy company plans to create a network of hydrogen filling stations on German highways. The company intends to build 35 stations, connecting Germany's major cities, at a cost of 30 million Euros. The company hopes for participation and investment from private individuals, other companies, and government entities.
Linde's proposal to build 35 hydrogen pumps connecting Germany's major cities may be a long-term solution to increasing oil prices.
While the transition from petrol fuel to hydrogen will be neither easy nor cheap, many motorists are becoming intolerant to rising petrol prices.
Linde's plans for a hydrogen highway, while clearly welcome, are neither a simple nor immediate answer to prevailing high petrol prices.
The project requires a E30 million investment and its success is largely dependent on support from the automobile and energy industry, as well as - ideally - the government.
Currently, a fuel cell system burning hydrogen powerful enough to run a car would add approximately E75,000 to the vehicle's price; a surplus that few drivers can afford.
According to the BBC, two in every five German drivers plan to reduce their motoring due to petrol prices.
Motorists that are already taking active steps to reduce their spend on petrol are likely to appreciate the advantages, in the longer term, of an environmentally friendly fuel alternative.
For the hydrogen economy to work, the new infrastructure must be supported by sufficient demand.
But if motorists do not feel there are enough hydrogen stations to fill-up conveniently, the demand may never materialize - a 'chicken and egg' scenario.
Traditionally, fuel sales have been relatively insensitive to price, protected by the lack of any suitable alternatives, however Linde's plan to build a hydrogen highway is a welcome step towards an economy less dependent on petrol.
The transition from oil to hydrogen is not going to be easy but, as the issue of petrol price rises is not going to disappear, the time is right for companies to push their hydrogen initiatives.
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