This letter responds to the article “Shell Oil executive outlines 12-point energy plan” (OGJ, Mar. 10, 2008, p. 35).
Step 8 of Shell’s 12-point program in the referenced article is “Developing a hydrogen fleet and fueling infrastructure.” Shell’s statement is made without any reference to the source of molecular hydrogen, H2, for vehicle fuel. H2 is not found significantly in nature; therefore, it must be manufactured by very energy-intensive processes. H2 production involves unburning water. That fact means it is necessary to input energy into H2 manufacture. That input energy is subsequently made available when the H2 is used to power a vehicle.
Water can be unburned with electricity by electrolysis for H2 production, but today most hydrogen is manufactured by the reaction of water at high temperatures with the carbon and hydrogen contained in fossil fuels, although biomass could also be reacted with water for H2 production. Domestic coal could be used for H2 production and reduce our dependence on imported petroleum and natural gas. The resulting coproduced CO2 from H2 manufacture could be sequestered in geologic formations, if desired.
A better use for manufactured H2 is to upgrade heavy oil and residues plus distillates containing sulfur and nitrogen into transportation fuels. In this manner, one pound of hydrogen would provide considerable amounts of specification transportation fuels using proven, large-scale processes. These fuels would enter the present fueling infrastructure and not require a new infrastructure that would be necessary for retail distribution of H2.
Shell scientists and engineers certainly understand the above circumstances concerning H2 and much more. It is a great disservice for the public formulation of our nation’s long-term energy policies for Shell and other oil companies’ PR personnel to make public pacifying, simplistic statements, as per the example of their Step 8—“Developing a hydrogen fleet and fueling infrastructure.”
Harry W. Parker, PhD
Lake Jackson, Tex.
Professor of chemical engineering, emeritus
Texas Tech University