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the question I'm replying to was about why the need for fuels at all, not specifically Hydrogen. I'm not big on hydrogen. I like the ideas around ammonia base

the question I'm replying to was about why the need for fuels at all, not specifically Hydrogen. I'm not big on hydrogen. I like the ideas around ammonia based fuels. Biofuels have other environmental costs that concern some people. Synthetic fuels could serve a purpose, but yes energy cost has to be really low for that to make sense. But they might be the only viable option in some cases. Obviously costs change the demand side of the equation - it may be that we wind up with very expensive airfare, and have a lot more somewhat slower modes (say high-speed rail) that can more easily use the cheaper energy forms.

_aavaa_ 3y ago
Ammonia based fuels are only pushed by people who don’t have to work with ammonia. It’s being pushed for ships. If anyone is insane enough to try it, there will be a lot of blood on their hands after the first accident. That biofuels have costs that concern people is letting perfect be the enemy of the good. Any of the synthetic fuels or hydrogen options require an incredible amount of energy. Energy that could have been available to decarbonize the grid, or energy that could have been used for making clean water or any other pressing issues. The thing is, those costs are more hidden.