What is Hydrogen?

Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant chemical element on earth. It is a colorless, odorless gas that is highly flammable and produces a nearly invisible flame which can result in accidental burns. Pure hydrogen produces very little pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, as such, hydrogen, as a liquid, is of strategic importance for use in the aerospace industry. NASA uses hydrogen as a vital component in rocket fuel which propels space shuttles into space. Hydrogen fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, heat and water. Unlike a regular battery, a hydrogen fuel cell can produce a charge as long as hydrogen is provided. As such, hydrogen has been looked to as a replacement for current hydrocarbon based fuel (oil, gas, coal) for use as heat and electricity sources. Hydrogen is also being aggressively explored as a clean energy option to power electric or internal combustion motors. Unfortunately, the technologies that exist are still too expensive to be an economically viable source of energy.