What energy sources will power transport in the 21st century ?
Abstract
Following some reminders of the historical context, the author sets out a vision of the future
based on a range of possible solutions enabling energy needs in the transport sector to be met
over the course of the 21st century. In the case of road transport, it transpires that two broad types of response are feasible:
- the one currently fashionable, which calls for large-scale use of the new “winning combination” formed by hydrogen and fuel cells;
- the other, which has attracted little media attention, entails extensive use of synthetic hydrocarbons accompanied by a major penetration of electrical power in the form of rechargeable hybrid vehicles.
The thesis argued by the author is that the second option is likely to win out.
This view is based on an economic analysis highlighting the very substantial handicaps affecting the hydrogen option, which derive from thermodynamics, according to the author, and cannot be overcome by technological progress.
Origin : Files produced by the author(s)
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