Hydrogen from Coal — An Even Better Idea Today

In the summer of 2006, we released a story about the need for projects like FutureGen to produce hydrogen from coal. At the time, oil was pushing $80 per barrel (a record back then) and we thought it was important for Americans to understand that coal can be used (cleanly, I might add) for more than just producing electricity.

Today as I was scanning the news, I saw that oil topped $100 per barrel. Looking back at our old spot, I’m proud of how we got the message so right two years ago.

We need to change our way of thinking if we want to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Knowing that technology will allow us to use coal to produce electricity, capture and safely store carbon, AND produce hydrogen for things like hydrogen fuel cells is more relevant now than ever.

For those people who still have not made their New Year’s resolution, allow me to make one for you: view our story from two years ago and then raise your right hand and say, “In 2008, I resolve to start thinking about how American coal can be used cleanly (and in ways that I never imagined) to make us energy independent.”

Here’s wishing everyone a happy New Year!