The purpose of this report is to present an analysis on the viability of hydrogen technology becoming a factor in the US fuel economy, specifically pertaining to how it would affect gasoline consumption. By providing a background on energy consumption, natural resource limitations, and the current lack of alternative energy media, this paper shows that the US must be prepared for the point in time when it is forced to turn to alternative energy sources when fossil fuels become scarce. After discussing the faults of many alternative energy technologies, this paper addresses the potential benefits and shortcomings of hydrogen use as a fuel source. The conclusion clearly explains that the hydrogen economy in the US will not make for a feasible alternative to gasoline.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Brown, Peter Anthony
• Sullivan, Paul Francis

Subject

• Energy
• Industry
• Community
• Sustainability

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-052709-101448

Keyword

• Sustainability
• Renewable energy sources
• Energy conservation
• Fuel cells

Advisor

• Thompson, Robert W.

Year

• 2009

Date created

• 2009-05-27

Location

• Worcester

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright