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Solar Hydrogen Fuel Pumps at Gas Stations (Italy)

inhabitat.com -- By Timon Singh

Clean energy company Acta has unveiled plans to install a network of solar-powered hydrogen fueling stations throughout Italy. The new fuel pumps will harness solar energy to produce hydrogen fuel from water through electrolysis.

"...they offer an alternative to the standard gas-guzzling automobile."

Hydrogen technology has certain advantages over batteries — it doesn’t necessitate emission-creating production lines and it doesn’t require long recharge times. The tech has proved that it can work in conjunction with batteries and that it can also become a fully-fledged alternative fuel.

"...completed more than 170 installations during 2009,...paving the way for a more sustainable fueling network."

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Submitted Aug 31, 2010 By: UncleCurt

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six_ball_man Champion Author Rochester Posts:6,197 Points:953,865 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Sep 9, 2010 1:20:20 AM Ignore six_ball_man Report Abuse JeffaKnight wrote: At least at a proper plant you can expect regular inspections and certification. Yeah...just like they do with oil rigs.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,259 Points:1,141,225 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 1, 2010 3:29:34 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse Dosequi: some fleet cars have been H2-powered for a long time.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,259 Points:1,141,225 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 1, 2010 3:28:27 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse prcoqui: guess what... computers when they first came out were about 10 and more times as costly as they are today. And a lot bigger and bulkier. And cell phones.. same thing.. they used to come in carrying bags and weigh a half ton. Now, you barely even can find it they're so light and you can talk on the phone and surf the web on the new ones. Computers... obsolete in 5 or 10 years. Same will eventually happen with fossil fuel powered cars. And hydrogen and other alternatives are the way to go. Just because the US is dragging the collective heavy derriere doesn't make it bad when other countries are leading the charge.
prcoqui Champion Author Maryland Posts:2,250 Points:1,324,140 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Sep 1, 2010 3:14:50 AM Ignore prcoqui Report Abuse Those cars are even more expensive than the hybrids or plug in.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,259 Points:1,141,225 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 1, 2010 3:11:42 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse those who whine "same old crap" - there's nothing that says you MUST post and show how much you are Ameri-centric with big ol' blinders on.
TRAIN RIDER Champion Author San Bernardino Posts:6,763 Points:2,297,910 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 10:27:52 PM Ignore TRAIN RIDER Report Abuse THEY MUST HAVE HYDROGEN FUEL CELL CARS IN ITALY.
DosEquis26 Champion Author Chicago Posts:3,758 Points:1,541,590 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:53:21 PM Ignore DosEquis26 Report Abuse what cars can run on this?
2fast4uFL Rookie Author Florida Posts:54 Points:44,680 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:52:18 PM Ignore 2fast4uFL Report Abuse Reliability is important and new technology can be risky business so yeah they'll most likely have to have a mixture or at least a backup fuel source.
panama303 All-Star Author Denver Posts:790 Points:267,020 Joined:Jan 2005	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:51:35 PM Ignore panama303 Report Abuse yawn...
Quick68 Champion Author Columbus Posts:4,832 Points:757,825 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:49:22 PM Ignore Quick68 Report Abuse Turn the page please. This is old news.
RENEGADEGAS Champion Author Missouri Posts:12,049 Points:1,126,105 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:47:30 PM Ignore RENEGADEGAS Report Abuse inhabitat.com....Of course this is a real reputable news source. Please.
ashishpa All-Star Author St. Louis Posts:951 Points:217,540 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:46:25 PM Ignore ashishpa Report Abuse sounds interesting... Europe is always ahead in alternative technologies...
Bubba44612 Champion Author Ohio Posts:5,178 Points:1,419,995 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:45:07 PM Ignore Bubba44612 Report Abuse It just isn't getting here fast enough.
Number43 Champion Author Lexington Posts:6,292 Points:1,189,880 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:37:45 PM Ignore Number43 Report Abuse Same old crap from yesterday.
ThatHunt Champion Author Dallas Posts:4,487 Points:1,627,290 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:33:25 PM Ignore ThatHunt Report Abuse Europe always ahead
Rageagainsttm Champion Author Tampa Posts:6,004 Points:1,446,120 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:31:35 PM Ignore Rageagainsttm Report Abuse That's not on my way to work so I'll Pass.
Buddy2264 Champion Author Tampa Posts:9,253 Points:1,892,465 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:30:04 PM Ignore Buddy2264 Report Abuse I am all new alternatives that are renewable and save the environment. There will have to be a mixture to make it all work. Conservation keeps your money in your pocket.
kyrunner Champion Author Lexington Posts:6,588 Points:1,232,090 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:29:58 PM Ignore kyrunner Report Abuse I wonder how well this system works in cold climates?
JettaKnight Champion Author Toronto Posts:1,355 Points:1,711,560 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:23:23 PM Ignore JettaKnight Report Abuse HEBster Kentucky "Wish fuel cells made more sense..." Lots of city busses all over the U.S. & Canada use hydrogen fuel cells. The tanks are on the roof. They provide the busses with lots of power so that they operate just like any other diesel powered bus, but without the dense particulate exhaust (black smoke) coming out the pipes. Great in rush hour, especially for anyone outside of the vehicles.
camel1 Champion Author Minnesota Posts:6,045 Points:1,815,440 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:21:01 PM Ignore camel1 Report Abuse Manufacturing process sounds good. is it sustainable in all climates?
tedjm1 Champion Author New York Posts:3,535 Points:388,610 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:20:49 PM Ignore tedjm1 Report Abuse Let's see how this works out. Owners will want to give their opinions on the cars & charging.
Bus561 Champion Author Lexington Posts:14,071 Points:2,752,030 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:18:39 PM Ignore Bus561 Report Abuse This sounds better than electric cars and a whole lot more reliable.
TBONE3 Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:6,383 Points:1,509,670 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:16:35 PM Ignore TBONE3 Report Abuse Sounds interesting but how reliable. Probably not at all here in the US.
LoneGuy Champion Author Lansing Posts:6,143 Points:1,855,705 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:15:46 PM Ignore LoneGuy Report Abuse I don't think the US is going in this direction yet. We need a direction rather than throwing money everywhere.
Blue_Cruzer Champion Author Lexington Posts:5,147 Points:1,201,650 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:15:11 PM Ignore Blue_Cruzer Report Abuse It will be interesting to see what alternate fuel system dominates.
JettaKnight Champion Author Toronto Posts:1,355 Points:1,711,560 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:14:39 PM Ignore JettaKnight Report Abuse NHLiveFree New Hampshire "Now THIS is THE way to go!!! In the next 5 to 10 years, we could easily generate our own hydrogen in very simple electrolysis stations at home. That's why all the present large corporations and utilities don't like or want this to be part of our energy future!" True. People COULD make it at home. Solar or wind power would be the best renewable sources of free energy to do it, otherwise watch your electric bill skyrocket because electrolysis is an inefficient method. (Use a rain barrel for free water, or the utilities will increase water rates too.) The bigger problem with home processing to get hydrogen would be (possibly) millions of idiots processing, transferring & storing hydrogen gas in substandard containers or ignoring other safety standards & laws. Get to know your neighbours. Would YOU want any of THEM processsing, transferring & storing explosives near YOUR home? At least at a proper plant you can expect regular inspections and certification.
zeddieiv Champion Author Columbia Posts:5,651 Points:1,490,920 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:13:17 PM Ignore zeddieiv Report Abuse nIMBY, not in my back yard
BlueVanGroup Champion Author Colorado Posts:4,781 Points:1,069,325 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:11:51 PM Ignore BlueVanGroup Report Abuse Makes sense. I'm concerned here that the environmentalists would soon start denouncing how much water we use for our cars, though.
Panama Red Champion Author San Diego Posts:8,737 Points:2,042,015 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:11:10 PM Ignore Panama Red Report Abuse Can't get much cleaner than solar combined with hydrogen.
HEBster Champion Author Kentucky Posts:6,474 Points:1,915,715 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:10:47 PM Ignore HEBster Report Abuse Wish fuel cells made more sense...
Toppers Champion Author Atlanta Posts:6,673 Points:2,006,475 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:07:45 PM Ignore Toppers Report Abuse Now there's a combo of clean energy...
CobraLeader Champion Author New Jersey Posts:267,902 Points:1,200,750 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:06:50 PM Ignore CobraLeader Report Abuse ... Isn't hydrogen explosive if near a flame? ...
lolite All-Star Author San Diego Posts:813 Points:415,890 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 9:00:01 PM Ignore lolite Report Abuse it all good
JettaKnight Champion Author Toronto Posts:1,355 Points:1,711,560 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:59:37 PM Ignore JettaKnight Report Abuse jimsin630 Chicago "The problem usually comes down to environmentalists, and those that don't want a hydrogen storeage station closer than 80 miles from anyone because it might be made to explode somehow" Real environmentalists would most likely approve of hydrogen stations since H2 is a MUCH safer fuel than gasoline, natural gas or propane. The biggest gas explosion in the U.S. happened in New Jersey when a natural gas line ruptured & ignited. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edison,_New_Jersey_natural_gas_explosion Propane explosions are still too common, often at licensed transfer stations where employees SHOULD know better. Hydrogen doesn't accumulate in a puddle & burn like gasoline.
danreino Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:6,275 Points:1,143,170 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:58:19 PM Ignore danreino Report Abuse Far Cry from Rush (the band) says it all about mideast oil.
civicdutie Champion Author Rochester Posts:3,010 Points:611,275 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:50:32 PM Ignore civicdutie Report Abuse At almost $8.00 a gallon for regular gas, It comes as no surprise that Italy has pushed alternative fuel faster than here in the USA.
TFowler513 Champion Author Memphis Posts:2,582 Points:977,135 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:47:17 PM Ignore TFowler513 Report Abuse PERFECT!!! Now there is something else we could import!!!
NHLiveFree Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:7,205 Points:1,170,885 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:42:30 PM Ignore NHLiveFree Report Abuse Now THIS is THE way to go!!! In the next 5 to 10 years, we could easily generate our own hydrogen in very simple electrolysis stations at home. That's why all the present large corporations and utilities don't like or want this to be part of our energy future!
AKmailman Champion Author Alaska Posts:3,298 Points:1,099,495 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:37:45 PM Ignore AKmailman Report Abuse so where are the cars that run on hydrogen fuel ?
OGW Champion Author London Posts:3,342 Points:1,112,955 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:36:20 PM Ignore OGW Report Abuse All hydrogen beats electric powered vehicles.
beachbumCA Champion Author Riverside Posts:10,459 Points:1,206,350 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:32:07 PM Ignore beachbumCA Report Abuse Lets see the real world.
RioGrandFuel Rookie Author Rio Grande Valley Posts:57 Points:164,090 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:23:49 PM Ignore RioGrandFuel Report Abuse I believe it would be better for electric cars if you are able to plug in while shopping.
Phynque Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:15,682 Points:2,458,560 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:23:22 PM Ignore Phynque Report Abuse "---EVBuddy Champion Author Nevada Posts:11,683 Points:2,055,260 Joined:Sep 2004 Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 10:03:01 PM Ignore EVBuddy Report Abuse Hydrogen is flamable, sounds like a mistake---" Well, GASOLINE is flamable too.... was that a mistake?
divebomber Champion Author Nebraska Posts:3,709 Points:1,344,340 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:19:30 PM Ignore divebomber Report Abuse We'll seeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...................!
bby Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:3,594 Points:603,545 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:16:29 PM Ignore bby Report Abuse whatever...
Vette1967 Champion Author Albany Posts:3,649 Points:814,875 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:16:06 PM Ignore Vette1967 Report Abuse There is greater incentive to seek out alternate fuels, especially in Europe, where the price of gasoline is so high. Hopefully we can learn from the Italians success.
abcdMA Champion Author Worcester Posts:5,619 Points:1,114,250 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:15:06 PM Ignore abcdMA Report Abuse solar is becoming a better option
Lukus Champion Author Halifax Posts:6,021 Points:1,216,385 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:11:55 PM Ignore Lukus Report Abuse A lot of new uses for Solar.
EVBuddy Champion Author Nevada Posts:14,333 Points:2,567,565 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:03:01 PM Ignore EVBuddy Report Abuse Hydrogen is flamable, sounds like a mistake
BrucePen Champion Author Ontario Posts:4,665 Points:975,480 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 8:01:13 PM Ignore BrucePen Report Abuse Great News