Hydrogen -- Farther away than we think

American Physical Society released a report on the federal government's hydrogen initiative. The recommendations of the panel report are:

Major scientific breakthroughs are required for the Hydrogen Initiative to succeed. Basic science must have greater emphasis both in planning and in the research program. The Hydrogen Technical Advisory Committee should include members who are deeply familiar with the core basic science problems.

“Bridge” technologies (such as hybrid vehicles & internal-combustion hydrogen engines) should be given greater attention.

The Hydrogen Initiative should not displace research into promising energy efficiency and renewable energy areas.

The complete report can be found here.

The critical recommendations are actually the last two which warn the federal program to pay closer attention to measures that can be taken in the short run to address the fuel consumption and the greenhouse gas emissions problem.