Annabel Hughes’ feature “Highlighting the merits of Hydrogen” last week raised a number of issues that need to be challenged in the interest of a better informed public and help us make decisions to reduce our “carbon footprint”. The article makes an apparently powerful case for the benefits of hydrogen, but unfortunately neglects to explain the origin of the hydrogen or the inefficiencies inherent in its deployment.

Currently the vast majority of hydrogen is manufactured from methane (natural gas) and CO2 is emitted as a by-product. Hydrogen manufactured in this way provides no benefit in reducing CO2 emissions compared to using natural gas in our home boilers. It is technically possible to store the CO2 underground, but this is currently an expensive and controversial process, though it may provide a solution in the future.

The alternative is to generate hydrogen by electrolysis (ie using electricity to split the hydrogen and oxygen molecules from water). Electrolysis first requires the generation of electricity, then around 30 per cent of the energy in the electricity is lost in the electrolysis process. The hydrogen then needs more energy to be compressed and transported and a further 40 to 50 per cent of the energy in hydrogen is lost converting it back to electricity.

Transport and the Environment, (a European NGO) in 2017 estimated energy losses along the fuel chain “windmill to wheel” and found an overall efficiency of only 22 per cent could be achieved for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, ie over 75 per cent of the electricity generated is lost. In contrast battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offered an efficiency of 73 per cent. In other words, we would need to generate three to four times as much electricity to drive on hydrogen as we do to drive on BEVs.

Charging overnight or at home is a realistic option for most residents in Monmouth who enjoy off street parking and Bridges Centre offers a fast charging point for those who can’t park off road. The network of charging points (look up ZAP Map on the internet) is adequate for the vehicles currently available especially as most people will charge their vehicles at home most of the time.

I purchased a three-year-old BEV two years ago and initially charged it from a three pin plug in my garage. We generally drive it in preference to our old diesel, which is now used very rarely. In the process I estimate we have saved at least £1,200 in fuel and other costs. Total lifetime costs for BEVs, particularly if you can claim for use in business, are now comparable to conventional vehicles.

The lesson for me is that if you are planning to change your vehicle, think about how you use your vehicle and then investigate the BEV options (see https://ev-database.uk), you may be surprised at the variety of both new and second-hand vehicles available. You can reduce your carbon footprint now and possibly save money as well.

Bob Handley (Monmouth)