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 Tracking
the Global Search For Clean Energy
by
Harold Shield
At the turn
of 2003, I wrote about Canada's decision to ratify the Kyoto
Protocol- an issue most Canadians have trouble understanding.
As boaters, we may be unfairly targeted as a polluting group
that must make sacrifices in order for Canada to achieve its
commitment of meeting a 30 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide
emissions.
Keep in mind, Kyoto is not about fighting
air pollution or acid rain. It's about the growing concentration
of greenhouse gases that trap heat and cause global warming.
While some of the problems arise from Mother Nature, such
as heat from the sun, volcanoes or continental shifts, the
real issue is the burning of fossil fuels.
Yes, gasoline that powers your boat adds to
the dilemma, even though boats don't burn as nearly as much
fuel as your automobile or home heating.
Sacrifices will have to be made by Canadians
as the country tries to meet the greenhouse gas emission targets.
Unorganized minor groups, such as boaters, may find themselves
under increasing scrutiny. Every energy-using group will be
looking for increased efficiency or alternative methods.
The great hope on the horizon is the fuel
cell engine - a developing technology pioneered by Canadian
companies, which is expected to become a reality within 10
years. Fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen
and oxygen, with the only by-products being heat and water.
Ballard Power Systems Inc. of Vancouver, BC, is on the forefront
of this technology organizing fleet demonstrations by automobile
manufacturers in United States, Japan and Europe. (Top)
Shareholders attending their recent annual
meeting were invited to test-drive one of three Ford Focus
prototypes powered by the company's fuel-cell technology.
The hand-built cars cost nearly two million dollars each.
Ford owns 20 per cent of Ballard, with Daimler Chrysler holding
about 25 per cent.
There is no question these engines work, but
widespread availability of hydrogen fuel is a huge problem.
Ballard is now turning its attention to this issue and governments
worldwide will assist since hydrogen-powered cars are seen
as one way of meeting the challenge.
Now, a second Canadian company is suggesting
a bridge solution that can appear years earlier. Stuart Energy
Systems Corp. of Mississauga says internal combustion engines
powered by hydrogen, similar to vehicles modified to operate
on natural gas, could be up and running within two years.
They already have test engines running on hydrogen for both
stationary and mobile applications.
Ford Motor Co. is now producing an internal
combustion engine at its Windsor plant that can be powered
by hydrogen. Its Model U vehicle contains an electric drive
and a hydrogen combustion engine that could be replaced by
a fuel cell when that technology is ready.
Stuart Energy has taken the scenario one
step further by creating a hydrogen home fueling system for
personal use. It's about the size of a large residential air
conditioner and would fit in the average garage. Along with
its storage containers, it would cost about $20,000 and would
be able to fuel two cars each day. The obvious drawback in
generating hydrogen is that, in most cases, it requires the
burning of fossil fuels. Stuart Energy has proposed that the
system can be powered by solar panels. As an added bonus,
this would offer home owners a back-up source of electricity.
This "no emission" generation of hydrogen
is very clearly appealing to homeowners, bankers and governments,
and could very well be used for cottages and boat houses.
It is comforting to know that long-term, environmentally
acceptable solutions to our energy problems could be available
soon - right here in Canada. We will be following developments
as they unfold. This could be momentous news for boating.
(Top)
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