Look Toward Verne's Future

April 29, 2005

The science fiction author Jules Verne predicted in the 19th century that the world eventually would run on hydrogen. His prediction may be coming true, helped along by tax incentives like those being considered by the Florida Legislature.

Under measures in both the House and Senate, millions of dollars in tax breaks and grants would go to companies that purchase machinery that use hydrogen as a fuel, or to companies involved in the development of hydrogen technology.

Promotion of hydrogen use has been a goal of Gov. Jeb Bush, and with good reason. Bush has shown himself to be a forward thinker and, like Verne, he understands that hydrogen holds the potential of revolutionizing the way people live and industries operate.

Hydrogen fuel cells already are having an impact on the way we get from place to place. So-called "hybrid" cars that are powered by fuel cells and also gasoline are selling at premium prices because of their fuel efficiency.

Hydrogen also burns cleanly. It's not inconceivable that someday in the not-too-distant future, technological developments will enable the economical and non-polluting separation of hydrogen from water (H2O). This would provide an inexhaustible source of potable fuel that recombines with oxygen upon combustion, producing water as the byproduct.

If this happens, concerns about human-induced global warming would diminish or even disappear, since vehicles and machinery wouldn't be spewing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

The greatest impetus to the development of hydrogen as a fuel source is the current price of oil, above $50 a barrel, which makes alternative fuels like hydrogen more attractive.

The House has OK'd a measure and the Senate is considering one. The full Legislature can do its part by looking favorably upon the economic incentives that promote the development of hydrogen technology and the use of hydrogen as a fuel.

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