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Sinking Finances Throw Iceland's 'Hydrogen-Based Economy' In

nytimes.com -- Published: July 1, 2009
REYKJAVIK, Iceland -- The financial crisis that brought Iceland to the brink of bankruptcy has postponed this volcanic island's ambitious dream of ditching fossil fuels and transforming itself into the world's first hydrogen-based economy.Proponents of a government-sanctioned scheme to derive hydrogen from water and use it to power all ground transportation as well as Iceland's large fishing fleet admit that their plans have been set back at least 10 years and may have to be altered to allow for electric cars.

Ten years ago, Iceland started experimenting with hydrogen applications in transportation. Three city buses ran solely on hydrogen in Reykjavik for three years. As many as 16 passenger vehicles ran on hydrogen in the city. Twelve remain in operation today

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Submitted Jul 03, 2009 By: teafortwo

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E-Squirrel Champion Author Orange County Posts:1,269 Points:333,555 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Jul 7, 2009 6:31:23 PM Ignore E-Squirrel Report Abuse 'I agreee with GasMizerAZ. H2 is definately the way to go.' Hydrogen vehicles are a long ways off into the future, basically because of economic reasons, as this article has demonstrated. Demanding hydrogen vehicles now is what lead to this situation....
MPGKing All-Star Author New Jersey Posts:842 Points:214,455 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2009 2:41:31 AM Ignore MPGKing Report Abuse I agreee with GasMizerAZ. H2 is definately the way to go.
LetemEatCake Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:2,672 Points:361,425 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 9:19:35 PM Ignore LetemEatCake Report Abuse NOPE, another good article sent to its death because GB has only very short URL space acceptance at this time! OH WELL!
LetemEatCake Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:2,672 Points:361,425 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 9:16:34 PM Ignore LetemEatCake Report Abuse A very good article on various alternative fuels. Worth the read! You have to work to find it as we all know how the NY Times operates. The link is a long one...so I am not sure if GB will accept it. Fingers crossed... TRY THIS LINK
LetemEatCake Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:2,672 Points:361,425 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 8:27:46 PM Ignore LetemEatCake Report Abuse How can anybody make informed comments when the link is DOWN?
danny999 Champion Author Florida Posts:2,748 Points:487,130 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 7:21:15 PM Ignore danny999 Report Abuse WHY IS THIS A TOP 5 ARTICLE????????? YOU CAN'T READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE.
heysailor Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:3,776 Points:1,180,325 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:48:53 PM Ignore heysailor Report Abuse Granted, the Icelanders are broke but they should keep pursuing hydrogen applications.
roadkillGA Champion Author Georgia Posts:3,377 Points:484,875 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:41:49 PM Ignore roadkillGA Report Abuse In this economic state, everyone for himself..unless you quailfy for an Obama handout/Democratic give away.
georgeo Champion Author California Posts:1,519 Points:59,730 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:41:19 PM Ignore georgeo Report Abuse Geothermal is the right way to go but maybe they just concentrate on making electricity.
GasMiserAZ Champion Author Phoenix Posts:4,809 Points:525,300 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:40:10 PM Ignore GasMiserAZ Report Abuse Brewernut, the technology is proven. They've been extracting hydrogen from water for many, many years. It is the solution! I can't understand why the government doesn't see it. We have an inexhaustible source of hydrogen in the oceans. No entity has claim to the oceans. Every country has a right to it. When you extract hydrogen from sea water, the main byproduct is oxygen. Great. We can always use extra oxygen since the world is destroying our rainforests that provide it. When you burn hydrogen in an internal combustion engine, it sucks in our dirty polluted air and the only thing that comes out the exhaust pipe is pure clean water vapor, thus providing the source to replenish the oceans. And every time you fire up that engine you are helping to clean the atmosphere of pollution. If we can perfect this worldwide, our great grandchildren will be breathing the cleanest air in the history of mankind.
tmannd All-Star Author North Dakota Posts:682 Points:47,600 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:39:45 PM Ignore tmannd Report Abuse hope theycan go ahead andshow the rest of world that it can be done
ccf_jeff Champion Author St. Louis Posts:8,716 Points:1,438,290 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:32:42 PM Ignore ccf_jeff Report Abuse It doesn't sound very fair that the Icelanders feel compelled to reduce their CO2 emissions to meet the Kyoto Protocol based on their 1990 emission levels. They were already using geothermal and hydro power for all of their electricity and for heating the streets and sidewalks in that harsh environment. I suppose they are limited in the amounts they are allowed to grow their economy based on 1990 levels: Sinking Finances Throw Iceland's 'Hydrogen-Based Economy' Into the Freezer Under the Kyoto Protocol, Iceland is allowed to increase its emissions by 10 percent from 1990 levels. But the country's power-intensive aluminum industry, which is expected to expand, will force it to exceed that goal. Since indoor heating (as well as heating of the streets and sidewalks of Reykjavik, which stay ice-free in the winter) is already geothermal and all electricity production is either hydro or geothermal, the country's best shot to reduce its carbon emissions is curbing fossil fuel usage in fishing and transportation.
ccf_jeff Champion Author St. Louis Posts:8,716 Points:1,438,290 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:26:39 PM Ignore ccf_jeff Report Abuse Here's the link you were posting, purvismike: Geothermal Resources in Iceland The Reykjavik Heating & Electricity Plan
eaglev Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:2,289 Points:592,165 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:21:15 PM Ignore eaglev Report Abuse We need our own oil.
smwhite Champion Author Indiana Posts:3,940 Points:917,075 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:19:39 PM Ignore smwhite Report Abuse Just like any other country, the government gets involved and things get put on the back burner.
fcdriver Champion Author Tennessee Posts:2,209 Points:471,345 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:18:04 PM Ignore fcdriver Report Abuse Keep Conserving
TheSnowstorm Champion Author Montreal Posts:3,668 Points:848,980 Joined:June 2005	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:17:57 PM Ignore TheSnowstorm Report Abuse The key word here is postponed. Hydrogen is the fuel of the future. If more companies and countries play with the idea, it will be refined and brought to fruition.
GasMiserAZ Champion Author Phoenix Posts:4,809 Points:525,300 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:17:25 PM Ignore GasMiserAZ Report Abuse When the economy improves I hope they move ahead with this plan. If they get it going, maybe the rest of the world will take notice.
letmathe Champion Author Chicago Posts:9,216 Points:2,130,420 Joined:May 2001	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:15:45 PM Ignore letmathe Report Abuse This is too bad. Icelanders have been innovative in many areas.
AC-302 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:13,354 Points:1,775,125 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:11:18 PM Ignore AC-302 Report Abuse Iceland is bankrupt. So their hydrogen economy is all well and good, but they have no money to invest in it. Bang goes that idea..
hauler43 Champion Author Oakland Posts:4,045 Points:1,684,135 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:10:31 PM Ignore hauler43 Report Abuse Sometimes it just takes a while too get going.
car253 Champion Author Ohio Posts:1,447 Points:404,380 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:10:19 PM Ignore car253 Report Abuse All forms of energy are needed, including fossil fuels.
SngSingapore Sophomore Author Vancouver Posts:172 Points:126,965 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:09:59 PM Ignore SngSingapore Report Abuse one has to take the lead and try, otherwise, we wouldn't know the fact
flyfast Champion Author Kansas City Posts:3,623 Points:705,255 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:07:35 PM Ignore flyfast Report Abuse LET THIS BE A LESSON OR YOU WILL BE PAYING MORE FOR( 0 )
Brewernut All-Star Author Milwaukee Posts:853 Points:319,460 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:05:57 PM Ignore Brewernut Report Abuse this technology may to be more advanced and not proven and it shows that it isn't working
Pi314CA Champion Author San Jose Posts:2,951 Points:535,735 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:05:08 PM Ignore Pi314CA Report Abuse Going green takes a lot more green ($$) than you think!
must87searcher Champion Author Maryland Posts:3,271 Points:634,035 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:04:41 PM Ignore must87searcher Report Abuse The price of gas and/or oil can always go up, even during a time of bad market. We have just seen price fly up a month ago. At some time, it could be usfull.
RobRD Champion Author Alberta Posts:3,664 Points:863,615 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:03:45 PM Ignore RobRD Report Abuse Iceland is being a little to aggresive with technology that is not proven.
kbierley Champion Author Dayton Posts:7,582 Points:922,155 Joined:Nov 2003	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:59:45 PM Ignore kbierley Report Abuse Any Nuclear Power Plants in the Mix? How about Geothermal?
VDubBill All-Star Author Jacksonville Posts:730 Points:361,895 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:59:06 PM Ignore VDubBill Report Abuse This link works. Sinking Finances Throw Iceland's 'Hydrogen-Based Economy' Into the Freezer
TIGERPAW46 Champion Author Florida Posts:2,014 Points:378,225 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:58:03 PM Ignore TIGERPAW46 Report Abuse Of course I'm only Speaking from The USA's Economic situation & the Media's Coverage of General World Market, since I don't know the Facts with Iceland's Economic condition.
Lengas Champion Author Gary Posts:7,408 Points:1,563,230 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:57:32 PM Ignore Lengas Report Abuse Electric is the way to go.
buckoMD Champion Author Maryland Posts:3,240 Points:711,950 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:53:16 PM Ignore buckoMD Report Abuse H2 will never be more than a pilot program.
papou Champion Author Tampa Posts:4,967 Points:786,755 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:53:02 PM Ignore papou Report Abuse money makes the world turn.
DancingDee Champion Author Gary Posts:2,315 Points:610,060 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:52:42 PM Ignore DancingDee Report Abuse At least they were doing something positive long before the rest of others!!!
Amtrgas Champion Author Oakland Posts:1,678 Points:628,780 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:51:46 PM Ignore Amtrgas Report Abuse The world economy has been bad for everyone.
TIGERPAW46 Champion Author Florida Posts:2,014 Points:378,225 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:50:41 PM Ignore TIGERPAW46 Report Abuse The last time I checked it takes MONEY to run anything. The Government can't just print worthless paper & expect everyone to honor their promise to repay in value. Despite Pres. Obama's regime disregard for the facts of economics. That is the reason the American Dollar is rapidly crashing and why China, probably our Biggest bond holder, has been talking about cashing American Loans (Bonds) for Gold. It's also part of the reason for increased value of Precious metals. However, when the economy collapses you can't eat gold or silver and may not find anywhere that wants that either; just FOOD & WATER. The money is linked to the nations Gross national product. If your not working, producing something of value, then you can't survive. A nation cannot survive if there are more people on Government subsidy than those producing above their own needs. Nothing man or woman produce comes free, it cost someone something & someone has to pay the price. Less pollution is good & necessary but won't matter if you can't pay the price & the economy collapse. Whoever takes over control probably won't care about your improvements and the world could end up worse off than before you started. Don't think the USA can fall? That's the mistake many countries have made over history .
purvismike Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:1,495 Points:301,910 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:46:26 PM Ignore purvismike Report Abuse What a bunch of BS!!! Link does not work so here's one to try: http://www.energy.rochester.edu/is/reyk/ Geothermal Resources in Iceland[/L]
gassyjack Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:11,631 Points:2,415,675 Joined:Mar 2002	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:43:47 PM Ignore gassyjack Report Abuse Bummer. It's always a bummer to run out of money. I thought that Iceland was using more hydrogen that this article mentions. I thought most of their cars were powered by hydrogen. I guess I was wrong.
GOLDWING2003 Champion Author California Posts:1,708 Points:419,535 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:42:42 PM Ignore GOLDWING2003 Report Abuse With all the geothermal they have, why hydrogen?
fitwit Champion Author Stockton Posts:1,358 Points:284,530 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:39:41 PM Ignore fitwit Report Abuse I still say, don't throw the bathwater out with the baby. Or something like that. Don't give up on on Hydrogen. Edison didn't give up on the lightbulb and we still use them today just like we still use Hydrogen and will continue to do so. :-)
caddilac Champion Author Ontario Posts:9,536 Points:984,955 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:37:00 PM Ignore caddilac Report Abuse I hope that they can get back on track with their hydrogen powered vehicles. It costs them less than it would in other places to produce hydrogen, because they use thermal energy to make steam to turn their electric generators, then use the electricity to split hydrogen and oxygen from water. At least Norway is still making progress towards being fueled by hydrogen with their Hydrogen Highway, a nearly 600 kilometre route between Oslo and Stavanger. Norway also has hydrogen producing units, the size of your kitchen refrigerator, that can produce hydrogen at the site they are placed. Sweden and Denmark are also working on their hydrogen project which will link to HyNor. [Edited by: caddilac at 7/3/2009 5:42:03 PM EST]
fitwit Champion Author Stockton Posts:1,358 Points:284,530 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:31:54 PM Ignore fitwit Report Abuse So why quit dreaming of ditching fossil fuel? Go Hydrogen!
BBHybrid Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:2,404 Points:481,325 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:31:44 PM Ignore BBHybrid Report Abuse always new excuses
dabuzman Champion Author Seattle Posts:3,167 Points:864,080 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:27:01 PM Ignore dabuzman Report Abuse I don't believe this, I'll bit big oil paid then off some place. Greedy folks!
ccf_jeff Champion Author St. Louis Posts:8,716 Points:1,438,290 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:22:55 PM Ignore ccf_jeff Report Abuse Yeah right. They can't fool me, this is just an excuse to "pause" the experiment. The Icelanders want global warming so they won't end up like the Vikings in "Green"land!
MINER Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:7,644 Points:2,312,335 Joined:Jul 2002	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:17:57 PM Ignore MINER Report Abuse Set them back ten years ?? Last couple programs I seen about Iceland has every thing coming up roses for them. What happened, so fast. Now its ten years for their hydrogen based economy. Maybe...
BlueVanGroup Champion Author Colorado Posts:1,399 Points:402,115 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:17:43 PM Ignore BlueVanGroup Report Abuse Perhaps the lesson here is: fix the economy first, build a solid foundation before building castles in the sky. What do you bet the folks running Washington will learn nothing from this?
Kato51 Champion Author Atlanta Posts:2,055 Points:1,120,435 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:16:54 PM Ignore Kato51 Report Abuse Lets hope they can keep this application on the move. If so, the profits could assist in pulling the country from its financial woes. This would be great.
Cruiser340 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:6,352 Points:1,638,935 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 4:12:10 PM Ignore Cruiser340 Report Abuse Times are tough, but don't give up the ship.