HYDROGEN

 

Hydrogen is, by any standard, a truly unique element. It is the lightest atomic element, represents an estimated 75% of all mass in the universe, and has the highest chemical energy content by mass of all gaseous and liquid fuels, hydrogen is generally more energy-intensive to store and transport than other conventional fuels. Hydrogen and energy have a long shared history. The first demonstrations of water electrolysis
and fuel cells captured the imagination of engineers in the 1800s. Hydrogen was used to fuel the
first internal combustion engines over 200 years ago. Hydrogen provided a lift to balloons and
airships in the 18th and 19th centuries and propelled humanity to the moon in the 1960s.
Hydrogen in ammonia fertilizer (from fossil fuels and, earlier, from electricity and water) has
helped feed a growing global population. And hydrogen has been an integral part of the energy
industry since the mid-20th century, when its use became commonplace in oil refining.