Energy and Construction - Clima2007

Ella Said:

Do you think the BP Oil Spill in the gulf will strengthen the demand for clean energy?

We Answered:

I would like to see it happen also but it is unlikely that this event will be the final straw for Americans in terms of our consumption of oil and nonrenewable energy. However we definitely are making progress toward vehicles that run on clean energy. It's just slow progress.

Rachel Said:

When will hydrogen be used as a controlled fuel to run vehicles to provide clean energy ?

We Answered:

Ford H2ICE E-450 shuttle bus is already on the road demonstrating the commercial viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

U.S. Rep. John Dingell gives the thumbs up after inspecting the Ford H2ICE. Ford Motor Company launches the use of Ford H2ICE shuttle buses at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The buses will be used to transport passengers between terminals. Photo by: Sam VarnHagen/Ford Motor Co. (03/17/2008)

Internal Combustion Engine (H2ICE)
The Ford H2ICE E-450 is a Ford E-450 chassis cab with a shuttle bus body and a modified 6.8-liter Tritontm V-10 engine fueled with hydrogen.

Roy Said:

Why do you think we need clean energy?

We Answered:

Yes, we do.

Things running on clean energy will probably run more efficiently and last longer, as impurities will corrode moving parts and such. Here we're talking about hi-grade energy, such as aircraft fuel. Making it cheaper and more abundant to produce and obtain would make good business sense.

Clean fuels also burn cleaner, so there are less hazardous byproducts created. One way this need has already manifested itself is through emission standards. The extent and possible ineffectiveness of these measures do not mean that this need does not exist.

As for clean as in "green" energy, the need is there to provide a source of energy locally, similar to locally grown produce, to help with progress and development in a community, both ways to increase a people's ability to promote the "luxuries" of education and enlightenment. This speaks more to the being able to make items such as bio-diesels and ethanol fuels than solar or wind, since local electrical generation is normally well established, just not green.

Then there is the need for any energy, clean and otherwise, As we move further into heavier power use, via phones, computers, manufacturing, communications and even transportation, we will always be increasing our need for power. In this context, clean energy will provide us with additional sources to supplement existing fossil fuel, nuclear, and hydro-powered sources. Here, as a competing source,, unique features of the energy technology will allow it to, at a minimum, fill gaps where other technologies cannot provide the needed power.

Good luck!

Gail Said:

Yes. It is the cleanest of all combustible fuels, but why is it that it is still not a clean source of energy?

We Answered:

You're referring to hydrogen. Hydrogen doesn't come from any natural process so we have to use power to make it. There is an energy loss in the process, and the hydrogen is only as clean as the power used to make it. If that's electrical power from a coal burning plant, the hydrogen could be as dirty as any other fuel or maybe more so. You merely shift the carbon emissions from one place to another. Forget burning it--that's the least efficient way to use hydrogen. You need a fuel cell. Next, storage is a problem. It isn't really a portable fuel.

Jesse Said:

Should we create an X prize for Clean Car fuel?

We Answered:

um, didn't McCain already suggest this...300 Million for the next breakthrough in Battery development for hybrids/EV's