How a Shift Toward Hydrogen Fuel Cells as a Main Alternative Energy Source Will Affect the the Global Economy.

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Title: How a Shift Toward Hydrogen Fuel Cells as a Main Alternative Energy Source Will Affect the the Global Economy.
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Subject: Hydrogen as fuel., Fuel cells.
Description: Even today, despite efforts by the former president to push for other sources of cleaner energy, the United States still heavily depends on the markets for fossil fuel imports that are dominated by OPEC nations like Saudi Arabia. To reduce our use of fossil fuels, this paper examines many of the advantages of hydrogen fuel cells. They are then examined to decide if they area worthy candidate for a future energy source for America as compared to alternative sources of power such as natural gas, wind energy, and solar power. It is important to analyze all energy alternatives as they may not offer the most efficient methods of generating electricity and are not as safe for the surrounding environment. Another main issue that I address in the paper is America’s current dependence on foreign oil, where our country is losing money to nations that can easily drive us out of the market because of their low oil prices. Then, it is discussed how the United States will be able to become energy independent by adopting hydrogen fuel cell technology rather than just transferring its reliance from one country to another to meet future energy demand. The United States will need to open more rare-earth mines that are required to produce fuel cells to reduce its reliance on various countries. One primary country is China, where they can limit the supply of rare-earths to any country at their discretion, or intentionally lower their prices to drive out emerging competitors. This issue is also evaluated using game theory, where it is explained why the U.S. should begin mining rare-earths again. If the United States does not attempt to mine the necessary resources for fuel cells, then our country will once again be in the backseat while other countries take control of the world’s supply of rare earth metals., Honors Thesis Advisor, Dr. Edmund Matecki.
Publisher
Contributor: Ames, Samuel G. (Author), California University of Pennsylvania. Honors Program., (Author)
Date: 2017-03-30
Type: Text
Format
Identifier: cali:121
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