Hydrogen could be the next big player in clean energy. But will hydrogen-powered vehicles overtake electric cars? Futurologist, Professor Rocky Scopelliti, believes the race is heating up.
“Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe,” he explained. When used as fuel, it emits only water vapor. “No carbon, no smoke, just steam.”
That makes it a clean energy source with massive potential. Unlike batteries, hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity on demand. Refueling takes minutes, not hours.
Australia’s Hydrogen Advantage
Australia is well placed to lead the hydrogen revolution. “We’re blessed with abundant sun and wind, perfect for producing green hydrogen,” Professor Rocky said. With vast land and deep ports, Australia could become a global hydrogen export powerhouse.
Hydrogen in Action
Hydrogen is already powering public transport worldwide. “Buses are running in London, Seoul, and Canberra,” Rocky shared. “Trains glide silently across Europe.”
Japan has deployed over a thousand hydrogen buses since the Tokyo Olympics. Even in Australia, hydrogen projects are underway in the Pilbara.
Climate Benefits and Jobs
Hydrogen could help cut emissions by 830 million tonnes of CO2 each year. That’s equal to the combined emissions of the UK and Indonesia.
“It’s especially vital for industries that can’t run on batteries, like steel, shipping, and aviation,” Rocky said. On top of that, hydrogen could create up to 16,000 jobs in Australia across engineering, science, and manufacturing.
The Road Ahead
Hydrogen-powered vehicles offer range, speed, and lighter designs compared to EVs. But costs remain a challenge.
Like EVs, hydrogen must go through the technology cycle. “It’s about getting to a price point that makes it viable,” Professir Rocky explained. With time, hydrogen could fuel everything from freight trains to off-grid homes.
“Hydrogen is the climate hero with zero baggage,” Rocky said. The question now is how fast it can scale.
Listen to Professor Rocky’s full conversation with Doug on Table Talk below.