The Liquid Hydrogen Test Run

https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/worlds-first-hydrogen-tanker-ship-test-cargo-australia-japan-2022-01-20/

This experiment is noteworthy because if successful it could be transformative and mark the beginning of a new energy economy. Utilising coal, Australia has produced hydrogen which is then liquefied. It is now being brought to Japan by tanker where it can be used in a variety of industries and applications.

Hydrogen has its critics and its dangers to be sure and there are still debates over the necessary infrastructure required for a hydrogen economy to become functional. If proven successful and reasonably safe then we're likely to see massive investment which will then be effectively guaranteed by Western governments promoting the new energy source – first by means of grants and credits, and then later through mandates.

For Australia, if this economy takes off it will potentially re-task their coal economy – the fourth largest in the world. As they're moving away from a relationship with China and into a position of hostility (and thus trade instability) they will need to secure stable markets for their coal. And so you can be sure there's a great deal of excitement and nervous anticipation regarding this project. If Australia can export liquid hydrogen across Asia and beyond, it will secure their coal industry and boost their economy.

And the possibilities in the United States are somewhat dizzying. It could potentially revitalise the coal sector. There will be resistance as the methods of coal extraction remain environmentally destructive and it's also likely the oil industry will be less than thrilled, especially if a hydrogen sector develops in direct connection to the auto industry – though the technology isn't quite there yet.

There are substantial ramifications to the development of this industry that may shape future politics and the economics of daily life. We may see political divisions as coal regions would support the technology and yet if the petroleum sector opposes it – you could see Republicans and Democrats finding common cause in some instances. Likewise, this has the potential to split the environmental movement as hydrogen is controversial and not all support 'brown' hydrogen extracted from fossil fuels.

It's too early to tell where this will all go but its success or failure will have a profound effect. It bears watching. For good or ill the energy economy is going to change in the coming years and the change will likely affect daily life in ways we cannot foresee. Now is the time to start thinking about these issues, the technologies, and the ethics involved.