MIT centers, laboratories, departments and programs provide a multi-faceted approach to solving the world's energy challenge.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is a desirable "fuel" because it can be extracted from a variety of sources including natural gas, biomass, coal and water. End uses of hydrogen can be pollution- and greenhouse gas-free. Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells for the clean production of electricity, to power vehicles and to heat and cool buildings while providing electricity.
Hydrogen is not a primary energy source but is instead an energy "carrier" like electricity. Unlike electricity, hydrogen is relatively easy to store, making it a more flexible option to help meet energy needs. However, the production, distribution, and end use of hydrogen present significant technical and economic challenges in several areas: economic production of hydrogen fuel at scale; development of hydrogen-powered vehicles utilizing fuel cells that are affordable and satisfy safety and performance requirements; practical and adequate on-board storage; and development of an entirely new infrastructure to accommodate the specific properties of hydrogen fuel.
