Renewable hydrogen for Tonga, or a H-bomb? [1]
Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 18:30. Updated on Sunday, April 20, 2014 - 16:55.
Editor,
Besides being puzzled by the remarkable scientific pronouncements by PM Dr. Sevele and Renewable Energy Coordinator, 'Akau'ola in Vava'u (10 donors . . . 19 Nov 2009), this journalist was also alarmed by the popularity of the Princess Ashika wreckage video showing back in Nuku'alofa.
Inquiring minds might ask: Was this a publicity stunt by Government to draw attention away from the Princess Ashika problems, or was it a legitimate event? Politicians and government officials are notorious for creating smoke screens to divert attention from real problems, thus creating photo opportunities for themselves on frivolous projects.
On one hand I truly want to see Tonga succeeds in becoming renewal-energy independent. But on the other hand, a pipe dream, pie-in-the-sky scheme will only add to the misery factors of being a Third World economy. Originally, your headline "Tonga aims 50% renewal energy in 3 years" took me back to basic Physics 101.
Water (H20) does have hydrogen (H2) in it, and oxygen (O). To split H2 from water and oxygen, it needs a powerful jolt from a "primary source of fuel." But the result will always be a "secondary hydrogen fuel," (H2). In other words, the input energy far exceeds the output energy. By burning H2 hoping to reach "primary fuel" stage could result in a spectacular Hydrogen-bomb blast.
Mr. 'Akau'ola may have good intentions but pronouncing "hydrogen energy made from sea water to drive utility generators" is premature scientific predictions. With limited research and applications experience in the science of "hydrogen energy" as a derivative of sea water fusion, the technology is still in its infancy.
While no existing utility generating plants have claimed commercial success in the science of sea-water-to-hydrogen fusion, I challenge Mr. 'Akau'ola to produce evidence from his "American company."
Is the said technology a commercially feasible method, or a study to be completed in 5 to 10 years?
Sione A. Mokofisi