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Introduction

Conclusions

Possible Effects of Hydrogen Gas Leaks

There are a lot of uncertainties in predicting the effects of hydrogen leaks on the atmosphere.  One of the uncertainties is the source of hydrogen.  Since hydrogen is a product of combustion reactions, if hydrogen leak levels are low, then there might actually be less hydrogen gas released to the atmosphere, since hydrogen power would ostensibly replace a portion of the power from combustion.  However, current leak rates during hydrogen transportation are around 10-20%.  In a world primarily powered by hydrogen fuel, there would be approximately 60-120 Tg hydrogen released per year, which could have significant effects on the atmosphere. 

As explained in H2 in the atmosphere, hydrogen can react with hydroxyl radicals to produce water.  If there is more H2 in the stratosphere, then there will be more H2O in the stratosphere.  Modeling studies show that this increase in H2O will cool the lower stratosphere, which could affect the hole in the ozone layer (See Ozone Destruction).  Furthermore, the oxidation of H2 to H2O uses hydroxyl radicals.  This will affect the lifetime of other gases in the atmosphere (See Greenhouse Effect).