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The photos on this page show hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for today, tomorrow and for our nation's future. To see more hydrogen photos, visit NREL's Photographic Information eXchange (PIX) collection.

Hydrogen Technologies for Today

The first steps toward a clean energy future will build on established commercial processes and systems. A range of advanced technologies to produce, store, transport, and use hydrogen are already under development.

Photo of hydrogen production via steam reforming of natural gas at an oil refinery. Links to larger version of same image.

Today, almost all hydrogen is produced via steam reforming of natural gas at oil refineries.

To learn more about this photograph visit PIX.

Photo of cryogenic tankers for hydrogen storage and delivery. Links to larger version of same image.

Today, hydrogen is transported to where it will be used by cryogenic liquid tankers. (Photo courtesy of Praxair Inc.)

To learn more about this photograph visit PIX.

Photo of Space Shuttle launch. Links to larger version of same image.

Today, hydrogen's primary use as a fuel is in the U.S. Space Program. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are combined as propulsion fuel for the space shuttle (and other rockets). On board, fuel cells using hydrogen and oxygen provide most of the shuttle's electric power.

To learn more about this photograph visit PIX.

Hydrogen Technologies for Tomorrow

Tomorrow, the pathway for scaling up hydrogen use will continue to build from the existing hydrogen industry. As hydrogen markets grow, cost will drop through economies of scale and technological advances.

Photo of electrolyzer for hydrogen production. Links to larger version of same image.

Tomorrow, biomass and electrolysis will play a growing role in hydrogen production. (Electrolyzer at SunLine Transit Agency.)

To learn more about this photograph visit PIX.

Photo of thiokol conformable hydrogen storage tank.

Tomorrow, new and innovative tank designs will provide better containment, reduced weight and volume, and improved safety. (Thiokol conformable hydrogen storage tank).

To learn more about this photograph visit PIX.

Photo of fuel cells, ranging from 30-W to 5-kW. Links to larger version of same image.

Tomorrow, hydrogen's use as a fuel for fuel cells will grow dramatically-for transportation, stationary and portable applications. (PlugPower 5-kW fuel cell (large cell), H2ECOnomy 25-W fuel cell (small silver cell), and Avista Labs 30-W fuel cell).

To learn more about this photograph visit PIX.

Hydrogen Technologies for Our Future

In the future, hydrogen will be produced from water, using high-tech photoelectrochemical devices and specially designed microorganisms, and in electrolyzers that run on electricity generated by the sun and wind.

	Photoelectrochemical hydrogen production To learn more about this photograph visit PIX.
	Algal hydrogen production To learn more about this photograph visit PIX.
	Solar-powered electrolysis system at SunLine Transit Agency To learn more about this photograph visit PIX.
In the future, high-tech solid materials like metal hydrides and carbon nanotubes will be developed for lightweight and compact hydrogen storage.
	Temperature programmed desorption apparatus used to measure hydrogen storage properties of carbon materials. To learn more about this photograph visit PIX.
In the future, a nationwide hydrogen supply network will be in place. Hydrogen will fuel vehicle fleets from coast-to-coast and generate clean electricity and heat for homes, offices and factories.
	Hydrogen fueling station at California Fuel Cell Partnership To learn more about this photograph, visit PIX.
	Fuel cells provide heat and power at the Anchorage mail processing center To learn more about this photograph, visit PIX.

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