H2 is often seen as a way to capture energy that would otherwise be wasted– such as unused solar or wind. (Wind turbines require a “dump load” to prevent burnout if demand drops; often just an outdoor heating element, the dump load could surely be put to better use.)

Oil refineries burn off plenty of H2 in their flares– a byproduct of hydrocarbon cracking. This, too, could be put to far better use.

Recent articles have also reported favorsbly on research to use anaerobic bacteria to prodice H2 from organic materials.

I think Bob is right in that what we NEED is a broad base of various micro-power sources. Those of us in a position to generate our own will do just that. But the increasing size of corporations is likely to oppose it on a larger scale: it’s just too hard to do business that way. I see two obvious possible results: (1) micro gets stamped out by global corporations, or (2) local businesses dominate energy production. The realm of possibilities between them is vast.

I think we’re moving to an era where power comes from a multitude of method and paths, and much more of amicro-power situations, rather than just bulk power from a few sources.