The Hydrogen Hoax by Robert Zubrin in current issue of current issue of The New Atlantis

On 1/29/07, ANTIcarrot wrote:
(...)
> Technically the problem with hydrogen is the cost of plantinum extraction
> on
> Earth. If we find a cheaper source off planet (We wouldn't need to refine
> or
> machine it much, just get enough of it onto an earth-located landing site)
> then it might be possible. Especially if combined with SSPS style power
> generation or production of hydrogen via modified-algae.
(...)

As far as I understand, Platinum is just part of the hydrogen problem,
and a part that just affects hydrogen-based fuel cells, but not for
instance a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine.

However, there is still the storage and distribution problem of
hydrogen. There are several strategies, each one with its own
problems. And finally there is the problem of hydrogen production:
currently the easier way to produce hydrogen is from hydrocarbons, but
then you are not contributing to lower carbon emissions.