Some thoughts on the aquarius program: A prospective world effort in hydrogen-energy

Abstract

Increasing discussion of what actions the US, and the world community generally, can take in the sphere of energy is being heard. The tempo is picking up; mention of 'lscrash programme' possibilities is even made. Now may be the time to bring forward focused ideas, especially those which may make long-term sense. One such idea is that of a [`]hydrogen-energy system' about which much has been written and spoken, but little yet accomplished in the sense of physical development. The United States is well known for its ability to establish an effective large-scale programme, once the stage of [`]determination' has been reached, usually late-in-the-day in the sense of our facing up to the basic problem. This paper sketches out a [`]program-matistion' of the hydrogen-energy concept somewhat in the spirit of the Apollo Program with which there are some parallels. But [`]Aquarius' would be a much more ambitious and longer termed programme. It would involve practically all US citizens and, hopefully, gain international participation. Expensive? Of course. But the monies spent are with the identical constituency who would profit from the transition from fossil fuels.