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Hydrogen as the Fuel of the Future

Project "Innovations in VET education" is co-financed by the European Union

Introduction to the WebQuest Topic
Information for the Teacher

Introduction to the WebQuest Topic

Hydrogen is currently considered one of the most important alternative sources of energy, which can play a key role in decarbonizing many sectors, including industry and transport. Thanks to its high energy efficiency and emission-free nature, hydrogen has earned the nickname "fuel of the future." Its biggest advantage is that it emits only water during combustion, making it an exceptionally environmentally friendly energy source. Hydrogen can be produced in several ways, including through water electrolysis using renewable energy, which allows the production of so-called "green hydrogen."

However, the mass implementation of hydrogen as a fuel comes with numerous challenges. Hydrogen production, especially in an environmentally friendly manner, is still expensive and requires significant energy input. Another problem is hydrogen storage and transport, as it is highly flammable and requires specialized infrastructure. Despite these challenges, hydrogen could become a key element of the global energy system in the future, especially in countries striving for carbon neutrality.

The development of hydrogen technologies is supported by governments and international organizations, which see it as a solution to many problems related to CO₂ emissions and climate change. Hydrogen can be used in fuel cell vehicles, heavy industry, and as a means of energy storage, making it a versatile fuel with a wide range of applications.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydrogen as the Fuel of the Future

Advantages:

Emission-Free: Hydrogen is a clean fuel – when burned or used in fuel cells, it emits only water, which significantly reduces its environmental impact and improves air quality.

High Energy Efficiency: Hydrogen has one of the highest energy densities per unit mass, making it a highly efficient energy carrier. Combined with fuel cells, it can offer a longer range and longer operation time than batteries.

Versatile Applications: Hydrogen can be used in various sectors – from transportation (vehicles, ships, planes) to heavy industry, such as steel and cement production, as well as for energy storage.

Production from Various Sources: Hydrogen can be produced from various raw materials, such as natural gas, biomass, and water. The production of "green hydrogen" from renewable energy (e.g., from electrolysis using solar or wind power) enables its sustainable extraction.

Solution to Energy Storage Problem: Hydrogen can serve as a storage medium for renewable energy, which is especially important in the context of intermittent sources like wind and solar. It can be produced, stored, and then used when energy demand increases.

Disadvantages:

High Production and Infrastructure Costs: Producing hydrogen, especially "green" hydrogen, is expensive, and building infrastructure for its distribution (refueling stations, storage systems) requires significant investment.

Storage and Transport Challenges: Hydrogen is highly flammable and difficult to store, requiring either high pressure or very low temperatures. Transporting hydrogen is also a challenge, complicating its logistics on a large scale.

Low Energy Density per Unit Volume: While hydrogen is highly energetic per unit mass, its energy density per unit volume is low, meaning it requires special, large storage tanks, which limits its use in certain vehicles.

Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Currently, most hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels, such as natural gas, generating CO₂ emissions. Transitioning to eco-friendly, green hydrogen remains a challenge.

Safety Concerns: Hydrogen is highly flammable and explosive, which poses a risk in the event of an accident. This requires advanced safety measures, which are costly and technologically demanding.

Information for the Teacher

This WebQuest was developed for students in vocational and technical schools, especially those studying automotive technology, engineering, and environmental protection. The project aims to introduce students to hydrogen technology, its potential as the fuel of the future, and the technological and ecological challenges that accompany its development. During the project, students will analyze how hydrogen can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving energy independence from fossil fuels.

Each group will create a multimedia presentation on selected aspects of hydrogen technology, discussing production, storage, benefits, and challenges related to implementing hydrogen as a fuel. Students will work independently to gather information and also collaborate in groups to prepare presentations and share their findings.

• Learn about hydrogen technologies, its chemical and physical properties.

• Understand the economic, ecological, and social aspects of hydrogen technology.

• Develop the ability to analyze various fuel technologies and their future applications.

• Practice group and individual work and presenting gathered information.

Students will work both independently, gathering information, and in groups, creating presentations on different aspects of hydrogen as a fuel of the future. This project will help develop teamwork skills, planning abilities, and efficient individual contributions to project implementation within a set timeframe.

Suggested Time for Completing the WebQuest:

12 hours

Evaluation Criteria:

• Degree of topic coverage (maximum grade: 5; exceeding this knowledge: grade 6),

• Aesthetics of the presentation and the manner of presenting information,

• Student engagement and teamwork skills.

Evaluation:

• The teacher will help students analyze the content together until they fully understand it. They will provide assistance, advice, and explanations rather than ready-made solutions. This method will encourage independent action and creative thinking.

• The teacher should thoroughly analyze the content with students until they understand it. They should offer guidance, advice, and explanations rather than ready-made solutions. This method will foster independent thinking and creativity.

• Groups can be divided according to various criteria, such as students' cognitive abilities, skills, and interests, to balance effort across the groups.

• The teacher can assist students working in groups by asking leading questions. It is important to remember that they are learning a new way of working (the process).

• The teacher should provide students with specific information regarding the assessment of their achievements, both during group work and when summarizing results.

• The time for project implementation should be adapted to students' capabilities. It is not pre-determined. The suggested time frames for individual stages of the process should be treated as guidelines.

Task

Divide into four groups. Each group will prepare a multimedia presentation on the assigned aspect of hydrogen as a fuel:

Group 1: Hydrogen Production – Analyze how hydrogen is produced, including green and blue hydrogen technologies.

Group 2: Storage and Transport – Present the technical challenges related to storing and transporting hydrogen.

Group 3: Application in Transport and Industry – Discuss how hydrogen is used in vehicles and as an energy source in industry.

Group 4: Hydrogen and the Environment – Analyze the ecological benefits and challenges of hydrogen production and usage.

Why Work in Groups?

Each group will tackle the challenge of answering the key question: "Can hydrogen become a common fuel of the future?" To fully address this issue, students will explore both the potential benefits and challenges of implementing hydrogen as an alternative energy source. The groups will analyze the technological, economic, and ecological aspects of hydrogen production, storage, and application in various sectors of industry and transport.

Each group will present their research and findings in the form of a multimedia presentation to the class. The presentations will serve as an introduction to a group discussion, where students will exchange their observations, answer questions, and attempt to draw conclusions about the future of hydrogen in the context of global energy needs and environmental protection. The discussion will allow students to deepen their understanding of the topic and confront various perspectives, contributing to a comprehensive view of hydrogen as the fuel of the future.

Stage 1: Introduction to the Task and Familiarization with the Topic

• The teacher introduces students to hydrogen as a fuel and its importance in the context of environmental protection and future energy solutions.

• Groups randomly draw their topics and receive a list of suggested sources.

Stage 2: Working on Presentations

• Students, divided into groups, gather information on their assigned aspect of hydrogen technology.

• Each group works on finding the latest data and examples of hydrogen applications in practice.

• The teacher actively supports the groups, pointing out key issues to address in their analyses and helping them understand important aspects of hydrogen technology.

• Students use both the sources provided by the teacher and materials they find on their own, developing their skills in information selection.

Stage 3: Presentation and Discussion

• Each group presents its findings in a multimedia format.

• After each presentation, a discussion will take place where students can ask questions, share their observations, and discuss key benefits and challenges related to hydrogen technology.

• The teacher moderates the discussion, allowing for the exchange of perspectives and critical evaluation of the presented arguments, helping students better understand the complexity of hydrogen technology.

Stage 4: Evaluation and Summary of Knowledge Gained

• At the end of the project, the teacher will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, considering both the results of the work and student engagement throughout the process.

• The evaluation will focus on the individual contributions of each student and their initiative at different stages of the project.

• The quality of the content presented, the clarity and appeal of the presentation, and the group’s ability to collaborate effectively will also be assessed.

Etapy pracy i czas

2h

Stage 1

4h

Stage 2

4h

Stage 3

2h

Stage 4

Points	2	3	4
Content Quality	Work is weak in terms of content. Missing elements.	Work is good in terms of content. Minor or no errors.	Work is excellent in terms of content. Correct, engaging information.
Presentation of Work	• Presentation is unclear, superficial, and not engaging. • Lack of participation in discussion.	• Presentation is clear, good, and interesting. • The student participates in discussions but with limited input.	• Presentation is attractive, thorough, and engaging. • The student actively participates in discussions and contributes significantly.
Aesthetic Impressions	• Work is unclear, untidy, and poorly executed. • Poor arrangement of elements on the page.	• Work is clear, neat, and carefully done. • Good arrangement of elements on the page.	• Work is aesthetically pleasing, clear, and highly polished. It stands out visually. • Excellent arrangement of elements on the page.
Group Work	Lack of involvement of all group members in work and creative collaboration.	Good involvement of all group members. Satisfactory collaboration skills.	Full engagement of all group members. Excellent cooperation and motivation within the group.