This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
George Ekdahl is wrong to assert that green energy "can't be stored for times when there is no sun and wind." ("Don't quit fossil fuels," June 11).
One example of green energy storage is to use the surplus energy to pump water uphill for later release when the energy is needed. Another storage strategy is to use the surplus energy to separate hydrogen from water molecules. The hydrogen can be used to fuel electric generation plants, or it could be used as a clean fuel for motor vehicles and airplanes.
Many scientists are studying other ways to make, use and store clean, non-polluting fuels. If we change to clean fuels for a cleaner environment, our life expectancy might continue on an upward track instead of an upward trajectory of early deaths from diseases caused by the smog that envelopes our cities today.
Michael McAinsh
Gunnison