I write in response to Alan Greed’s letter asking when will energy companies accept they will have to switch to alternative fuels (Letters, August 6).

There are several cities across the EU testing hydrogen-powered buses – including London – using EU grants. In the 1980s, Ford cars suggested there would be water-powered cars by the end of the century. Water is made up of oxygen and hydrogen – both flammable gases. If it can burn, it can generate power, leaving harmless gases.

Sadly Sussex, Surrey and Kent have a huge basin of deep onshore shale gas and the Government backs extraction, being subservient to big oil conglomerates making huge profits.

Hydrogen power will probably be left to a watery grave.

John Stanaway, Lorna Road, Hove