^^ That is true, we would have to put in energy in order to obtain the desired byproduct. I am not sure in the end how usable this method is. However, even with its high replication rate, im not sure if it can be produced in quantities high enough to have any real chance at becoming viable.
I think the real technology is hydrogen. I think the best thing they can do is improve the effiency of engines which are only about 15-20% efficient and also make hybrids the norm. After that they will then gradually move into hydrogen cells once the technology comes down in price.