Focus

Fuel Cells

Amid concerns over rising fossil fuel prices and the effect of greenhouse gas emission, governments are looking to increase efficiency in their energy usage. Although fuel cells are not a solution to the overall energy problem, they could be an important part of the solution by offering much more efficient use of energy; assuming costs of the devices become reasonable. These costs will initially be a trade off between higher initial cost and lower fuel costs, because of increased efficiency. Fuel cells are also potentially simpler and quieter than alternative methods of electricity generation, because of less moving parts. This means they are also less prone to unplanned outages, although currently have a shorter useful life.

This focus highlights just some of the ways fuel cells may find their way into global markets.

Fuel cells were first invented in 1839, however until recently they have not been considered an economic rival for the alternator/dynamo as a way of producing electricity. In recent years the interest in fuel cells within the research community has increased exponentially, inspired by talk of a “hydrogen economy”. Unfortunately, to many people the term “fuel cells” has become synonymous with “hydrogen fuel cells for use in cars”. However a wide range of fuel cell technologies suitable for different applications and different fuel types are being developed. Because fuel cells are not limited by the inefficiencies associated with combustion engines, theoretically high efficiencies can be reached, as much as 83% when used in a combined heat and power application.

A distinct advantage of fuel cells is that they are completely scalable, which means they can provide any power or voltage required and can therefore be considered for any application, assuming there are no specific space and weight constraints.

WEC Member Countries

Countries in orange are WEC Members