Fuel Cells

One of the versatilities hydrogen offers over traditional fossil fuels is its ability to undergo electrochemical changes to produce electricity without the need for combustion. Fuel cells are devices that realise these electrochemical reactions, where hydrogen undergoes oxidation to produce an electric current. The most notable achievement of fuel cells is the production of water and heat as byproducts, with virtually no emissions released. Hence, if green hydrogen is utilised, clean electricity is produced. Additionally, during hydrogen combustion, even if green hydrogen is utilised and carbon-neutral energy is produced, it severely affects localised emissions, which is where fuel cells have proved to be advantageous. Different types of fuel cells exist, in different stages of development, each characterised by the type of electrolyte utilised for the facilitation of ion exchange between the electrodes. This section will describe the most promising hydrogen fuel cells available today, highlighting the key challenges and technological advancements required for rapid deployment in a continuously adapting and fast-paced transition into a global hydrogen economy.