Where Hydrogen Fuel Cells Fit in the Low Emission Future?

Sumeet Kumar, Davis-Standard LLC

For many years, the hydrogen fuel cell has been touted as a solution for the transportation industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Well where are all the hydrogen fuel cell electric cars?  It seems that batteries have taken the lead for powering LEV (Low Emission Vehicles).  Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) are available, but remain a niche in the LEV market.  However, that is not the whole story of hydrogen fuel cells.

This presentation will describe the current state of hydrogen power beginning with the process that hydrogen fuel cells use to produce power for use in various applications. In addition, the sources of hydrogen will be discussed, an important factor when evaluating the greenness of fuel cells and fuel cell powered vehicles. We will also take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the hydrogen fuel cell and how those translate to announced hydrogen projects. Lastly, attention will be paid to the impact on hydrogen fuel cell growth on the converting industry.