Why hydrogen fuel cells?
Clean and abundant
Hydrogen is the simplest, cleanest and most abundant element in the universe. Fuel cells generate electricity through an electro-chemical process that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce pure water as a by-product.
Winning technology
Organisations who operate in off-grid environments are looking for alternatives to fossil fuel power. Wind, solar and gravity generated power are options but they are generally not suitable for off-grid, mobile or temporary power applications because of their fixed and intermittent nature. Battery storage has a role to play but needs regular charging. Hydrogen fuel cells are here. For the right application fuel cells are becoming the affordable, flexible, clean choice.
Fuel flexibility
As the hydrogen economy grows, hydrogen carrier fuels will play an increasing role. Hydrogen can be converted into and from hydrogen carrier fuels such as ammonia or methanol. Their high energy density can mean a lower cost of storage and transportation than pure hydrogen. These hydrogen carriers are increasingly available in green form known as e-fuels, ensuring the process to produce them is net zero.
Sources are greening
The hydrogen economy is here, there’s a growing industry producing green hydrogen powered by renewable energy.
Not all hydrogen is made that way yet though, they come in shades of green today, and a few other colours too. The market is in a transition phase, it’s responding to the sustainable customers’ choice.
Safety credentials
It’s natural to want to understand the safety credentials of hydrogen compared to diesel. We’re used to the dangers of diesel, but less familiar with hydrogen.
There are differences: hydrogen is not poisonous, and it’s carbon free. Hydrogen is light, meaning if leaked it disperses rapidly and upwards. Diluted hydrogen is less likely to catch fire than diesel. If ignited hydrogen does not burn as hot as diesel. Hydrogen does need storing safely under high pressure or in a cold liquid form. When stored and managed properly it’s no more dangerous than diesel.