Hydrogen and fuel cells

Many consider that hydrogen - coupled with a device called a fuel cell - will increasingly provide us all with clean energy in the future. Hydrogen, a fuel or 'energy carrier', is a common industrial gas. A fuel cell is a 160-year old technology that enables the efficient and clean generation of electricity and heat by combining oxygen from the air with a hydrogen-rich fuel.

If pure hydrogen fuel is used, the only by-product of the process at the point of use is water. And, excitingly, if the hydrogen itself is produced from a carbon-neutral source such as solar or wind power, we have the potential for carbon-neutral and emission-free energy. Our cars, buses, mobile phones, laptops, home generators, powerstations and so on could be clean ... and quiet!

Other countries such as the United States, Germany and Japan are working seriously towards a 'hydrogen economy', and all major vehicle manufacturers now have hydrogen-powered vehicles in development. The new generation of hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) buses can now be experienced on the streets of London. The buses are jointly funded by TfL, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the European Union via the Clean Hydrogen in Cities (CHIC) project.

Although hydrogen from carbon-neutral sources is the ideal, in the shorter term it will be necessary to use hydrogen produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas, in order to build the necessary infrastructure. Because of the high efficiency of fuel cells, and the lack of combustion, the use of natural gas can still deliver considerably lower emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

Safety

A London CUTE bus, powered by a PEM fuel cell and fuelled by gaseous hydrogen. c Transport for London Hydrogen gas is a common industrial gas that is colourless and odourless. Some 35 million tonnes are produced globally every year, about one per cent of the amount of oil produced globally in 2001. Consequently, extensive safety protocols already exist and work is also under way to produce internationally standardised handling procedures for everyday situations. All fuels, including those suitable for use in fuel cells such as hydrogen, require careful management to control the risks.

As a fuel, hydrogen gas is energy dense. This means that, as with many commonly used fuels, such as petrol and natural gas, there is a danger to health and property in the event of uncontrolled combustion or explosion. All fuels require the application of fuel-specific safety controls, and hydrogen is no exception. But there is no evidence to suggest that hydrogen is more dangerous than conventional fuels in general, and some evidence that it is safer, for example in a vehicle fire. The main difference between hydrogen gas and petrol is in its behaviour when released to the air. Hydrogen gas disperses rapidly and fires burn out quickly, dissipating heat only very locally.

Increased education and awareness will be essential to build acceptance of the new technology, and overcome any misconceptions.

Additional information is available on the London Schools Hydrogen Challenge website.


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Home About the LHP Members Hydrogen and fuel cells Why London? Publications Contact us	Hydrogen and fuel cells Many consider that hydrogen - coupled with a device called a fuel cell - will increasingly provide us all with clean energy in the future. Hydrogen, a fuel or 'energy carrier', is a common industrial gas. A fuel cell is a 160-year old technology that enables the efficient and clean generation of electricity and heat by combining oxygen from the air with a hydrogen-rich fuel. If pure hydrogen fuel is used, the only by-product of the process at the point of use is water. And, excitingly, if the hydrogen itself is produced from a carbon-neutral source such as solar or wind power, we have the potential for carbon-neutral and emission-free energy. Our cars, buses, mobile phones, laptops, home generators, powerstations and so on could be clean ... and quiet! Other countries such as the United States, Germany and Japan are working seriously towards a 'hydrogen economy', and all major vehicle manufacturers now have hydrogen-powered vehicles in development. The new generation of hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) buses can now be experienced on the streets of London. The buses are jointly funded by TfL, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the European Union via the Clean Hydrogen in Cities (CHIC) project. Although hydrogen from carbon-neutral sources is the ideal, in the shorter term it will be necessary to use hydrogen produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas, in order to build the necessary infrastructure. Because of the high efficiency of fuel cells, and the lack of combustion, the use of natural gas can still deliver considerably lower emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Safety Hydrogen gas is a common industrial gas that is colourless and odourless. Some 35 million tonnes are produced globally every year, about one per cent of the amount of oil produced globally in 2001. Consequently, extensive safety protocols already exist and work is also under way to produce internationally standardised handling procedures for everyday situations. All fuels, including those suitable for use in fuel cells such as hydrogen, require careful management to control the risks. As a fuel, hydrogen gas is energy dense. This means that, as with many commonly used fuels, such as petrol and natural gas, there is a danger to health and property in the event of uncontrolled combustion or explosion. All fuels require the application of fuel-specific safety controls, and hydrogen is no exception. But there is no evidence to suggest that hydrogen is more dangerous than conventional fuels in general, and some evidence that it is safer, for example in a vehicle fire. The main difference between hydrogen gas and petrol is in its behaviour when released to the air. Hydrogen gas disperses rapidly and fires burn out quickly, dissipating heat only very locally. Increased education and awareness will be essential to build acceptance of the new technology, and overcome any misconceptions. Additional information is available on the London Schools Hydrogen Challenge website.