Hydrogen Fuel Cells in the U.S.: A Growing Source of Clean Energy

The use of hydrogen fuel cells has been gaining momentum in the United States, contributing significantly to its clean energy mix. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), by the end of 2016, an estimated 137 MW of fuel cell units greater than one MW had come online in the U.S. This represents a substantial increase, with 85 percent of this capacity online since 2013.

Fuel cells have a unique capability to generate electricity using hydrogen at very high efficiencies. In 2016, these cells produced 810,000 MWh of electricity, which equates to a mere 0.02 percent of the total U.S. electricity generation. This growth, however, highlights the potential of fuel cells in expanding renewable energy sources in the country.

How Hydrogen Fuel Cells Generate Electricity

Fuel cell systems typically convert hydrocarbon fuels, like natural gas, into hydrogen through thermochemical processes such as steam reforming. This hydrogen then undergoes a chemical reaction in an electrochemical cell, which is similar to a battery, to produce electricity and water.

Sources of Hydrogen Fuel

Natural gas, landfill gas, and biogas from the waste decomposed at wastewater treatment plants are common sources of hydrogen for fuel cells. In certain states, the electricity generated from these fuel cells can qualify for renewable portfolio standards (RPS), further incentivizing the use of hydrogen fuel cells.

Fuel Cell Systems Efficiency and Applications

The efficiency of fuel cells can be significantly higher than that of traditional combustion engines, typically ranging from 40 to 60 percent, compared to 35 percent for modern internal combustion engines. In some cases, the efficiency can even exceed 80 percent.

These systems find applications in various sectors, including:

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Systems: Fuel cells can generate electricity and heat simultaneously, which are both useful in industrial and residential settings. Transportation: Fuel cells are already being used in buses and trucks, with car manufacturers also exploring their potential for vehicle propulsion. Stationary Power Generation: Utility companies are beginning to explore the use of fuel cells for grid-scale power generation.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the growth of fuel cells in the U.S. is promising, there are still several challenges to overcome. These include:

Cost: Despite advancements, the cost of fuel cell systems remains high, particularly when compared to traditional energy sources. Infrastructure: A comprehensive hydrogen refueling infrastructure is still required to support widespread use in transportation and stationary power applications. Environmental Concerns: The greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas production and decomposition processes must be considered in the lifecycle analysis of fuel cell systems.

Despite these challenges, the expanding use of hydrogen fuel cells in the U.S. indicates a promising future for clean energy. As technology advances and costs decrease, the potential of fuel cells to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency continues to grow.