Hydrogen fuel cells have long been seen as a potential alternative to fossil fuels, particularly in the transportation sector. These fuel cells convert hydrogen gas into electricity through a chemical reaction, emitting only water vapor as a by-product. While hydrogen fuel cells have been around for decades, their adoption has been limited.
However, in recent years there has been increasing interest in the potential of hydrogen as a clean and renewable energy source. Many experts believe that hydrogen fuel cells could play a key role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Canada is positioning to become a leader in the field of clean energy technology like hydrogen. On November 8, 2022, the Government of Alberta announced an investment of $300 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund to advance clean energy in Canada. The investment will help Alberta become a hub for hydrogen production in Canada.
One of the biggest advantages of hydrogen fuel cells is their efficiency. Traditional internal combustion engines, which run on gasoline or diesel, have an efficiency rate of around 30-40%. In contrast, hydrogen fuel cells can achieve an efficiency rate of up to 60%. This means that they can convert a greater percentage of the energy stored in hydrogen into usable electricity, making them a more efficient and potentially cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels.
Another major advantage of hydrogen fuel cells is their potential for use in a wide range of applications. They can be used to power vehicles, as well as stationary power systems, such as backup generators and microgrids. They can also be used in remote or off-grid locations where access to electricity is limited.
However, there are still significant challenges to the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cells. One of the main challenges is the high cost of production. Currently, most hydrogen is produced using natural gas, which generates greenhouse gas emissions. Natural gas-based hydrogen production with carbon capture and storage is referred to as “blue hydrogen”. While there are emerging technologies that can produce hydrogen using renewable energy sources, referred to as “green hydrogen”, these technologies are still expensive and not yet widely available.
In addition to the high cost of production, there is also a lack of infrastructure for hydrogen fuel cells. This includes a lack of filling stations for hydrogen-powered vehicles, as well as a lack of storage and distribution systems for hydrogen gas. Without this infrastructure, it is difficult for consumers to access and use hydrogen fuel cells.
Safety is another concern when it comes to hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen is a highly flammable gas, and there have been incidents in the past where hydrogen-powered vehicles have caught fire. While the risk of such incidents can be minimized through proper handling and storage, there is still a perception among some people that hydrogen fuel cells are not safe.
However, the future of hydrogen fuel cells looks promising. It is possible that hydrogen fuel cells will replace fossil fuels altogether in the transportation sector. With further technological advancements and the expansion of infrastructure, hydrogen fuel cells could become widely available and cost-effective alternative to gasoline and diesel.
With continued investment and research, it is likely that hydrogen energy will play a major role in lowering carbon emissions and the eventual transition to a net-zero economy by 2050.
