What is a strength of hydrogen fuel cells?

What is a strength of hydrogen fuel cells?

• A. They offer a clean and efficient way of generating electricity.
• B. They are cheaper to deploy than any other energy technology in all settings.
• C. They emit ozone-depleting substances.
• D. They require no hydrogen infrastructure.

Answer: (A)

Hydrogen fuel cells convert chemical energy from hydrogen directly into electricity, and the main byproduct is water. That means the electricity they generate can be produced with very low emissions at the point of use, which is a major strength for clean energy applications. In addition, the electrochemical conversion process is quite efficient, often achieving higher electrical efficiencies than internal combustion engines, and it can be even more effective when used in combined heat and power systems that capture useful heat. This combination of low emissions and high efficiency makes hydrogen fuel cells appealing for a range of uses, from vehicles to stationary power. However, they are not universally cheaper in every setting due to upfront equipment costs and the need for a hydrogen supply and distribution network. They do not emit ozone-depleting substances, and they certainly do not operate with no hydrogen infrastructure—the infrastructure to produce, store, and transport hydrogen is a real consideration.

Hydrogen fuel cells convert chemical energy from hydrogen directly into electricity, and the main byproduct is water. That means the electricity they generate can be produced with very low emissions at the point of use, which is a major strength for clean energy applications. In addition, the electrochemical conversion process is quite efficient, often achieving higher electrical efficiencies than internal combustion engines, and it can be even more effective when used in combined heat and power systems that capture useful heat.

This combination of low emissions and high efficiency makes hydrogen fuel cells appealing for a range of uses, from vehicles to stationary power. However, they are not universally cheaper in every setting due to upfront equipment costs and the need for a hydrogen supply and distribution network. They do not emit ozone-depleting substances, and they certainly do not operate with no hydrogen infrastructure—the infrastructure to produce, store, and transport hydrogen is a real consideration.