Reader Response Draft 2
Michigan Tech's article "An Energy Breakthrough: Tech Researchers Create New Type of Fuel Cell"(2023) states that Hydrogen fuel cells are making significant advancements in the clean energy sector, with a promising role in reducing global emissions. Hydrogen fuel cells are highly efficient, requiring less energy to convert to electrical energy. The efficiency rate for fuel cells is 60% whereas for normal fuel engines is at 30 to 35%(Hu, Su, & Wei, 2023). Moreover, Hydrogen can be produced using renewable resources like wind, solar and biomass, making it a renewable fuel source (Hyundai Motor Company, 2024).
Hydrogen fuel cells offer great versatility in their
applications. It ranges from powering cars and trucks to stationary power
plants. As for refuelling, it takes about 8 minutes to be fully powered whereas
else it takes about 20 minutes for an Electric Vehicle (EV) to charge up. This
makes hydrogen fuel cells an appealing solution for the transport industry that
requires fast refuelling for logistics and long-haul transport. (Hyundai
Motor Company, 2024).
There are various types of hydrogen fuel cells being
utilised in the market. One of the examples will be the Proton Exchange
Membrane (PEM) cells. PEM cells generate electricity by using hydrogen and
oxygen. Hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce electricity; it powers
electric motors and emits only water vapour. PEM cells are currently being used
in the Hyundai Nexo 2019 model. PEM cells have demonstrated a quick start and
effective energy generation. It can operate on low temperatures, which is great
for automation and portable uses while having high power density. However, pure
hydrogen is required for PEM cells and is vulnerable to fuel impurities like
carbon monoxide. (McKinsey & Company, 2023)
In addition to PEM cells, there are other kinds of fuel
cells being used in the market. They include Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) and
Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC). SOFCs are using high temperatures to operate, which
is the primary use of stationary power generation. It will help to provide
electricity from homes to industrial applications. The least common fuel cells
are the AFCs. AFC has been widely used in the space industry and has been
applied in the NASA Apollo missions, where is has been proven its effectiveness
in a highly specialized environment. Each fuel cells have its own unique characteristics,
making it suitable for different kinds of applications. Thus, further emphasising
on the flexibility of hydrogen as a clean energy and suitable energy source (Bird
& Bird, 2023).
Despite their advantages, there are challenges faced like production costs and transportation issues. Hyundai Motor Company (2013) stated that it costs 1.1 billion dollars to step up two fuel cell plants due to needing expensive materials like platinum. Hydrogen is a flammable liquid and requires high-pressure tanks and cryogenic tanks which are costly. Moreover, a specialised refuelling infrastructure is lacking in Southeast Asia countries like Singapore, despite having an interest in the technology. To produce hydrogen, it requires significant energy, relying on non-renewable sources. It undermines the purpose of environmental benefits. (Hyundai Motor Company, 2024).
Hydrogen fuel cells have the potential to revolutionise
clean energy, providing zero emissions. However, the widespread use of hydrogen
fuel cells is constrained by changes due to infrastructure and cost. In
Singapore, the development of specialised infrastructure is slow due to the
lack of government incentives and clear policies. Singapore has created a plan
called the National Hydrogen Strategy. This strategy was launched in the year
2022. The goal is to make hydrogen a key element in meeting the nation's energy
requirements by the year 2050. In addition, green hydrogen making is very
costly due to the high energy out. This adds to the cost and production
challenges in infrastructure development. Without the advancements in
technology, it will be difficult to store and transport hydrogen, as well as
refuelling infrastructures. These barriers will make their potential
unrealised. (Tiwari, 2023).
Public awareness is very vital as this helps to drive
investments and a proper policy in hydrogen fuel cells. This will help to
transit to hydrogen faster. The situation now is the level of understanding for
hydrogen fuel cells is low, thus the support to transit to hydrogen is low.
Hydrogen fuel cells are a good path in decarbonisation, but first, the
technology and financial barriers must be overcome to make this a vision of
reality. (Bird & Bird, 2023).
In conclusion, hydrogen fuel cells are a promising choice
for traditional sources like fuel. However, technical and economic challenges
are problems we face. As more nations become interested in this innovative
technology, there might be more potential to transition to cleaner and more
sustainable energy sources.
References
Yun Hang Hu, Hanrui Su, & Zhang Wei (05 April 2023) An energy breakthrough: Tech researchers create new type of fuel cell. Michigan Technological University.
An Energy Breakthrough: Tech Researchers Create New Type of Fuel Cell | Michigan Tech News (mtu.edu)
Hyundai Motor Company.(2024) Hyundai Mobis invests $1.1 billion for 2 new hydrogen fuel cell system plants in Korea.
Hyundai Mobis invests $1.1 billion for 2 new hydrogen fuel cell system plants in Korea
McKinsey & Company.(2023) Global energy perspective 2023: Hydrogen outlook.
Global Energy Perspective 2023: Hydrogen outlook | McKinsey
Bird & Bird. (14 August 2023) Hydrogen policy: Enabling a hydrogen economy.
Hydrogen Policy: Enabling a Hydrogen Economy - Bird & Bird (twobirds.com)
Anand Tiwari. (27 April 2023). Singapore’s national hydrogen strategy: Can hydrogen propel Singapore to net-zero? Reed Smith LLP.
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