Fuel cells to be used to tackle energy crisis

National centre will be established to achieve a low-carbon economy.

ISLAMABAD: In order to combat the prevailing energy crisis, a national centre for hydrogen and fuel cell will be established soon. This will be a promising renewable energy technology that will offer prospects for low-carbon economy.

The deployment of fuel cells promises sustainable economic development with minimal environmental consequences which can be used at homes, in grocery stores, warehouses, commercial and industrial structures.

The fuel cells are widely regarded as the major means of converting hydrogen to energy and play a role in realising aspirations for a ‘hydrogen economy’, an official said.

This concept covers a range of ideas where hydrogen plays a major role in clean energy systems for the future, he added.

“The ability to operate fuel cells from fossil fuels, through biomass-based fuels to renewable sources, means that they could support all steps in the transition to a hydrogen economy based predominantly on renewable energy sources.”

The official said there is practically no limit to the deployment of fuel cells on technical grounds. The use of Alkaline Fuel Cells, Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells, Proton Exchange Member Cells/Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells range in efficiency from 55% to 60%.

He said this technology was increasingly being used worldwide for diverse applications in space programmes, power generation and transport.

Transport applications include motive power for cars, buses and other fuel cell passenger vehicles, specialty vehicles, material handling vehicles like forklifts and auxiliary power units for highway and off-road vehicles.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th, 2014.

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