Fuel-Cell Cars to Arrive Soon
by Bernie Fischlowitz-Roberts, Earth
Policy Institute
Fuel cells use hydrogen to produce electricity and emit only water and
heat. If used to power a vehicle, the fuel cells generate electricity
to run the motor. Buildings powered by fuel cells use both the
electricity and the heat they generate, increasing the fuel cells'
efficiency.
If the hydrogen fuel is derived from the electrolysis of water, using
electricity obtained from wind turbines, solar cells, hydropower
turbines, or geothermal generators, it is completely emission-free.
Fuel cell vehicles that derive hydrogen from fossil fuels are
typically twice as fuel-efficient as vehicles with internal combustion
engines.
Major automakers are on the verge of introducing fuel cell vehicles
(FCVs). DaimlerChrysler says that early next year, 60 Mercedes-Benz
A-Class FCVs will be unveiled in Japan, Singapore, the US and Europe.
In 2001, Ballard Power Systems, the world leader in fuel cell
production, announced a sales to Honda and Ford.
Iceland plans to be the first hydrogen-powered economy. Shell is
constructing a hydrogen station that uses inexpensive hydropower to
electrolyze water to supply the buses. After the buses are converted,
Iceland's passenger cars will be next, and then the nation's fishing
fleet.
Businesses that need a reliable electricity supply are turning to fuel
cells to power their buildings. The First National Bank of Omaha, a
credit card processing company, turned to fuel cells to provide the
consistent power supply it requires. It then uses the heat from the
fuel cells for space heating.
For more information go to
www.earth-policy.org. This article is
reprinted with permission
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