What are Fuel Cells?

Fuel cells produce electricity and heat by combining hydrogen and oxygen via an electrochemical process. They work in a similar fashion to batteries but the fuel and oxidant are stored externally, enabling them to continue operating as long as the chemicals are supplied. In most applications the oxygen is taken directly from air, so that only the fuel has to be stored.

The ideal fuel for such cells is hydrogen, but other hydrogen-containing fuels (such as biogas, natural gas or petrol) may be used if they are passed through a reformer, which converts them into a hydrogen-rich gas.

According to the Scottish Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Association, the global market for fuel cells is estimated to reach $50 billion by 2020.