Fuel cells, which can convert any fuel into electricity and make it more efficient, have snuck into the energy mix of major corporations almost unnoticed during the national sprint to more wind and solar capacity.
Linde fuel cell forklift on duty
The clean technology runs 24/7, the price has plummeted as many more varieties become commercially available, and more companies are taking advantage of their versatility to store power generated by other means and deliver it more efficiently.
Passenger cars will emerge from the demonstration phase and hit the general market by 2015.
“Everything’s better with a fuel cell,” Ruth Cox of the US Fuel Cell Council tells us.
FedEx, for example, successfully introduced 35 fuel cell-powered lift trucks into their fleet. The company handled refueling by teaming up with Air Products to supply hydrogen at its distribution center.
In an article for altenergymag.com, Jennifer Gangi (of Fuel Cells 2000) reports that these forklifts have the potential to lower the total logistics costs of a 24-hour distribution system because “they require minimal refilling and significantly less maintenance than electric forklifts.” Zero emissions also mean clean air and a safer environment for drivers in a closed facility. Ongoing trials at Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola, and GM of Canada, as well as FedEx, showcase the benefits.
According to RenewableEnergyFocus.com, “the manufacturing of fuel cells will see the largest growth in jobs in the next 10 years.” On August 16, 2010, President Obama lauded ZBB Energy Corp. for its growth during a tough economy. The Wisconsin-based manufacturer is part of the revolution in energy storage that will replace today’s batteries with far better devices in the future.
More welcome fuel-cell news came this month from a leading manufacturer of high efficiency, ultra-clean power plants, FuelCell Energy. MarketWatch reports the firm has sold a 1.4-megawatt power plant to provide renewable energy from biogas. To be installed in French Camp, Calif., a fuel cell will convert waste from a local chicken ranch into clean electricity.
The biogas plant represents one of many lower-carbon sources that can power fuel cells, which also include natural gas and methanol – even the methane gas released by landfills, cattle feedlots, and wastewater treatment plants. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, BC Transit transported spectators on its fleet of 20 hydrogen fuel cell-powered busses fueled by biodiesel.
Mercedes fuel cell car has a 250-mile range
Fuel cell passenger cars are now projected to reach the general market as soon as 2014-15, as the laboratories continue to bring down fuel cells’ cost, extend their longevity, and shrink their size. Honda and GM’s Chevrolet have been leasing demonstration models for a couple of years now, Daimler has started limited production of a B-class Mercedes, and Toyota is working on its model.
Meanwhile, look for them in a hospital, city bus or forklift near you.
