Special Focus: Fuel Cell Applications

With regulators aiming to achieve net-zero emissions for the shipping sector by 2050, the industry—which delivers more than 80% of global trade—is a key target for fuel cell technology. However, while transforming H₂ into electricity offers a decarbonization path that attracts investments from bunkering ship owners globally, alternatives to marine fuel cells have proved (so far) more persuasive for shipping’s owner class.

Hydrogen (H₂)-powered fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) offer enormous potential for clean, carbon-free transportation. While FCEVs are considered one of the most promising eco-friendly alternatives to conventional combustion engines, challenges will always remain (e.g., the risk of contaminants in the H₂ available to consumers at refueling stations).

As the world increasingly seeks sustainable and efficient energy solutions, there is a general consensus that hydrogen (H₂) will play a significant role. This makes the question of how this product is best transported not just a technical issue, but also one with profound environmental, economic and geopolitical implications.

As the global focus on sustainability continues, an increasing interest in hydrogen (H₂) operations has emerged. Consequently, the world has become more focused on H₂ transportation methods to support those operations.

As the world pivots toward a more sustainable future, hydrogen (H₂) stands out due to its low-carbon footprint that aligns seamlessly with international climate agreement and corporate net-zero goals.

The electrolyzer industry urgently needs an electrode coating solution for the scale of deployment expected by 2050. The existing technology is slow, energy intensive and expensive.

Industries such as refining, heavy-duty transportation and electricity generation are often mentioned in connection with H₂ utilization; however, the mining sector also has the potential to decarbonize operations by using H₂.

May’s H₂Tech Tech Spotlight consists of new H₂ fuel cells, an open-source toolkit to measure H₂’s carbon intensity, iridium-free catalyst coated anion exchange membranes and an innovative direct air capture (DAC) green methanol offshore production platform.

Nearly half of active H2 projects are in Western Europe—the region’s active project market share was 47% at the time of this publication.

Ensuring safety and efficiency in the liquefaction and storage of H₂ is essential for its viability. Crucially, selecting the best liquefaction methods and transport/storage technologies involves analyzing multiple factors, including energy use, material choices and liquid H₂ management, such as ortho/para H₂ conversion and boil-off gas.

Safe, simple and fast, hydrogen (H₂) filling stations must work in the same way as diesel filling stations to be a practical, carbon dioxide (CO₂)-free alternative to today’s global diesel standard. Advanced cryogenic H₂ pumps are now taking efficiency to a new level, and a completely new refueling process for liquid H₂ can already compete with the diesel standard.

To date, electrification has been the primary focus for decarbonization—the increasing use of electric vehicles is a clear example of that. While there are many instances of how electricity can be used to decarbonize, it is not applicable in every sector or industry.