Global Hydrogen Fuel Cell Industry: A Sustainable Alternative for Conventional Vehicles

A hydrogen fuel cell is a system that transforms hydrogen and oxygen into water while concurrently producing electrical energy. In a hydrogen fuel cell apparatus, chemicals are consistently circulated into the compartments, preventing the discharge of the battery. The surge in electric vehicle demand is propelling the growth of the hydrogen fuel cell sector. Technological progressions are enhancing the effectiveness of hydrogen fuel cells. 

As per the recent analysis by Allied Market Research, the global hydrogen fuel cell market is estimated to cite a notable CAGR of 8.1% throughout the forecast timeframe. Each fuel cell consists of two electrodes; a positive cathode and a negative anode. The electricity-generating reaction occurs at these electrodes, facilitated by an electrolyte that transports charged particles back and forth, alongside a catalyst that accelerates the reactions. The potential output of hydrogen fuel cells ranges from the smaller sub-kilowatt scale of single cells to the larger megawatt scale found in virtual power plants. 

Clean and Flexible Source of Energy: 

Hydrogen fuel cells offer an inherently eco-friendly energy source, with no detrimental environmental impact during usage, as their outputs consist solely of heat and water. In contrast to biofuel or hydropower, hydrogen doesn't require vast areas for production. Notably, NASA has explored utilizing hydrogen as a resource, with the resulting water byproduct serving as drinking water for astronauts. This underscores the non-hazardous nature of hydrogen fuel cells, positioning them as a superior alternative to coal and natural gas. 

NTPC initiated trials for hydrogen fuel cell buses and refueling in India 

NTPC, the Indian power utility, has revealed plans to establish a hydrogen refueling station and a solar plant in Leh, along with a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses. This marked the first-ever deployment of hydrogen buses on public roads in India. 

The fuel cell buses are specifically developed to sustain freezing temperatures and low levels of oxygen, particularly at the elevated altitude of 11,562 feet. NTPC has set a target to attain 60GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, positioning itself as a significant participant in green hydrogen technology and energy storage domains. To fulfil this objective, the company has initiated a range of incentives towards decarbonization like carbon capture, hydrogen blending, smart NTPC townships and the implementation of electric vehicle buses.

Port of Valencia acquired hydrogen fuel cell reach stacker on 29th August 2023:

The Port Authority of Valencia (PAV) has acquired a hydrogen fuel cell reach stacker from Hyster, a container handling equipment manufacturer. This reachstacker forms a crucial part of the H2Ports initiative, which integrates hydrogen-powered vehicles and machinery into port operations. The Hyster reachstacker functions as an emission-free system, employing a Nuvera fuel cell to transform hydrogen into energy. According to Hyster, the hydrogen is stored within high-pressure tanks on the vehicle and can be refueled in 10-15 minutes. The onboard hydrogen fuel cell recharges the batteries, subsequently providing energy to the electric motors and hydraulic systems. This capability empowers the reach stacker to handle substantial containers, giving exceptional performance as compared to its diesel-based system.

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