Fuel cells have played a key role in manned space exploration, where hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells for electrical power have been used.
Fuel cell technology converts the chemical energy stored by hydrogen fuel into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions, not combustion. This represents a clean and efficient way to generate energy.
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the Universe, it is possible to produce hydrogen from sustainable and renewable sources, it can be extracted from fossil fuels and biomass, from water and solar energy.
In the maritime transport sector fuel cells are expected to substantially reduce emissions of pollutants such as GHGs, VOCs, PM, SOx, NOx. In addition, the limits on pollutant emissions force ship owners to reduce the environmental impact of their processes. Fuel cells may become the suitable solution and one of the most promising future technologies in the transport field.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is considered the best of the fuels alternative solutions for future clean energy. Hydrogen is expected to play an important role in future maritime transport scenarios internationally thanks to high energy efficiency.
Hydrogen is also essential to get the maritime industry’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging the generation of green energy.
Paolo Mazzone
SubEng – HSE Adviser
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Cover: Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell unit by Hydrogenics Corporation, Sandia Labs.
