Clean Fuels & Chemicals

Fuel cells are receiving widespread attention as an alternate source for clean energy, and one of the most important developments are proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) which operate using hydrogen at low temperatures. In the U.S., there is a considerable effort underway to develop H2 as the preferred fuel due to the potential for decreasing our dependence on imported oil, and the environmental benefits. Due to the difficulties associated with hydrogen storage, it will likely be generated in the near term on an as needed basis by reforming fuels like natural gas, methanol, gasoline, and LPG. Reforming hydrocarbon fuels will still produce CO2, but it is perceived that levels will be reduced due to the improved efficiency of the PEM fuel cell over the internal combustion engine. In the future, when carbon capture/ sequestration technology, as well as H2 delivery infrastructure, are in place, H2 may be generated not only from conventional fossil fuels, but also from biomass, coal gasification, and other sources (e.g., wind, solar, and nuclear).