Howdy,
In cars, the fuel cell industry may be beaten to the spot of '#1 alternative to fossil fuels' by more nuclear power stations to power the national grid AND effective enough battery technology in cars such that batteries will last a whole day on one charge from a 3-pin plug and be able to be charged very quickly if necessary.
A more robust and effective battery powered vehicle, whose technology started with milkfloats, has progressed to the 'G-Whiz' and is currently being run in those 'Tesla' cars, is needed.
However the fuel cell industry is currently focussed on making the components of the system cheaper for commericalization. Platinum levels in the active part are falling (there is also research into cheaper Pt free catalysts) but the overall efficiency is going up and I am currently involved in reducing the costs of another part of the system.
There is no shortage of Hydrogen around in the UK. It is a by product of the Chlor-Alkali industry, but there is a shortage of H2 refuelling infrastructure. In fact there is currently only one H2 refuelling pump in the UK, tucked away at Birmingham University.
Sadly, we won't find an alternative to the internal combustion engine until we have properly drained our oil resources and have screwed the planet.
Global investment in the industry is only a token effort. Indeed, I've felt that the investment from some of the large American car companies I've worked for has only been for the benefit of a couple of lines in their promotional literature.
This would be my view from inside the fuel cell industry. As such, as well as the cynicism, there will also be a little bias.
Elliott.
10 years a fuel cell engineer. Syntax not my strongpoint. :-)
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