Fuel cells are clean energy generation technologies which at their core combine hydrogen with oxygen through electrochemical reactions to provide low carbon electricity and heat.

Fuel cells have now reached a stage of technical maturity for applications as diverse as consumer electronics, cars, ships, aviation, grid and the built environment. It is this latter market which is perhaps the most mature and at scales from the kW to the multi-MW, in settings ranging from homes to hospitals, to large industry and at a city-scale.

Such ‘stationary’ fuel cells use either natural gas or hydrogen (depending on the type of fuel cell) as the input fuel to deliver practical, ultra-clean, reliable and efficient on-site energy in the form of Combined Heat and Power (CHP).

Japan has one of the most mature markets for fuel cells and has recently submitted climate change plans to the UN which involve the installation of over 5 million fuel cells.

Guto Owen's energy consultancy Ynni Glan is based in Cardiff and develops fuel cell and hydrogen projects with some of the world's leading technology suppliers. Guto has 20 years experience in delivering energy and environmental projects which includes experience of most renewable and low carbon technologies.

Fuel cells and hydrogen technologies make the cleanest and most efficient use of fossil fuels and can release the full potential of renewables.

An event will take place in Baglan Energy Park on 14 May on fuel cells in the built environment.

Fuel Cell Graphic