Hydrogen Economy and Fuel Cell Technology

Abstract

The improvement in the standard of living due to urbanization and industrialization can without a doubt be accredited to the discovery and use of fossil fuels over the centuries. Although this energy source has had a huge positive impact on the human population, the negatives are just as huge. The continuous use of fossil has been detrimental to the environment and has pushed the world into a paradigm shift where green technology has to be implemented. Hydrogen as an alternative source has intrigued many researchers due to its zero emission characteristic and higher energy content compared to traditional energy sources. Fuel cells which use hydrogen as a fuel source, are the fastest growing clean technologies. Fuel cells are used in both stationary and on-board applications. In this chapter, the hydrogen economy and fuel cell technology are discussed in the South African context and whether or not the complete replacement of fossil fuel with hydrogen is feasible or not.