Fuel Cells Briefing Book

Fuel cells represent a radically different approach to energy conversion, one that could replace conventional power generation technologies like engines and turbines in applications such as automobiles and power plants. Like batteries, fuel cells produce electrical energy electrochemically, but unlike batteries, fuel cells do not require recharging; instead they use fuel to produce power. Public and private R&D into fuel cells continues in earnest because the potential is great.

Some of the anticipated fuel cell benefits include reduction in fuel consumption for vehicles, reduction in natural gas consumption, and increased energy security and electric grid reliability. However, despite the promise, the potential for fuel cells has yet to be realized.

The return on investment for fuel cell projects has been disappointing for most investors as fuel cell companies have struggled with technical delays and persistent high costs (many companies rushed to public markets before they had reached commercialization. In order for fuel cells to become a viable alternative to incumbent technologies, they must provide a performance and cost advantage.

In the document "Fuel Cells Briefing Book," ScottMadden will address the details of the technologies and R&D efforts, the costs, funding and investment issues, and a profile of some of the emerging commercialization issues surrounding the development of fuel cells.