Fuel Cells Fuel cells convert the chemical energy of a fuel to electricity and heat without combustion.
Most fuel cells operate on hydrogen, which combines with oxygen from the air to form water.
This process produces no air emissions, although the production of hydrogen may result in emissions depending on its source. However, even if fueled with natural gas as a source of hydrogen, air emissions are many times lower than those for conventional combustion generating equipment. A fuel cell vehicle powered by hydrogen offers the zero emission benefits of battery powered vehicles but avoids the range, recharging, weight and cost penalties associated with batteries. Opening up the electricity supply industry to competition will likely help drive commercialization of fuel cell technology. New companies are entering the market offering energy services based on distributed on-site power generation.