Power plants using coal or oil have an operating efficiency of about 30 percent. They also emit large quantities of polluting gases. Researchers are looking to a more promising technology the fuel cell. They're safe, reliable and easy to maintain. They release no harmful pollutants, and their efficiency can exceed 80 percent.
Most fuel cells use hydrogen as fuel, but some can use methane.
Hydrogen isn't always readily available, so fuels such as natural gas or methane are attractive options. This adds considerably to the size of the cell, making it unlikely that methane could be used to fuel cars. Major utilities could use fuel cells to produce low-cost electricity. That's where heating and cooling your house come in. Fine, you say.