Hydrogen As A Viable Answer

9 Pages 2192 Words

ople within a firm as to the right time, place and price at which each source of energy can be utilized optimally. These decisions are made by energy analysts, which are capable of tracking costs of energy creation in different markets at designated times. Also, fuel cells may give consumers in the market a new option in areas where grid transmission of energy (electricity) is unreliable or in areas of saturation. Fuel cells may also become a reliable backup in case the grid goes down. Defining characteristics of the situation depend on the economics at the time of usage, as well as the needs of the consumer.
One possibility of mass fuel cell usage is in Japan. Japan believes that a centralized set of fuel cells could possibly provide power over the existing grid, and replace older power plants such as those that use coal as their primary source of production. This would mean fewer emissions which in turn means more tax breaks for the company that creates the energy.
We may see the hydrogen stored in these fuel cells derived from such renewable sources as biomass, wood products, restaurant waste, plastic waste, and anything else organic. As of right now, the main source of the hydrogen used is in the form of natural gas. There will be a substantial lapse of time before these hydrogen holding fuel cells will become largely commercial in the economy, even though the technology behind them is fairly practical.
Manufacturing processes will take time, which ultimately leads to higher costs. As in any other product on the market, demand will also be a defining factor in production, and as a result, rising or falling cost. Material costs also contribute to higher production costs. The use of graphite can become very expensive in the lower temperature fuel cells. Developmental processes are still in the innovative phase. Once complete, we will see a brand new era of renewable energy with no environmental conse...