Fuel cells hold the key to catapulting us into the carbon-free economy - and knowing this, the platinum group metal (PGM) industry is at the forefront of pioneering developments in the technology.

As the potential applications are wide, so are the benefits, with the technology promising an efficient source of clean energy both for the transport we use and for buildings in which we live and work. Indeed, fuel cells have the potential to up to double the efficiency of cars and power generators while significantly reducing air pollution.

Why are fuel cells better for the environment?

Fuel cells are an innovative type of electrical generator that produce electricity and heat from a simple electro-chemical reaction involving oxygen and hydrogen.
The electro-chemical reaction means that fuel cells don't burn fuel like conventional power sources. So they don't produce exhaust emissions like NOx, SOx, hydrocarbons and particulate emissions - which cause smog and are linked to cancers and asthma. For more details on the mechanics, click here.

In fact, it might surprise you to learn that the US Department of Energy predicts that if even just 10% of vehicles in the US used fuel cells, regulated air pollutants would be cut by 1 million tons per year, as would 60 million tons of greenhouse gases.
Furthermore, the greater energy efficiency of fuel cell engines over current engines means that cars can travel up to the equivalent of 90 miles per gallon, reducing the consumption of fuel and exhaust emissions. more >>