Hydrogen fuel cells may be tested for feasibility in Scotland

Hydrogen fuel cells may be tested for feasibility in Scotland

August 10, 2012 0 By Angie Bergenson

SE looks to commission feasibility study concerning fuel cells and ferries

Scottish Enterprise (SE), a public agency of the Scottish government that encourages economic development and innovation, is urging the commission of a feasibility study concerning the use of hydrogen fuel cells with ferries. The Scottish government has turned to hydrogen fuel cells as a potential power source for numerous ferries that are used to transport people to various locations, including Northern Ireland. Fuel cells were chosen because of they do not produce any harmful emissions. SE believes that the feasibility study could have some benefit for hydrogen fuel cells.

Hydrogen fuel cells may be able to garner more support from the EU

Depending on the results of the study, Scotland may be able to use it as a way to get additional funding for the development of zero emissions ferries through the European Union. SE claims that such support from the EU will make Scotland a world leader in terms of hydrogen-powered ferries. This could also lay a foundation for the development of hybrid engines that make use of fuel cell technology. Such a foundation would make Scotland quite attractive to fuel cell manufacturers and other alternative energy companies.

Support for hydrogen fuel cells still modest in Scotland

Scotland has shown relatively modest support for hydrogen fuel cells in the past. This is largely due to the limited impact fuel cells have had on the country’s economy. Though fuel cells are over a century old, the technology is still considered to be emerging and largely misunderstood. Support for hydrogen fuel cells has grown over the years, but SE believes that the government still needs to be convinced that the energy systems are a worthwhile investment.

Additional support may help advance fuel cell plans

The feasibility study could show off the capabilities of hydrogen fuel cells and show the government how useful they really are. Ferries are considered a vital service to Scottish consumers, as many of these consumers rely on this form of transportation. There have been tentative plans to support the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles for several years, but these plans have only recently come to fruition.

 

Related article(s) and resources:

http://www.power-eng.com/news/2012/08/06/se-advocates-fuel-cell-ferries-for-scotland.html

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