Finding Safe Haven in Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Systems (Part 1)

To create a worldwide hydrogen (H2) economy with fuel cells providing clean, safe electrical energy, end users will have to embrace this energy carrier. That means using it onboard their vehicles, at fueling stations in their neighbourhoods, in their electronic devices such as cell phones and laptop computers as well as in stationary installations providing electricity for homes and businesses. H2-powered fuel cells that provide backup power for hospitals, banks, and telecommunications during grid "brown outs" or "black outs" have endeared the public to this new technology in the short term. However, despite field tests to establish proof of performance with customers, and industry efforts to establish fuel cells as a viable method of power production in the long term, there remains a lingering question. This question relates to the safety of H2 and the fuel cell systems that rely on it as a key element in the electrochemical reaction.

The first part of this two section report, covers a number of the key issues, inlcuding perception, testing and hydrogen production.