Hydrogen powers automotive
fuel cells. Hydrogen can be generated through the processing, or "reforming",
of natural gas or liquid fuels. Given the limited pipeline network
for hydrogen, on - site generation of hydrogen at the refueling station
is the most likely solution for supplying fuel cell vehicles. Two
technologies have been proposed to date for "distributed hydrogen
production" :
Methane (natural gas) reforming and electrolysis. While hydrogen generation
by electrolysis is competitive for small refueling applications, a
number of studies have shown that performing is the most cost-competitive
method for providing hydrogen at larger refueling stations.
A number of hydrogen refueling demonstration projects are currently
under way or are planned in the near future. These include hydrogen
refueling stations for the Clean Urban Transport for Europe (CUTE)
project in Europe, the Canada Hydrogen Highway in British Columbia,
the Japan Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Demonstration Project (JHFC) project,
and 37 stations either planned or operational in California.
|