Did you know eleven new hydrogen fuel stations opened in North America in 2022? Our world is constantly searching for sustainable energy sources, and technological advancements in hydrogen fuel offer a promising solution. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen is a clean, abundant, and renewable energy source that can power various industries, from transportation to electricity generation. Its potential as an alternative energy source has led to significant research and development efforts, resulting in numerous technological advancements that make it a viable alternative to other energy sources. As the popularity of hydrogen grows, the demand for consumer and commercial hydrogen-powered vehicles will increase, providing your business with an enormous opportunity to grow income. PowerTap Hydrogen makes it easier than ever for your company to join the list of businesses ready to serve transportation customers with this emerging alternative fuel solution.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

One of the most significant advancements in this technology is the development of hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells work very differently than traditional combustion engines. They generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapor and heat as by-products. Fuel cell technology has developed for several decades, but recent advancements have made it more efficient and cost-effective.

For example, 2022 witnessed several groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell technology advancements for cars and trucks. Among the most significant developments was the creation of new fuel cells with heightened efficiency. Thanks to recent advancements, the platinum traditionally used as a catalyst in fuel cells can now be replaced with less expensive materials like carbon nanotube and graphene. These updated fuel cells are designed to be more compact, lightweight, and budget-friendly than previous models, making them more feasible solutions for consumers and businesses alike.

Hydrogen Storage Technology

Furthermore, another breakthrough was the introduction of new hydrogen storage technologies. These technologies enable more hydrogen storage in a smaller area, amplifying the range of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). One of the main limitations of FCEVs in the past has been the amount of hydrogen that can be stored in the vehicle. Early models had limited range, and refueling options were limited, making them impractical for long-distance travel. However, with advancements in hydrogen storage technology, this is no longer the case, and FCEVs have become more practical and efficient, with longer ranges and better performance. This means that drivers can travel further on a single tank of hydrogen, making FCEVs more suitable for everyday use.

Advantages of Hydrogen Fuel Compared to Other Energy Alternatives

Compared to other energy sources, hydrogen fuel cells have several advantages. We all know they produce zero emissions, making them a clean alternative to fossil fuels. However, technological advancements in hydrogen fuel continue to grow its list of advantages over other energy sources for consumer and commercial applications.

Abundance. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and can be extracted from water or natural gas. However, finding a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method to produce hydrogen is essential. Many technological advancements have been made in recent years to overcome this challenge. One of the most promising technologies is electrolysis, which uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Electrolysis can use renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, making it an environmentally friendly method of producing hydrogen.
Efficiency. Hydrogen fuel packs a lot of power in a smaller amount of material than other energy sources. In other words, it can generate electricity at a high-efficiency rate, making it an attractive option for energy production. In general, hydrogen fuel cells are about 40% to 60% efficient, meaning that for every 100 units of energy used to produce hydrogen, 40 to 60 units are available to power a vehicle or other device. This compares to about 25% efficiency for gasoline-powered vehicles and about 70 to 80% efficiency for battery-electric vehicles.
Self-Reliance. Traditional fuel supplies for the transportation sector have been mined from the ground. Many complications exist, from reliance on foreign countries for supply to dealing with the environmental consequences of drilling. Other renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, are becoming increasingly popular, but they still have limitations: wind turbines and solar panels depend on weather conditions, making them an unreliable energy source. On the other hand, hydrogen fuel can be manufactured with a PowerTap generation unit at the gas station, giving business owners complete autonomy in producing the hydrogen fuel they need to serve their customers.

Be Ready for More Technological Advancements in Hydrogen Fuel with PowerTap Hydrogen

Thanks to technological advancements, FCEVs are becoming increasingly practical as a transportation option. In the upcoming years, we can expect to see even more impressive breakthroughs in hydrogen fuel cell technology and further development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure. This will make FCEVs an even more desirable option for drivers, ultimately contributing to the transition towards a cleaner energy future.

PowerTap Hydrogen allows fuel station owners to produce hydrogen fuel onsite, with a production unit taking up less than 1,000 square feet of space. Our units can produce over 1,250 kg of pure hydrogen daily using only city water, natural gas, and electricity. With PowerTap Hydrogen, it’s possible to produce fuel at less than $2 per kilogram–that’s about $9 less than purchasing hydrogen fuel from a wholesaler or producing it onsite via alternative solutions.

If you’re interested in diversifying your current product mix or would like to begin a journey in the exciting future of alternative energy solutions, contact our team at PowerTap Hydrogen today. We’d love to show you how easy it is to be a part of the hydrogen fuel revolution.