Hydrogen has a crucial role to play in decarbonising industries and transportation to minimise greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide. From now through 2050, hydrogen can avoid 80 gigatonnes of cumulative carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and with an annual abatement potential of seven gigatonnes in 2050, hydrogen can contribute 20% of the total abatement needed in 2050. But before it can help create a global clean energy future, we’ll need to find cost-effective, scalable ways to support its adoption.
Among the technologies required to achieve global commitments to Net Zero carbon emissions, hydrogen fuel cells are a critical component within heavy transportation and industrial segments. In fact, the current stock of available hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) has reached 79,000 vehicles, which includes trucks, buses and passenger vehicles.
One technology required in FCEV operation is a special ion-conducting polymer (ionomer) that facilitates the chemical reactions necessary for a fuel cell to generate power. Ionomers are found in two components within the FCEV: the proton exchange membrane (PEM), and as a proton conductive binder in the electrode layers. While these ionomer materials are available and used in current generation FCEV applications, significant innovation and scale-up are required to ensure FCEVs meet the cost and scale requirements expected of the burgeoning hydrogen economy and greening of heavy transportation and warrant a more balanced approach to decarbonising.
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