Fuel cells are set to play an important role in the energy transition. Both in the automotive industry and in energy supply, they offer innovative solutions to reduce CO2 emissions and minimize the use of fossil fuels. However, when it comes to sustainability, innovations must be viewed holistically. This raises the question of how fuel cells per se compare. The following article examines the interplay between fuel cells and sustainability from various perspectives.
Fuel cells and CO2 emissions
There is no question: in times of climate change, combustion engines literally belong on the much-cited siding. After all, with fully electric, battery-powered cars(BEV) and vehicles with fuel cells (FCEV), there are already two alternatives that are significantly more sustainable in terms of CO2 emissions. In fact, the amount of climate-damaging carbon dioxide produced by fuel cells during operation is zero.
However, when it comes to the sustainability of fuel cells , it is not just the CO2 balance during actual operation that needs to be taken into account. Before the fuel cell inside a vehicle can generate energy, it must first be fed accordingly. This works by refueling with hydrogen. This, in turn, is only available on earth in an unbound form and is therefore obtained from other sources. However, in most cases this is not (yet) CO2-neutral - hydrogen is currently preferably obtained from natural gas. Therefore, if you want to sustainably reduce CO2 emissions with the help of a fuel cell in your car, you need to fill up with green hydrogen, which is produced from renewable energies using electrolysis.
However, anyone using a battery-powered vehicle also needs to take a closer look at the electricity mix. This is because electricity from renewable energy sources cannot be obtained at every charging station. Accordingly, the sustainability of BEVs is also reduced by a factor of X depending on how the electricity was generated.
Fuel cells and efficiency
Regardless of whether a fuel cell is operated with green or conventionally produced hydrogen, efficiency must also be taken into account when it comes to sustainability. This refers to the efficiency with which the fuel cell converts hydrogen as an energy source into electrical energy to power the vehicle. In fact, this efficiency is significantly lower compared to battery-powered cars.
However, it must be mentioned at this point that the development potential of fuel cell technology is far from exhausted. There are now numerous innovative solutions and ideas that can be used to increase the efficiency of fuel cells in the future.
Fuel cells and production
Opinions are divided when it comes to the production of batteries for electric cars: as rare earths are generally still used for production and the mining of cobalt and lithium, for example, only takes place at the cost of environmental damage, battery-powered electric cars are not seen in such a good light, at least in terms of this aspect of sustainability. The CO2 footprint for battery production is correspondingly poor. This is particularly true for larger batteries of 45 kWh or more, such as those used in BEVs.
What is the situation with fuel cells? A study by the Frauenhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has found that the CO2 footprint for the production of fuel cells is significantly lower than the CO2 footprint for the production of batteries for electric cars. The researchers assume that the future will not bring any major changes to the CO2 balance of the manufacturing process - the ratio will remain the same. In addition, the materials required are far less critical, so from this point of view the fuel cell is convincing in terms of sustainability.
Incidentally, according to the Frauenhofer Institute, the advantage of fuel cells in terms of sustainability relates not only to production, but also to disposal. Here too, the fuel cell can score over the battery in terms of its CO2 balance.
Fuel cells and their service life
If you look at the service life of a fuel cell, there are no compromises to be feared compared to a combustion engine. The renowned manufacturer Toyota, which has been a pioneer in fuel cell technology for vehicles for years, states that the service life is not reduced compared to conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. Other sources speak of a service life of around 450,000 kilometers. In this respect, the fuel cell is therefore fundamentally convincing in terms of sustainability.
Conclusion: Fuel cells are sustainable and offer future potential
In many areas, the fuel cell is already convincing in terms of sustainability: it enables emission-free operation of vehicles, has a clear CO2 balance in production and can score points with a long service life and low CO2 emissions during disposal. Only with regard to the energy source and energy efficiency are there still a few points of criticism regarding sustainability. Innovative solutions need to be found for this.
For example, the efficiency of fuel cells can be increased through the use of certain sealing materials, while innovative manufacturing processes and an expansion of production can also reduce CO2 costs during manufacturing. And last but not least: the more energy is generated with the help of wind power and photovoltaics, the more green electricity can be produced - and this in turn further increases the sustainability of the fuel cell.
