President Biden established the Build Back Better policy, signifying our national commitment to clean energy production. The plan provides financial support for renewable energy research, device manufacturing and job development. Though solar has entered an industrial boom, its efficiency levels interfere with its ability to replace fossil fuels.
Fuel Cell energy shows promising potential for greenhouse gas reduction efforts. Combining multiple renewable energy sources can significantly shrink the global footprint. Recently technological advancements increased the efficiency of Fuel Cell’s renewable energy production.
Hydrogen Generation
A significant limitation of fuel cell technology derives from hydrogen’s high cost and low availability. There is additionally limited infrastructural support of hydrogen distribution. Fortunately, environmental engineers and scientists developed a sustainable solution using artificial photosynthesis.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provided $100 million in synthetic photosynthesis funding. Professionals used the financial support, creating a solar cell-driven hydrogen and electricity extraction system.
Artificial leaves use solar energy, fueling the hydrogen and oxygen split. They can also store excess power for later use rather than losing it throughout the process. Fuel Cells then utilize freed hydrogen, fueling their electricity production.
Artificial photosynthesis provides a sustainable alternative to indirect greenhouse gas emissions. Conventional hydrogen extraction methods relied on carbon-emitting energy sources. The solar solution eliminates the air pollution previously associated with Fuel Cell power production.
Commercial Use
Biden’s Build Back Better policy works towards a carbon-neutral future. We can achieve greenhouse gas elimination when using solar-driven Fuel Cell production. Businesses can adopt renewable technology, increasing their customer appeal and generating clean energy-supported employment opportunities.
Renewable energy sources significantly lower a company’s utility costs. They may also sell excess energy to the government, developing a passive income. Adopting green technology can help businesses remain competitive in their industry.
Eco-consumer demands altered the market’s manufacturing and distribution practices. Around 62% of Generation Z customers prefer sustainably sourced goods and services over cheaper options. Half of the Millennial Generation follows the consumption pattern.
Companies can meet consumer demands by adopting solar and fuel cell energy sources.
Further Advancements
Though artificial photosynthesis-derived fuel cell hydrogen remains in the testing stages, other advancements decrease renewable energy costs and increase accessibility. Through testing and research, professionals evaluated other potentially beneficial fuel cell enhancement features.
Researchers explored the hydrogen extraction potential of synthetic photosynthesis using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and x-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS). They discovered a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen and gallium forms during a chemical reaction within the system, developing an active catalyst for hydrogen generation.
Environmental engineers and scientists can use this discovery, increasing the accessibility of hydrogen to fuel cell systems. When professionals apply efficiency-enhancing technology to renewable energy systems, it increases their potential for fossil fuel replacement. Sustainably sourced hydrogen and clean energy can successfully generate climate change solutions.
Biden’s Build Back Better policy allocates nearly two trillion dollars to clean energy advancements and production. The fuel cell industry can access a portion of the funding, powering further research. When we discover ways to increase efficiency and reduce hydrogen costs, we can limit our national emissions.
The Future of Clean Energy
President Biden hopes to expand renewable energy production, fueling a significant portion of the nation’s electricity needs. Fuel cell and solar advancements may increase our ability to attain a carbon-neutral future. We can contribute to climate change prevention and pollution reduction by growing the renewable energy industry.
Jane Marsh, Contributor
Jane Marsh is the Editor-in-Chief of Environment.co. Jane covers topics related to climate policy, sustainability, green technology, renewable energy and more.
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Fuel Cells Works, its directors, partners, staff, contributors, or suppliers. Any content provided by our contributors or authors are of their own opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
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