M-1A-13 - Fuel Cell Technologies
Fuel cell technology involves the use of electrochemical cells that convert the chemical energy of a fuel, typically hydrogen, directly into electricity through a reaction with oxygen, producing water and heat as by-products. Unlike combustion engines, fuel cells generate electricity without burning fuel, resulting in zero emissions of pollutants at the point of use. Hydrogen fuel cells are particularly noted for their high efficiency and potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions when hydrogen is produced from renewable sources.
Fuel cell technologies are outlined in section 10.3.3 of (IPCC AR6 WG3 2022)1.
Mitigation Objective¶
The primary goal is for a shift from ICE light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles to fuel cell equivalent vehicles.
Mitigation Potential¶
Potential
The AR6 report and the literature referenced by it do not present any reliable estimates for the mitigation potential of fuel cell technologies. This is owing, in part, to the large variation in emissions from hydrogen production.
Current literature covering lifecycle impacts of FCVs shows that vehicles fuelled with hydrogen produced from steam methane reforming of natural gas offer little or no mitigation potential over ICEVs. Other available hydrogen fuel chains vary widely in carbon intensity, depending on the synthesis method and the energy source used (electrolysis or steam methane reforming; fossil fuels or renewables). The least carbon-intensive hydrogen pathways rely on electrolysis powered by low-carbon electricity. Compared to ICEVs and BEVs, FCVs for LDVs are at a lower technology readiness level, as discussed in section 10.3.
- (IPCC AR6 WG3 2022)1
FCEVs can provide the mobility service of today’s conventional cars at potentially very low-carbon emissions. Deploying a 25% share of FCEVs in road transport by 2050 can contribute up to 10% of all cumulative transport-related carbon emission reductions necessary to move from an ETP 6°C Scenario (6DS) to a 2DS, depending on the region.
- (OECD 2015)2
Modelling¶
This mitigation method has been modelled with the following Transition Elements:
- T-1A1a-2 - Shift to hydrogen vehicles
- T-1B1a-4 - Hydrogen for light trucks
- T-1B1b-4 - Hydrogen for heavy trucks
Primary Reference¶
The primary reference for this mitigation measure is (IPCC AR6 WG3 2022)1.
Secondary References¶
Hydrogen and Fuel Cells¶
This report (OECD 2015)2 by the International Energy Agency examines the role of hydrogen as a versatile energy carrier and the potential of fuel cells in contributing to a sustainable energy future. The report explores the current state of hydrogen production, the technological advancements in fuel cells, and the opportunities for integrating hydrogen into various sectors such as transportation, industry, and power generation. It highlights the benefits of hydrogen in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy security, as well as the challenges related to production costs, infrastructure development, and policy frameworks. The report provides policy recommendations to support the adoption of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and emphasises the need for international collaboration to accelerate their deployment as part of a low-carbon energy transition.
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IPCC AR6 WG3. 2022. Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change. Contribution of Working Group III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Edited by Priyadarshi R. Shukla, Jim Skea, Raphael Slade, Alaa Al Khourdajie, Renée van Diemen, David McCollum, Minal Pathak, et al. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009157926. ↩↩↩
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OECD. 2015. Hydrogen and Fuel Cells. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/energy/hydrogen-and-fuel-cells\9789264239760-en. ↩↩