Innovation in Fuel Cell Technology

What is Fuel Cell Technology?

Fuel cells convert natural gas, methanol or hydrogen into electricity quietly, without combustion. When hydrogen is the fuel source, heat and water vapour are the only by-products. As a result, the technology is viewed widely as holding great promise for reducing the greenhouse gases that are thought to be responsible for global warming. Fuel cells are moving from an emerging technology to a commercial electrical power product integrated into a large range of products. They are an enabling technology for power generation systems, portable electronic devices and environmentally compatible transportation.

What's the WD Connection?

The large-scale use of fuel-cell technology could have a profound effect on many aspects of the Canadian and global economy. This environmentally clean, "transformative" technology is widely expected to be the basis for a new knowledge-based growth industry and more jobs in the first part of the 21st century. According to the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Association, the market potential for hydrogen and fuel cells are substantial with global demand projected to be more than $8.5 billion by 2016.

WD has been engaged in advancing the burgeoning fuel cell industry from its infancy, starting in 1990 when WD was an early supporter of B.C.'s Ballard Power Systems in the fuel cell research stage. Since then, WD has provided millions of dollars in fuel cell investment and is continuing to establish and strengthen links between the Western Canadian fuel-cell sector and other sectors and provinces. Between 2000 and 2009, WD committed $15 million to the development of hydrogen fuel cells and related technologies.. Over the next 20 years, the region-especially B.C.'s lower mainland, could become a global centre for fuel-cell development, applications, and commercialization.

What's been accomplished?

Canadian Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Association WD Investment: $15 million

In January 2009, Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Canada (H2FCC) merged with the Canadian Hydrogen Association (CHA) to become the new national association for Canada's world-recognized hydrogen and fuel cell sector - the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA).

WD through the Canada-British Columbia Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA), helped establish H2FCC, a B.C.-based non-profit national industry association that represents a broad cluster of fuel-cell stakeholders in B.C. and across Canada. WD support for H2FCC's Fuel Cell Demonstration Program under this WEPA, which ended in 2003, initiated nine pre-commercial demonstration projects that ranged from developing a hydrogen-fuelling station to demonstrating fuel cell-powered forklifts for warehouse applications.

Most recently in July 2008, Western Economic Diversification invested $1 million to H2FCC to execute its five-year strategic and operational plan up to the year 2013.  During this time the association will initiate and implement several market development and technology demonstration activities at the provincial, national, and international levels. This includes championing hydrogen and fuel cells as a technology to help address climate change and sustainable energy issues.

National Research Council Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation WD Investment: $1.5 million

Located on campus at the University of British Columbia, WD invested in the NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation to construct six additional hydrogen-safe laboratories and provide equipment for its hydrogen-safe environmental test chamber. The test chamber, controlled for temperature, humidity and altitude, along with the hydrogen-ready labs, on-site expertise and safety infrastructure, is available to industry for collaborative research or fee-for-service use.

Western Canada Fuel Cell Initiative WD Investment (WEPA): $990,000

The Alberta Energy Research Institute is administering the EnergyNet Alternative and Renewable Energy Program to support the systematic investigation, evaluation, development and deployment of commercial 'impure hydrogen' fuel cell technology. While impure fuel sources, such as synthetic gas from coal, already exist in Alberta, all available fuel cells currently only use pure fuels such as hydrogen. The particular emphasis of this project will develop solid oxide fuel cells for stationary power applications, which would utilize impure fuel sources. Research will be carried out at the University of Calgary, University of Alberta and the Alberta Research Council.

NAIT Fuel Cell and Interpretive Centre WD Investment: $950,000

In June 2003, Canada's first high-voltage operational fuel cell was installed at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). The cell will be used for research and educational purposes, and as part of an interpretative centre that will educate the public about fuel cell technology and environmental impacts. It will also be compared to alternative sources of energy including traditional forms of power production, other fuel cells and hybrid systems.

Clean Energy Research Centre (CERC) WD Investment: $540,000

Researchers at the University of British Columbia's Clean Energy Research Centre conduct leading edge research into fuel cell systems integration and hydrogen production technologies. WD's investment purchased specialized equipment and instrumentation to help CERC researchers partner with industry to conduct research that can be patented or commercialized.

Institute for Integrated Energy Systems WD Investment: $405,000

The University of Victoria's Institute for Integrated Energy Systems acquired specialized equipment for a renewable energy test bed and a fuel cell gas flow diagnostic system, enabling the facility to advance its research into sustainable energy systems and clean energy alternatives for the next generation.

What's on the horizon?

WD will continue to partner closely with fuel-cell industry stakeholders, including Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Association other organizations as well as provincial governments and other federal departments to advance the development of this promising industry.

Links to Fuel Cell technology Web sites

Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Association is a national, non-profit association that provides services and support to Canadian corporations, governments and educational institutions by promoting, developing and demonstrating hydrogen and fuel cell products and services in Canada.

National Research Council Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation is the Government of Canada's premier organization for research and development.

Canmet Energy is the Canadian Leader in clean energy research and technology development.

World Fuel Cell Council helps industries accelerate the development and deployment of fuel cells in Europe.