Fuel cell technology is tipped to take off in the coming years, as existing plants struggle to meet rocketing energy needs.

Consultancy Frost & Sullivan believes that fuel cell technology will become more desirable in order to meet the predicted energy shortfall and transmission problems within the current energy system.

By 2020, domestic consumption is expected to reach 1.7 kWh- three times its 1980 to 2000 level.

Research analyst Viswanathan Krishnan says that fuel cells' "high energy conversion efficiency and their potential to offer reliable and quality power" makes them desirable alternatives to tradition energy generation.

At present the main obstacles to developing fuel cells are cost and fuelling problems, but their environmental benefits are a draw, emitting only trace sulphur and nitrogen.

The news comes as car-maker Honda highlights the growing number of hydrogen fuelling stations in the US, with clean energy beginning to take off.

It reports that there are now 25 fuel stations across the country equipped with the facilities to pump hydrogen directly into fuel cell and hybrid vehicles.

Hydrogen filling stations are set to become increasingly popular because of the growing interest in green technologies, particularly among business fleets, as companies look to cut emissions to comply with government regulations.



Ÿ Adfero Ltd