Lighthouses situated in remote areas of the world can now be powered by fuel cell technology, it has been reported.

The New Scientist has revealed that lighthouses in difficult-to-access locations can now being powered by fuel cells because they are more easily transportable and are reliable power sources.

A consortium, led by the Centre for Process Industries (CPI) of Wilton, Teesside, has installed a fuel cell at the South Gare lighthouse at Redcar on England's North Sea coast.

The lighthouse had previously been supplied by a mains power cable but was prone to outages because the cable could easily be damaged by the strong winds and powerful seas that batter the area.

However, CPI has proofed the fuel cell against the salty air and is now using the technology to ensure the lighthouse is reliable.

The organisation has also developed an innovative water-based cooling system for the fuel cell to ensure it does not overheat.

Source:

Hydrogen power lights up the seas, 2/11/2007
http://technology.newscientist.com/channel/tech/mg19626285.700-hydrogen-power-lights-up-the-seas.html

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