A new hydrogen generation system has been developed that could have significant implications for fuel cell technology.

Fuel Cell developer Intelligent Energy collaborated with South African chemical company Sasol to complete the Hestia hydrogen generation system, which converts Fischer-Tropsch fuels into hydrogen.

The hydrogen produced can then be turned into electricity and heat using fuel cell technology.

Intelligent Energy has now successfully used the system to run its facilities in Long Beach and has sold excess electricity produced by it back to the Southern Californian grid.

"This serves to illustrate the transitional possibilities between the use of conventional fuels and a more sustainable long-term hydrogen economy," the company said in a statement.

Hydrogen generated by the new system can produce 10 kW of electricity when used with fuel cell technology.

As it can be used with a range of fuels to produce its high-purity hydrogen, the technology has potential to be used in a broad range of future markets and applications.

The system could be used in conjunction with future hydrogen-fuelled vehicles, as a refuelling station.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd