Fuel cell, alternative energy for hydropower

The world's largest 11.2-megawatt fuel cell park was officially put into operation on November 15 in Daegu City, South Korea.

Fuel Cell Park in Daegu City, South Korea - (Photo: Smart Planet)

The park is a complex of four fuel cell plants with a capacity of 2.8 MW. This complex can provide enough power to more than 20,000 households. FuelCell Energy and its South Korean partner, Posco Power, say the electricity from the fuel cell will be sold to local power networks. The heat generated from the fuel cell can be used to treat wastewater in the surrounding area.

Fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen in the air to generate electricity and heat through chemical reactions. With high efficiency and stability, low emission, no noise, no environmental pollution, the fuel cell is considered as a clean, efficient and reliable source of energy. Experts say fuel cells will become a new source of energy for hydroelectricity in Asia in the future.