Hydrogen Sources - Hydrogen and Fuel Cells: Advances in Transportation and Power - page 126

there does not seem anything insurmountable. The cost of materials is be-
ing reduced and high-volume manufacturing will bring production costs
down. A decreased reliance on fossil fuels is needed with a mix of elec-
trics, fuel cell cars and hybrids.
While the mass production of fuel cell cars is some time away, if cost-
competitive fuel cell stacks are available soon, it can change the competi-
tive mix of transportation options.
The present period is similar to 1900, when gasoline, electric, and
steam cars all competed for market share, with the public and the industry
unsure of the future. Fifty years from now the fossil fuel era may be seen
as a distant memory just like we look at the steam age now.
FUEL CELLS ON THE MARCH
Fuel cells have been making advances in limited applications. Delta
Airlines is using a hydrogen fueled tow tractor at the Orlando Airport.
General Motors has delivered its first fuel cell truck to the U.S. Army
while the U.S. Navy plans to use fuel cells for ship-board power with hy-
drogen sourced from diesel fuel. John Deere is testing fuel cell modules
for off-road applications. Hydrogen is considered a good replacement for
diesel in locomotives. Recent testing indicates that it could be economical
for railroads.
Dow Chemical and General Motors are installing up to 400 fuel cells
at Dow plants. Hydrogen is a natural byproduct at Dow and will provide
35 megawatts at its facilities.
The HyNor project in Norway includes plans to build a hydrogen
highway between Oslo and Stavanger on the southern coast of the coun-
try with refueling stations spaced along the route. Iceland plans to build
up a small fleet of fuel cell buses in the capital, Reykjavikk, and then slow-
ly convert every vehicle on the island including fishing boats to create the
world's first hydrogen economy.
In 1998 the auto industry moved from weak commitments to a solid
move toward fuel cells and fuel cell vehicles. All the auto companies be-
gan pursuing hydrogen fuel cells in some way.
London's first fleet of fuel cell taxis went into operation in 1998. The
ZEVCO Millennium vehicle appears to be a standard London taxi, but it
has an alkaline fuel cell (most carmakers use PEM technology). The fuel
cell charges a battery array used to power the electric motor. The fuel cell