| A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that continuously converts the chemical energy of a fuel and an oxidant directly to electrical energy. Although the fuel cell concept has been understood for more than a century, serious efforts to commercially develop the technology were not undertaken until the mid-1960's. A major impetus for fuel cell development was provided when the Department of Energy began funding support for various fuel cell projects in 1976. Government and private support is currently centered on the development of fuel cells for on-site (multi-kilowatt) and utility (multi-megawatt) energy generation applications. Phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) power plants, one of several technology approches being pursued, are nearing commercial status.; The emergence of PAFC power plants for commercial applications has the potential to effect changes in the nation's economy, environment, and energy infrastructure. The degree of impact is, of course, dependent upon the degree to which fuel cells are able to penetrate the energy market. (Recent market analysis studies have projected an installed fuel cell capacity of between 20,000 and 40,000 MW by the year 2000.) Because the fuel cell is an energy efficient and environmentally benign energy system, most of the impacts are expected to be beneficial; PAFC commercialization impacts will occur through a wide range of direct and peripheral activities involving the production, installation and operation of the power plants, and the extraction and processing of various fuel and material resources. Based on current and reasonably foreseeable PAFC characteristics and the assumptions made within this study, the widespread commercialization of PAFC power plants should produce major national environmental benefits in terms of improved air quality, increased energy conservation, and reduced water consumption and wastewater discharge. Benefits may also accrue from reductions in exposure to high noise levels and reduced land requirements for long distance transmission lines; however solid waste disposal problems will probably be only minimally affected by PAFC commercialization.; Except for possible impacts on the platinum market, the production of large quantities of PAFC power plants should not create any large or unusual impacts. Similarly, power plant transportation and installation activities are typical operations and should have no noticeable national impacts. The transportation and distribution of fuel cell fuels within urban and suburban areas may increase public exposure to the safety risks of a variety of fuel types. |
