Fuel cells do not emit greenhouse gas or other air pollutants, and are considered vital to a clean energy future
FUEL CELL. The project is a collaboration between the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Energy. MANILA, Philippines – Amid energy security issues and the threat of climate crisis, the Philippine government seeks to pioneer research and development of fuel cell technology in the country as a greener energy alternative to fossil fuels. On Thursday, July 6, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Energy (DOE) officially opened the Fuel Cell R&D and Testing Center inside the DOST Compound in Bicutan, Taguig City. The new government research facility is a collaboration between the DOST and DOE, aimed at advancing fuel cells and hydrogen technologies in the country. Fuel cells work like batteries. But unlike batteries, fuel cells continue to produce energy as long as there is supply of fuel – in this case hydrogen – and oxidant. The electrochemical reaction produced from hydrogen and oxygen's contact is what generates electricity. Fuel cells are considered cleaner because their byproduct is just water and heat, unlike fossil fuels whose byproduct is carbon dioxide emissions which worsen climate change. Fuel cells do not emit other air pollutants. For Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, the establishment of this research center is a significant step toward the country's goal to make its energy mix cleaner. By investing in technologies such as fuel cell, "we proactively address the issues of energy security and climate change," said Lotilla. This technology, if mass produced and already commercially viable, can supply energy for mass transport and…