AP®Environmental ScienceCollege BoardStudy GuidesUnit 6: Energy Resources & ConsumptionHydrogen Fuel CellEnvironmental Impacts of Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Environmental Impacts of Hydrogen Fuel Cells (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Study Guide

Jacque Cartwright

Written by: Jacque Cartwright

Reviewed by: Alistair Marjot

Updated on

Advantages & disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cells

Advantages of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells

  • Clean energy: the only byproducts are water and heat, with no greenhouse gas emissions

  • Highly efficient as the fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy, reducing energy losses

  • Renewable potential as hydrogen can be produced from renewable sources like water (via electrolysis) or biomass

  • Fuel cells operate quietly and have a quick start-up time

  • Versatile uses such as fuel in vehicles, backup power systems, and portable electronics

Disadvantages of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells

  • Producing hydrogen is challenging, as most hydrogen is currently produced from fossil fuels, emitting CO₂ in the process

    • Electrolysis needs large amounts of energy input

  • Storing and transporting hydrogen is difficult as it is highly flammable and escapes containment easily

  • Fuel cell systems and hydrogen production are expensive compared to conventional energy systems

  • Fuel cells can degrade over time, especially under high temperatures or varying loads

  • Infrastructure: hydrogen refueling stations are not widely available, which limits hydrogen fuel use in transportation

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Jacque Cartwright

    Author: Jacque Cartwright

    Expertise: Geography Content Creator

    Jacque graduated from the Open University with a BSc in Environmental Science and Geography before doing her PGCE with the University of St David’s, Swansea. Teaching is her passion and has taught across a wide range of specifications – GCSE/IGCSE and IB but particularly loves teaching the A-level Geography. For the past 5 years Jacque has been teaching online for international schools, and she knows what is needed to get the top scores on those pesky geography exams.

    Alistair Marjot

    Reviewer: Alistair Marjot

    Expertise: Environmental Systems and Societies & Biology Content Creator

    Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.