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Fuel Cells

A fuel cell uses the chemical energy stored in fuels—like natural gas—and converts it into usable electricity. This technology can make a world of difference to our customers, so we’re working on bringing it to you.

  • What are the benefits of running your home on a natural gas fuel cell? Let's talk about the Peoples and WATT Fuel Cell partnership, and how we're working to revolutionize the way we think about energy production at home.

Think of your cell phone. You charge it at night to store up energy so you can use the phone all day without plugging it back in. But when all the stored energy is used up, your phone dies and you have to recharge the battery.

With fuel cells, the energy supply is continuous, as long as there is access to the fuel source. There is no need to “charge” your fuel cell, because it can convert chemical energy into electrical energy all the time through that chemical reaction.

  • FACTS
    • Quiet: With no need to burn fuel to feed a generator, fuel cells are quiet. They can be used anywhere, even in neighborhoods or campsites.
    • Reliable: Fuel cells are more reliable than traditional generators, because fuel cells don't have moving parts, making them less likely to jam, stick, or break.
    • Proven: The first fuel cell, called a "gas battery," was created in 1839 by Sir William Grove. Today, fuel cells are used to provide primary and backup power to homes, schools, hotels, emergency shelters, boats, RVs, and even military bases.
  • BENEFITS
    • Reduced Emissions: By connecting a fuel cell to your home, all of your electricity can be produced on-site, significantly reducing your emissions.
    • Environmentally Friendly: Natural gas fuel cells use no combustion, and the only main byproducts are water and heat. 
    • Crucial Redundancy: If the electrical grid goes down, your home or building will still have power, thanks to the natural gas flowing to your fuel cell. You're not tied to above ground wires, and you're not reliant on the grid. Fuel cells will continue to produce and store energy as long as they are connected to your natural gas fuel source. This provides a critical, continuous power supply for buildings like hospitals that rely on multiple forms of backup power to ensure safe, steady operation. 
  • EFFICIENCY
    • Low-Cost Fuel: Natural gas is affordable and abundant. Instead of paying for electricity generated from a power plant, you can use a resource that is already being delivered to your home to create the energy you need. 
    • On-Site Energy: Typically, electricity must travel through power lines to get to your home, and a considerable amount of that electricity is lost along the way. But fuel cells produce electricity on-site, so you don't lose it in transmission. 
    • Efficient Technology: According to the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association, fuel cells are highly efficient, with fuel-to-electricity efficiency at 60 percent — almost double that of the electric grid. Plus if the fuel cell’s heat byproduct is harnessed, its efficiency can reach 90 percent or more.