Societal and economic benefits
Fuel cells can enhance Canada's energy security by providing a reliable, efficient and flexible alternative to finite conventional fuel sources and technologies. Fuel cells are expected to become a multi-billion-dollar market worldwide over the next decade, creating new export opportunities for Canadian industry and jobs for Canadians.
Environmental benefits
Vehicles powered by fuel cells that utilize pure hydrogen as the fuel have no tailpipe emissions except for heat and water vapour. Still, life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will vary according to the source of hydrogen. Reforming a hydrocarbon gas, either at a hydrogen production plant or on board the vehicle, will release GHG emissions in the form of carbon dioxide.
Fuel cells have the potential to dramatically reduce GHG emissions that are contributing to climate change. Using hydrogen-powered fuel cells can also cut down on pollutants that contribute to urban air-quality problems, because fuel cells don't produce any particulates, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides or volatile organic compounds.
Fuel cells also operate silently, reducing noise pollution.
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