Ceramic Fuel

Ceramic Fuel

As the world continues to look toward alternative energy sources to power homes, businesses, and vehicles, fuel-cells have obtained favor in many countries. Australia, though not as proficient as, say, Japan, Germany, or the United States in fuel-cell technology, has recently begun to explore the possibilities of these energy sources. Strictly speaking, fuel-cells may not be renewables in the truest sense of the word, but the only byproduct of many is simply water, and water certainly qualifies as renewable. Until recently, Ceramic Fuel Cells, Australia's largest fuel-cell developer and supplier, bemoaned the public's perception that renewable energy was the only alternative to carbon-based fuel. That was until Bloom Energy, based in California, developed a fuel-cell they dubbed the Bloom Box.

This fuel-cell outperforms most of those currently marketed by most companies worldwide. When asked if this would further diminish Australia's role in the world fuel market, Ceramic Fuel Cell's CEO Brendan Gow was actually thrilled about Bloom's accomplishment. He enjoys the idea that the Bloom Box will display the capabilities of fuel-cells and that consumers will see that there are other methods of generating clean energy outside of renewables. Gow further states that although Bloom's cell exceeds most other fuel-cells' performances, the growing demand for fuel-cells will surpass Bloom's supply, and that is where companies such as Ceramic Fuel Cells come in. As Australia continues to catch up in the fuel industry, Mr. Gow sees Ceramic Fuel Cells as a major leader in Australia's development of these power sources.

It may seem as though Australia is exceedingly behind the curve in fuel technology, but that is not the case. A late bloomer, yes, but several of the nation's universities have focused their efforts on creating cheaper and more efficient fuelcells, especially in vehicles. At Monash University, scientists have redesigned fuel-cells with help from an unexpected source; Goretex. Familiar to outdoorsmen, it is a breathable material designed to waterproof outerwear. When applied to an air electrode, the university's Dr. Bjorn Winther-Jensesn says Goretex creates a fuel-cell that is both an electrode and catalyst. The material allows oxygen to come in contact with the conductive plastic in the fuel-cell, a job usually performed by platinum. It is easy to guess that the fuelcells developed at Monash will not only make great strides in efficiency, but in reducing production costs as well.

Australia is gaining ground in the renewable energy market, and is bringing fuel-cell technology along for the ride.