Fuel Cells to Generate Electricity with No Natural Gas Burning

Researchers at MIT have proposed a technique that could potentially be the cheapest and most efficient way of electricity generation in the near future!

How?

Based on a system that uses solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC) that can produce power from fuel without burning it.

What is an SOFC?

This rather fancy term refers to a device that produces electricity directly from oxidizing a fuel. High efficiencies, long term stability, fuel flexibility, low emissions and low cost are some of the advantageous features of these fuel cells.

How Green?

Zero CO₂ emissions to the atmosphere at costs comparable to or less than conventional natural gas plants or coal burning plants!

Any other advantages?

Yes, quite a few in fact.

1. This system uses existing technology and equipment.
2. Depends on natural gas, a relatively plentiful source and considered more environmentally-friendly than coal or oil.
3. This system does not emit into the air CO₂ or other gases believed responsible for global warming.
4. This fuel cell based system produces clean water as a by-product that could easily be treated to provide drinking water as a side benefit.