Fuel cells development and hydrogen production from renewable resources in Brazil

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 33; no. 19; pp. 4915 - 4935
• Main Authors: Hotza, D., Diniz da Costa, J.C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2008; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Brazil; Energy; Energy supply; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Fuels; Hydrogen; Renewable sources; South America; Brazil; America; Renewable sources; Brazil; Energy supply; Hydrogen; Fuel cells; Polymer electrolytes; Ethanol; Biofuel; Reforming; Review; Solid oxide fuel cell; Renewable energy; Catalysis; Catalyst; Fuel cell; Hydrogen production
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2008.06.028

In this work we review the Brazilian energy supply matrix, in particular focusing on environmentally friendly pathways to hydrogen production and fuel cell utilisation. Brazil is currently building capacity in these areas, evident in the spectrum of technological research carried out by several universities in the fields of hydrogen production processes, catalysts and electrolyte materials. Although the fuel cell installed capacity in Brazil is limited, there are several government-funded research activities – mainly on PEM, DMFC, DEFC and SOFC, in addition to reforming and catalysis of ethanol as cell fuel. Brazil has a robust energy matrix, and 45% of its energy supply is derived from renewable resources. The future hydrogen economy in Brazil will probably rely on renewable resources, mainly from hydroelectric power and biofuels, which are plentifully available.