One of the “goals” of the 21st century is the replacement of fossil fuels with non-polluting renewable energy sources. Solar and wind are widely explored ideas, but so far, have not provided the availability and reliability necessary to replace existing sources of energy. Although practically non-polluting, solar and wind technologies have a significant footprint in the environment requiring thousands of acres for solar and wind farms that produce only fractions of the energy requirements of this country. Another potential energy source that is currently being explored for use in automobiles and manufacturing is the “fuel cell,” defined as “a device that converts the chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction of positively charged hydrogen ions with oxygen or another oxidizing agent (Wikipedia).” Fuel cells also have the potential to provide energy to individual homes and communities, small businesses and organizations, and major industries. The benefits seem to be enormous, but like all new technologies there are significant issues to deal with.
Discuss your thoughts on the use of fuel cells and how they will impact energy companies and the labor markets.
