A fuel cell is an electrochemical conversion device. It produces electricity from fuel (on the anode side) and an oxidant (on the cathode side), which react in the presence of an electrolyte. The reactants flow into the cell, and the reaction products flow out of it, while the electrolyte remains within it. Fuel cells can operate virtually continuously as long as the necessary flows are maintained.

A bus operated by Hydrogen Fuel Cell in Australia There are numerous prototype or production cars and buses based on fuel cell technology being researched or manufactured. Research is ongoing at a variety of motor car manufacturers. Honda has released a hydrogen vehicle, the FCX Verity earlier in 2008. Meanwhile there exist also other examples of bikes and bicycles with a hydrogen fuel cell engine.

Type 212 submarines use fuel cells to remain submerged for weeks without the need to surface.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have higher generating efficiency than other types of fuel cells, and can use various fuels such as natural gas and coal gas. SOFCs are thus widely adaptable, from small-scale distributed power generation systems, to large-scale thermal power generation systems, and there are high expectations that they will be put into practical use.

A Hydrogen Filling Station for Fuel Cell automobiles.                                      Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Power Generation System