Tech Tutor: Hydrogen fuel cells role in the future of electrification
Electricity is becoming the backbone of global energy systems, powering everything from vehicles and data centers to factories and homes. As countries accelerate electrification to enhance energy security and reduce emissions, global electricity demand is projected to grow at its fastest pace in years through 2027.
This transition is driving the need for technologies that can deliver reliable, on-demand power. Hydrogen fuel cells are emerging as a promising solution, offering a compact and efficient way to generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction rather than combustion, producing only water and heat as byproducts. Already in use across sectors such as transportation, industry, and backup power, they are expected to play a growing role in the years ahead.
Hydrogen fuel cells also have the potential to play a key role in the electrification of the shipping industry, thanks to the high energy storage density of hydrogen, which makes the technology particularly well suited for maritime applications. Hanwha is developing a maritime hydrogen fuel cell system which received Approval in Principle in March 2025 from DNV, a leading global classification society that sets standards for the safety and reliability of ships and offshore structures. The certification marks a significant step toward commercialization.
Hanwha’s 200 kW system boasts the world’s highest efficiency, durability, and safety among maritime fuel cells. It is also scalable to megawatt-level systems through parallel integration, enabling flexible deployment across a range of vessel types.
Here’s a closer look at how hydrogen fuel cells work and where they fit into the future of electrification.
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