Fuel cells: Overview
Flameless power from hydrogen, with water as the only exhaust
What this tile covers Cells that turn hydrogen or other fuels straight into electricity, with heat as a by-product. Share of use.01% share of final energy use (2024)Share of world total final energy consumption (about 435 EJ, calculated: motor systems 13,462 TWh are 53% of electricity, so about 25,400 TWh or 91 EJ, and electricity is about 21% of final energy) that passes through this device or is used by this sector, latest year available. Electricity-based devices use electricity's 21% share of final energy (IEA WEO 2025). Overlaps between devices and sectors are allowed and noted. Installed stationary fuel cells about 2 GW (Korea over 1 GW, US about 600 MW, Japan about 336 MW, Europe about 40 MW, China under 20 MW). At an assumed 80% load factor that is about 14 TWh or 0.05 EJ a year, about 0.012% of roughly 435 EJ final energy (calculated). Fuel-cell vehicles add little. Rough estimate. Source: Stationary fuel cells, IEA Advanced Fuel Cells Technology Collaboration Programme.
Key facts
| Chain | Chemical (H2) → electrical, plus heat |
Included from the reference tables
- Hydrogen fuel cells
- Methanol fuel cells
- Solid-oxide fuel cells
- Fuel-cell power units
Linked to the material world
Pt PlatinumH2 HydrogenAlso in Conversion devices
ST Steam turbines and thermal power plantsCCGT Gas turbines and combined cycleICE Internal combustion engines and gensetsGen Generators and alternatorsMot Electric motors and drivesPE Transformers and power electronicsElz ElectrolysersHP Heat pumps, air conditioning and refrigerationEH Electric heatingLED Lighting and displaysBlr Boilers, furnaces and stovesExplore paths from here
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