title: Fuel cells are a commercially viable alternative for the production of "clean" energy.
abstract: Fuel cells present a highly efficient and environmentally friendly alternative technology for decentralized energy production. The scope of the present study is to provide an overview of the technological and commercialization readiness level of fuel cells. Specifically, there is a brief description of their general advantages and weaknesses in correlation with various technological actions and political strategies, which are adopted towards their proper positioning in the global market. Some of the most important key performance indicators are also discussed, alongside with a few examples of broad commercialization. It is concluded that the increasing number of companies which utilize and invest on this technology, in combination with the supply chain improvements and the concomitant technological maturity and recognition, reinforce the fuel cell industry so as to become well-aligned for global success.
authors.affiliation: Foundation for Research and Technology, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (FORTH/ICE-HT), Stadiou str., 26504, Platani, Rion Patras, Greece. niakolas@iceht.forth.gr.
authors.forename: Dimitris K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Niakolas
authors.affiliation: Foundation for Research and Technology, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (FORTH/ICE-HT), Stadiou str., 26504, Platani, Rion Patras, Greece. riadal@iceht.forth.gr.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Daletou
authors.affiliation: Foundation for Research and Technology, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (FORTH/ICE-HT), Stadiou str., 26504, Platani, Rion Patras, Greece. neoph@iceht.forth.gr.
authors.forename: Stylianos G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Neophytides
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, LCEP, University of Patras, Patras, Greece. cgvayenas@upatras.gr.
authors.forename: Constantinos G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Vayenas
mesh_terms: D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources; D004736:Energy-Generating Resources / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013672:Technology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Fuel cells; Market position; Policy making; Sustainable energy; Technology level