Joint seminar with CHBE – September 2023
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and Commercialization:
A Key Piece in the Global Decarbonization Puzzle
September 29, 2023 @ 1:00 PM
Abstract
Many solutions will be needed to decarbonize the global energy sector. Hydrogen is a key piece in the climate solution puzzle, providing zero emissions technology for hard-to-abate sectors, such as heavy-duty transportation. Hydrogen fuel cell technology has been proven in commercial operation and has accumulated significant operational, reliability, and durability data. In 2021, over 80,000 fuel cell units were shipped globally, equating to over 2,000 MW of power. Of that, over 85% was for the transportation sector. Over 36 countries, including Canada, have implemented hydrogen strategies, based on the realization of the need for this critical technology. British Columbia is recognized as a global leader in hydrogen and fuel cell research, development, and commercialization, with a strong local hydrogen ecosystem and government support. As of 2021, in the BC Hydrogen Fuel Cell sector, there were 30+ companies, employing 1,900 people, and earning $375MM in revenues. Products sold powered >4500 trucks and buses worldwide. While fuel cell technology continues to improve and costs have been significantly reduced, there are still technical, cost, and scale-up challenges to be addressed. This talk will focus on fuel cell technology and commercialization, with comparisons to other zero-carbon technologies and the relative advantages of each for different industry sectors. The status of the technology will be discussed along with technical challenges, recent advancements, and key areas for ongoing research.
Biography
Shanna Knights is the Director of Technology Collaborations at Ballard Power Systems, a world leader in the development, manufacture, sale and servicing of PEM hydrogen fuel cells, and for whom she has conducted fuel cell research for commercial truck, bus, and other motive and stationary applications since 1995. In recent years, Shanna has led Ballard’s components technology research and development activities, and is currently responsible for innovation initiatives and external collaborations to leverage leading expertise and technologies. Shanna is an author on numerous scientific journal publications and 3 book chapters, and holds 25 patents, with several more pending. She guides collaborative research through numerous advisory boards and steering committees. In 2017, Shanna received the Association of Engineering BC’s highest honour, the R. A. McLachlan Memorial Award for significant technical contributions and professional leadership, in combination with professional and community service. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and is a YWCA Research & the Sciences Woman of Distinction nominee (2019).