Source: Laura Cipriano/EPFL

A new fuel cell technology developed by GRT Group and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne is designed to facilitate long-term storage of renewable energy. Formic acid, an efficient hydrogen carrier, forms the basis of the Hyform-PEMFC device. One liter of formic acid can carry 590 liters of hydrogen.

A hydrogen reformer (Hyform) uses a ruthenium-based catalyst to extract hydrogen to supply the proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The low maintenance system has an electrical efficiency up to 45 percent and can produce 7,000 kWh yearly. Its nominal power is 800 watts — roughly the equivalent of 200 smartphones being recharged simultaneously.

As long as the formic acid used is produced sustainably, the fuel cell is completely environmentally friendly and allows long-term storage of renewable energy. The technology is scalable, so it can be used in both households and industrial settings. Since it only needs to be fueled with formic acid, the system does not require connection to power grids, which makes it ideal for remote or inaccessible areas.