CONCLUSION
A compelling value proposition for distributed power generation is the conversion of waste
biomass to energy. A biomass-to-fuel-cell system offers a renewable source of low emission
electricity and heat with flexible feedstock options. The system will process biomass using
pyrolysis gasification to create hydrogen rich syngas which can be purified for use with
Ballard’s ClearGen® PEM fuel cell system.
Ballard is now pursuing further installation opportunities to develop biomass to energy
systems based on ClearGen® fuel cell technology. The system is cost competitive in remote
communities today, as a clean, quiet and efficient alternative to diesel generators. Future
cost reduction paths will enable the solution to be sited wherever relatively high electricity
prices and low cost biomass are available.