Understanding Fuel Cells and Their Commonly Used Types in Japan

There has been increased emphasis on improving efficiency and reducing emissions across sectors globally. This has resulted in the introduction of several innovative energy generation technologies. One of them is fuel cells. These cell systems offer an efficient and reliable source of power.

You may be wondering how fuel cells work. And what is it about these cells that makes them a clean and reliable source of power? Read on as we explore the basics of fuel cells and their types. We also cover the key statistics of the fuel cell market in Japan and how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming this energy technology.

Fuel Cells: Basics

A fuel cell is a device that provides a clean and efficient source of power. The cell utilizes an electrochemical reaction instead of combustion to produce electricity. It does that by combining hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike batteries, fuel cells don’t need periodic recharging. Instead, they continue to produce electricity as long as they have a fuel source.

A fuel cell consists of a cathode and an anode. There is also an electrolyte membrane present. Hydrogen is passed through the fuel cell’s anode while oxygen is passed through the cathode. The catalyst at the anode site splits the hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons. The protons make their way into the porous electrolyte membrane while the electrons are passed through a circuit. This results in the generation of electricity and extra heat. The absence of moving parts means fuel cells have silent operations and high reliability.

Key Market Stats

Our latest analysis reveals that the Japan fuel cell market is expected to witness sustained growth. The market for fuel cells in Japan was valued at USD 3.07 billion in 2024. It is projected to register a CAGR of 16.3% between 2025 and 2034.

Invention of Fuel Cells

The history of fuel cells goes back to the 1800s. The first fuel cell was invented by British physicist Sir William Grove in 1839. He anticipated that passing an electric current through water could cause hydrogen and oxygen in the water to split. As a refresher, this process is referred to as electrolysis. The physicist's hypothesis led to the creation of a primitive fuel cell, which he referred to as a gas voltaic battery. The term “fuel cell” was coined a century later when scientists Charles Langer and Ludwig Mond were attempting to develop a practical model for electrical generation.

Types of Fuel Cells

There are various types of fuel cells available. Each of these fuel cell types has a different chemistry. Below, we’ve explained the different fuel cell types in detail:

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)

The PEMFC is known for its high power density. The fuel cell also has a relatively low operating temperature, which ranges between 60 and 80 degrees Celsius. The low operating temperature means the fuel cell heats up quickly and begins electricity generation.

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)

SOFC is suitable for large-scale stationary power generators. The operating temperature of this fuel cell type is very high. It typically ranges from 700 to 1,000 degrees Celsius. Reliability is a concern in these fuel cells as the high temperature can cause cell breakdown after repeated on and off cycling.

However, the stability of SOFC is high during continuous operations. In fact, the fuel cell offers the longest operating life of any other fuel cell type under specific operating conditions. The high temperature also offers the advantage of more electricity generation by channeling the steam produced by the cells into turbines.

Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC)

AFC is one of the oldest fuel cell designs. The U.S. Space Program first used it for producing electricity and drinkable water on rockets and shuttles. The method was originally preferred for its low operating temperatures and high efficiency. However, the method’s susceptibility to contamination necessitates pure oxygen and hydrogen. Thus, the high cost makes it difficult for commercialization.

Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC)

MCFCs are widely used in stationary power plants. The operation of these fuel cells typically takes place above 600 degrees Celsius. As such, these fuel cells can generate steam that can be used to generate more power. The catalyst used in these fuel cells is a molten salt solution. The catalyst separates hydrogen particles from a traditional fuel. MCFC doesn’t need external refining equipment. However, the high operating temperature of these fuel cells increases their susceptibility to corrosion.

The Shift Towards Fuel Cells

Japan and other major economies globally have already made significant investments in the development of fuel cells. And they are expected to continue to do so in the decades to come. The major reason behind hydrogen investments is largely the same as investments in other renewable energy sources: to reduce dependence on oil.

Burning fossil fuels results in the addition of carbon gases into the atmosphere. These gases are added at a much greater rate than they can be filtered out naturally. We are already experiencing the negative effects of excess carbon gases. Ambient temperatures have increased, and extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common. Reducing fossil fuel consumption is instrumental for maintaining the ideal temperature of planet Earth in the coming years.

Fuel cell technologies offer an attractive alternative for reducing reliance on oil. Fuel cells don’t contribute to pollution. Current efforts are focused on the production of hydrogen from sources like natural gas. However, efforts such as the Hydrogen Initiative continue to seek more environmentally friendly ways of hydrogen production.

AI Impact on Japan Fuel Cells Market

AI is transforming the fuel cell market across various dimensions. These include design, manufacturing, and performance optimization. Engineers are using AI to explore thousands of fuel cell configurations. The exploration of different fuel cell configurations helps optimize electrode layouts and fluid dynamics for improved efficiency. Furthermore, the ability of AI tools to redistribute power across automotive fuel cell stacks helps improve safety and performance.

In Conclusion

Fuel cells have gained popularity as a clean and reliable source of power generation. The push for a cleaner environment and the need for sustainable energy solutions have contributed to the increased demand for fuel cells in Japan across various sectors. Ongoing technological developments are also contributing to the efficiency and durability of fuel cells.