Essay: Phone Companies Are Developing Fuel Cells Too

The article "Phone Companies are Developing Fuel Cells Too", found at BusinessWeek.com, discusses how phone companies have begun using fuel cells as a source for backup power. Phone companies are using this idea as an alternative to diesel powered backup generators. The technological development surrounding the use of fuel cells in cellular base stations will help in times of crisis. Other areas involving the use of fuel cells are also being investigated by many phone companies.

Phone companies have started using fuel cells in their backup stations for many reasons, including the fact that they are quieter, more environmentally friendly and also cheaper than the alternative, diesel generators. According to Sprint CEO, Dan Hesse, finding ways to improve energy use has been one of the company's "biggest priorities". It's a good sign that Sprint looks to improve this sector of their company, as it's network accounts for about 80% of it's total energy use.

Backup fuel cells will also help in times of crisis, such as severe weather or natural disasters. In situations similar to Hurricane Katrina, communication is extremely improtant, often a matter of life and death. It is vital for backup systems to remain powered during such events.

Other companies, such as Vodafone, have also been exploring new ways of using fuel cells. Munich-based hydrogen fuel cell maker P21, has been developing fuel cells over the past decade in hopes of creating an efficient ecosystem for refilling fuel cell hydrogen tanks. The company looks to create a new hydrogen refueling model that is built around on-site refueling instead of the current practice of swapping out tanks.

With new advancements coming in the field of hydrogen fuel cells, it will only help that companies try and develop new ideas using this environmenatlly friendly approach. It would not only benefit the company by improving efficiency, but it would also be advantageous towards the nearby communties.