Fuel cells development and hydrogen production from renewable resources in Brazil

In this work we review the Brazilian energy Supply matrix, in particular focusing on environmentally friendly pathways to hydrogen production and fuel cell utilisation. Brazil is currently building capacity in these areas, evident in the spectrum of technological research carried out by several universities in the fields of hydrogen production processes, catalysts and electrolyte materials. Although the fuel cell installed capacity in Brazil is limited, there are several government-funded research activities - mainly on PEM, DMFC, DEFC and SOFC, in addition to reforming and catalysis of ethanol as cell fuel. Brazil has a robust energy matrix, and 45% of its energy supply is derived from renewable resources, The future hydrogen economy in Brazil will probably rely on renewable resources, mainly from hydroelectric power and biofuels, which are plentifully available. (C) 2008 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved,