Energy Innovations

5.11.07 14:21

The world's first ever fuel cell-powered lighthouse was unveiled today.

The hi-tech battery is being used to power the historic South Gare lighthouse at the mouse of the River Tees on Teesside.

The hydrogen fuel cell has been powering the 45watt high-intensity LED light, which can be seen from 25 miles out to sea, for several months now and is housed in a small cabinet attached to the lighthouse.

The South Gare site is regularly lashed by high winds and rough seas but the lighthouse, built in 1884, plays a pivotal role in the success of Teesport - one of the UK's three busiest ports.

The environmentally-friendly fuel cell is powered from hydrogen, which is made from sustainable energy via electrolysis.

It is similar to a conventional battery in that energy is produced from an electro-chemical process but, unlike batteries, it can supply full power as long as its fuel supply is maintained. The only product from a hydrogen fuel cell is pure water.

The fuel cell, which can withstand the harsh coastal weather, has been developed by the Centre for Process Innovation, based at Wilton, near Redcar.

Experts said the project was another demonstration of how quickly fuel cell technology was developing.

Nigel Perry, chief executive of the Centre for Process Innovation, said: "The use of the fuel cell at South Gare is a big step forward as we have had to develop a special unit to withstand this demanding location.

"Fuel cells have the potential to be an important component of our future energy supply along with the likes of tidal/wave, wind and solar powers, nuclear and some fossil fuel, though we know these have a finite lifespan.

"Due to the fact that fossil fuels are limited and will run out at some point, and because of their possible contribution to climate change, we must work hard to find other viable energy solutions - from renewable sources as much as possible.

"We have proved at South Gare that fuel cells can operate in critical applications"

Mark Pearson, energy and process innovation manager at regional development agency One NorthEast, added: "The successful development of this fuel cell is excellent.

"It's a world first and the knock-on effect for the energy sector as a whole could be massive.

"The fact it's been developed right here in the North East, at the hugely successful CPI at Wilton, backs up our claim that the North East is the energy innovation capital of the UK."

By: Rod Minchin