What do fuel cells primarily generate?

Fuel cells primarily generate water and electricity through the process of electrochemical reactions. In a fuel cell, hydrogen is typically combined with oxygen from the air. This reaction produces electricity as a direct byproduct, with water vapor being the only emission. The clean nature of this process is what makes fuel cells an attractive technology for various applications, including vehicles and stationary power generation systems.

The significance of generating only water and electricity distinguishes fuel cells from traditional combustion-based energy systems, which produce undesirable emissions like carbon dioxide and particulates. This characteristic aligns with the growing emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The production of heat and light in other technologies, such as combustion engines or fires, does not occur in the same manner within a fuel cell, further reinforcing why water and electricity are the primary products of this technology.