Reader Response Draft 2

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 According to Hyundai Newsroom's website, "Car emissions are one of the main forms of pollution affecting air quality in cities and towns. The automotive industry is aiming to help create a cleaner environment through eco-friendly vehicles." (Hyundai, 2018). The amount of household that owns a four-wheeled private transport takes up 33% of every residents living here in Singapore. That is almost 1 in every 3 citizens despite a 40% decrease in vehicle ownership compared to 2014 (Loi, 2023). Based on the statistics provided by the website DataCommons (2020), Singapore clocked in at 7.69 metric tons of carbon emission in the year 2020. I am certain the numbers will continue to proliferate with regards to Singapore's increasing GDP. Therefore, I will be analyzing the potential usage of green energy for private transportation. Specifically, Hyundai's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology used in the 2019 Hyundai Nexo. 
  
   Hyundai's Nexo demonstrates the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source. It can travel over 600 kilometers on a single tank without emitting any pollutants, highlighting hydrogen’s promise for the future of transportation The fuel cell technology utilizes hydrogen combined with oxygen to create electricity. Compressed hydrogen gas is forced through a fuel cell stack that transforms that chemical energy into electrical energy. When electricity is created this way, instead of harmful chemicals being produced, water vapor is produced as the by-product. This is a much more eco-friendly alternative than a traditional gasoline powered engine and the emissions it produces (GraniteHyundai, n.d.). 

  In the current market, there are a total 5 hydrogen fuel cells being utilized in vehicles. The five are Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs), Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFCs), Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFCs) and Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFCs). Hyundai Nexo uses the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells which operates under moderately low temperatures and has a high power density, making it suitable for cars. There are numerous reasons why Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells are used to daily commuting vehicles. The top 2 reasons are it's high efficiency in converting chemical energy into electricity and durability, as it has fewer moving parts with lower maintenance requirements. 

  Researcher Hu and his team from Michigan Technology University has managed to develop an ultrafast alternative to the slow oxide ion transfers of conventional fuel cells, increasing efficiency and performance by using hydrocarbon fuel directly. This potential application of this could commercially be lucrative in the coming decade as emission regulations are becoming stricter every year. Estimating fuel efficiency to reach 60%, compared to the average fuel efficiency of a combustion engine ranges between 35% and 30% which would lead to lower carbon dioxide emissions in vehicles (Geiger, 2024).

  Recognizing the potential application of such technology. In 2022, Singapore launched the National Hydrogen Strategy to accelerate transition to net zero emissions and strengthen energy security. This strategy was placed to counter the current lack of supported and specialized hydrogen infrastructure around the country. Ultimately achieving net zero emission and utilizing hydrogen to supply up to half of Singapore's power usage by the year 2050. However, this strategy requires substantial production and research funding(Ministry of Trade, 2022). 

  In the long run, Singapore's goal of reaching net zero emissions will be vastly beneficial for the environment. Hydrogen fuel cells also requires half the time needed for a battery powered cell to be fully charged. However, production costs and the lack of technological awareness impedes the advancement towards such a goal. Implementation this strategy will hopefully bring such a technology into the public spotlight. Highlighting the benefits that comes with the usage of such an application. 

  Hydrogen fuel cells could help revolutionize sustainable clean energy with the assistance of technological advancements and interest towards the integration of hydrogen charging stations into the nation's infrastructure.

   In conclusion, hydrogen fuel cells are a promising alternative choice to traditional sources like fossil fuel/diesel. However, sustainable infrastructures and economical challenges are still problems that we are facing as a whole. 

  






References: 
1. Hyundai News. (n.d.) how does Fuel Cell work? Retrieved from how does Fuel Cell work?
2. Loi, E. (2023, November) Retrieved from One-third of S’pore resident households own cars, down from 40 per cent a decade ago
3. Data Commons. (n.d.). Retrieved from Carbon Emission Statistics
4. Hyundai News. (2013) Retrieved from Fuel Cells
5. Geiger, K. (2024, May) Retrieved from An energy breakthrough: Tech researchers create new type of fuel cell. Michigan Technological University
6. Energy Market Authority of Singapore. (2022, Oct) Retrieved from National Hydrogen Strategy










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