In exciting news originally published on Inside Climate News, the San Francisco ferry fleet welcomes an emission-free addition. In July, San Francisco unveiled its latest innovation in sustainable transportation—a hydrogen-powered passenger ferry. This milestone, achieved through funding from various state agencies and private partners, marks a significant advancement in California's journey toward carbon-free transit. The MV Sea Change, the world's first hydrogen-powered ferry, can accommodate 75 passengers and will offer free rides every weekend for the first six months, efficiently traveling between the Ferry Building and Pier 41 in about 15 minutes.

The ferry is powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity through electrolysis, splitting hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons. This process not only propels the vessel but also produces potable water as a byproduct, which passengers can drink from an onboard fountain. Timothy Lipman, co-director of the Transportation Sustainability Research Center at UC Berkeley, explains that the difference between electric battery cells and hydrogen fuel cells is minimal. "Every fuel cell vehicle is an electric vehicle with the same electric motor found in battery cars. The difference is the source of electricity—fuel cells and batteries," he said.

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However, several challenges limit the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in other transportation sectors. The membrane that facilitates electrolysis contains platinum, one of the most expensive metals globally. Despite hydrogen fuel cells being 2.5 times more sustainable than gasoline, as noted by the California Air Resources Board, they are significantly more costly. Moreover, hydrogen, like gasoline, is highly flammable. While cost-effective strategies for hydrogen fuel cell production are under research, Lipman highlights that new findings continually raise questions about hydrogen's viability as a fuel. For instance, hydrogen gas leaks, although not an immediate environmental threat, can slow down the breakdown of methane gas, complicating the broader implications of hydrogen use.

While hydrogen fuel cells are increasingly demanded in the long-haul trucking industry, the maritime sector remains hesitant. Most maritime vessels, whether new or old, are designed to run on oil-derived fuels. However, as the demand for carbon-efficient vessels rises, new companies are developing ships that avoid the need for extensive modifications.

The funding for the MV Sea Change and its fuel cells came from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and is part of the larger California Climate Investments initiative, which allocates billions toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and boosting the economy. Incorporating hydrogen-powered vessels aligns with the San Francisco Bay Ferry's goal to cut the emissions of its 16-ferry fleet by two-thirds by 2035.

"There will come a time when fully electric fleets are desired by both us and our customers, which will necessitate retrofitting rather than retiring vessels," said Seamus Nolan, corporate development associate at SWITCH Maritime, which owns the MV Sea Change. Future SWITCH Maritime projects, including the MV Sea Change, are designed to transition from hydrogen fuel cells to electric batteries if needed. Zero Emissions Industries LLC, which built the ferry's hydrogen fuel cell systems, spent nearly three years developing the technology. John Motlow, the company's chief strategy officer, is optimistic about the future of hydrogen fuel cells becoming more cost-effective. "The conversation around hydrogen fuel cells has grown tremendously. They are now a significant part of discussions regarding the future of medium and heavy-duty vehicles, with demand increasing rapidly," he stated.

California continues to lead in clean energy investments across various industries. Supporting hydrogen-based energy research and applications is one of the state's many strategies to achieve net neutrality by 2045. Recently, the Department of Energy contributed to these efforts with the launch of a $1.2 billion Hydrogen Hub to enhance clean energy infrastructure throughout California.

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