Reversible fuel cells can support grid economically, Stanford researcher finds

In a new study published in Nature Communications, the researchers report that reversible fuel cells can be an economically viable source of backup electricity during periods of surging prices, such as Texas experienced in 2021 when winter storms knocked out power plants fueled by natural gas. By being able to switch directions, the study finds, the entire system can run closer to full capacity. That reduces the cost of producing both carbon-free hydrogen and carbon-free electricity.