FuelCell Energy of Danbury, Conn., is conducting research in its laboratory to use fuel cells to capture carbon, reports the New York Times.
The US Department of Energy has provided a $2.5 million grant for the experiment, which involves feeding fuel cells carbon dioxide in order to help power the fuel cells.
According to the NY Times, instead of feeding fuel cells regular air, FuelCell Energy researchers are feeding them a supply of air laced with 13 percent carbon dioxide similar to what would come from the exhaust stack of a coal-burning power plant.
The researchers envision placing fuel cells next to the smokestacks at coal plants where the fuel cell would soak up the carbon dioxide and add power to the plants’ operations.
Photo of a fuel cell power plant from FuelCell Energy.
