[Stirner]

As I understand how fuel cells operate, they require fuel. That is, they require organic chemicals that can undergo oxidation and release energy. It's true that fuel cells can process a wide variety of hydro-carbons, but the most convenient fuels to use will remain gas and liquid ones. The cheapest source of such fuels will remain extracted petroleum and gas for quite a while because biomass and coal gassification require more energy input per energy unit yielded than drilling does. Fuel cells are neat ways to burn fuel, but they do not lessen the demand for fuel.

[randita]

Semi-related article

[Rubber Ducky]

Fuel cells are neat ways to burn fuel, but they do not lessen the demand for fuel.

True, but they shift the demand for fuel from petroleum based products to alternatives such as biomass.

It is also true that, presently, they are not as cost-effictive as fossil fuels. However, as the technology advances and the cost of fossil fuels (including the cost of pumping pollutants into the atmosphere, which can be transferred virtually cost free to society at large) continues to climb, you will see the gap close.