Strategic Decision Making for End-of-Life Management of Fuel Cells

Fuel cells offer attractive possibilities for efficient electricity generation across many applications. Within the context of Extended Producer Responsibility legislation and increasing concerns regarding material scarcity and waste, it is important that preparation for end-of-life management of the technology is made, prior to mass commercialization. Using a case study approach, life cycle environmental impact assessment, cost analysis and evaluation of legislative requirements are shown to support strategic development of end-of-life strategies for fuel cells. The findings highlight how the early identification of priorities for recycling of high impact, high value materials may help to avoid future detrimental impacts at end-of-life.

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