Fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electric current and heat. They find applications ranging in scale from battery-substitutes in vehicles, laptop computers and mobile telephones via energy supply systems in single and multiple-unit housing, all the way to use in power stations. On October 31st  at the Empa Academy, experts and laymen alike were afforded the opportunity to discuss the potential offered by fuel cells, and prospects of them becoming an established technology through the development of innovative ideas and applications in niche markets.