US Energy Secretary Announces $119M for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman kicked off the Washington Auto Show with the announcement of $119 million in funding and a research “roadmap” aimed at identifying and overcoming the technical and manufacturing challenges associated with the further development of commercially available hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The goal of developing clean, hydrogen fuel vehicles is part of the Bush Administration’s ongoing effort to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. “Investments in fuel cell and hydrogen research today will enable America to lead the world in developing clean, hydrogen-powered automobiles that will reduce our dependence on imported oil,” said Secretary Bodman. “This funding will help overcome technical barriers and bring hydrogen and fuel cell technology from the laboratory to the showroom.” Secretary Bodman announced that the Department of Energy (DOE) will provide up to $100 million over four years for research projects seeking to improve fuel cell membranes, water transport within the stack, advanced cathode catalysts and supports, cell hardware, innovative fuel cell concepts, and effects of impurities on fuel cell performance and durability. Through this investment, DOE seeks to improve performance and to lower cost of these technologies by 2010. Further information, research specifications, and application information for interested nonprofit and […]