December 4, 2006—The US Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced that it is providing $100 million for 25 hydrogen fuel cell research and development projects, and $8.6 million for 16 projects to expand the use of alternative transportation fuels.
The fuel cell projects will focus on fuel cell membranes; water transport within the stack; advanced cathode catalysts and supports; cell hardware; innovative fuel cell concepts; the effects of impurities on fuel cell performance and durability; and fuel cell demonstration projects to build international and intergovernmental partnerships. According to DOE, fuel cells create zero emissions, with only water and heat as byproducts, and can be used in various applications, from portable devices to buildings to vehicles.
The Clean Cities program is providing the grants for alternative transportation fuels. The projects cover: improving the refueling infrastructure for alternative fuels and E85 (a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), funding the incremental cost of alternative fuel vehicles, and providing idle reduction training and awareness for school districts.
