US Energy Secretary Announces $41.9 Million for Fuel Cells

US Energy Secretary Steven Chu has announced $41.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for fuel cell technology.

These efforts will accelerate the commercialisation and deployment of fuel cells and will create jobs in fuel cell manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and support services. The new funding will improve the potential of fuel cells to provide power in stationary, portable and specialty vehicle applications.

"The investments we're making today will help us build a robust fuel cell manufacturing industry in the United States," said Secretary Chu. "Developing and deploying the next generation of fuel cells will not only create jobs - it will help our businesses become more energy efficient and productive. We are laying the foundation for a green energy economy."

The $41.9 million will support immediate deployment of nearly 1,000 fuel cell systems for emergency backup power and material handling applications (e.g., forklifts) that have emerged as key early markets in which fuel cells can compete with conventional power technologies. Additional systems will be used to accelerate the demonstration of
stationary fuel cells for combined heat and power in the larger esidential and commercial markets.

The increase in manufacturing volume in key early markets will also bring costs down and encourage the growth of a domestic supplier base. A variety of technologies will be developed and deployed, including polymer electrolyte, solid oxide and direct-methanol fuel cells. The funding includes:

* $41.9 million from President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund 13 projects to deploy fuel cells - helping to build a consumer base for U.S. fuel cell manufacturers.

* Approximately $72.4 million in cost-share funding from industry participants-for a total of nearly $114.3 million. This cost share demonstrates private sector commitment to developing and deploying these clean, energy efficient technologies.

For a full state-by state breakdown of the funding, please see http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7262.htm

Source: Fuel Cell Today