Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Industries Join Call to Increase Clean Energy Investment

Washington, DC--The Electric Drive Transportation Association, the National Hydrogen Association and U.S. Fuel Cell Council added their support today to dramatically increase the U.S. investment in clean energy technologies.

"Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are an essential part of America's energy solution. Commercial fuel cells will deliver clean, efficient energy at home and at work, create hundreds of thousands of American jobs and, together with other technologies, eliminate the need for gasoline for passenger vehicles," the organizations said in a joint statement.

"Fuel cells make energy electrochemically, without combustion, from hydrogen and hydrogen rich fuels. Some of the largest and most progressive companies in America are already using fuel cells for highly reliable heat and power, to guarantee computer and telephone communications, move goods, keep food cold and travelers and students warm. Thousands of average Americans have driven fuel cell electric vehicles and hundreds of thousands are expected on the road in the next decade.

"Fuel cells and hydrogen energy are American engineered, American manufactured and domestically fueled. America can capture 250,000 jobs in the next 10 years making, installing and servicing fuel cells, according to Fuel Cell Today. But those jobs are not guaranteed. There is an intense international competition. A stronger public investment in fuel cells will allow America to keep its lead, and capture its share of green jobs, profits and energy security benefits," the organizations said.

"The industry and government have had a strong partnership in developing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, although federal investment has been decreasing in recent years. Going forward, a clarification of priorities is needed," the organizations said. "To achieve our national goals for increased security and reduced pollutants, the U.S. must expand its commitment to the clean energy options that hydrogen and fuels provide. We have learned from other advanced energy opportunities lost that it will be more expensive to buy these technologies back from foreign competitors if we let them finish what the U.S. has started."

· Fuel cells and hydrogen can help free America from the menace of oil dependence. Fuel cell passenger vehicles are 2-3 times more efficient than today's gasoline powered vehicles and can achieve the equivalent of 60 to 70 miles per gallon. In combination with other technologies, fuel cell vehicles can reduce light duty demand for gasoline nearly to zero by 2050 and can achieve an 80% CO2 reduction, according to the National Academies of Science and the NHA's Energy Evolution study.
· Fuel cells advance integration of renewables, such as solar and wind power, into the electricity grid by enhancing their stability. Whatever the source, fuel cells save energy, save customers money and reduce emissions.
· Fuel cell power systems are 80% to 90% efficient when both heat and electricity are generated for homes or businesses. Systems optimized to produce electricity achieve 50% or greater electrical efficiency-many times greater than generators. Residential fuel cells reduce home energy use by one-third or more.
· Fuel cells reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to conventional technologies, reductions start at a minimum of 20% to 60% for power systems and 50% from passenger cars when natural gas is used. These reductions increase to 100% when renewable energy is used to make hydrogen to fuel the fuel cell.

EDTA, NHA, and USFCC collectively represent more than 200 companies and organizations.

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CONTACT:
EDTA: Genevieve Cullen, 202-408-0774 x308
gcullen@electricdrive.org
NHA: Patrick Serfass, 202-223-5547 x366
serfassp@HydrogenAssociation.org
USFCC: Brynne Ward, 202 293 5500
bward@usfcc.com