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Hydrogen Fuel Initiative

>> What is the United States doing to promote hydrogen?

The Hydrogen Fuel Initiative and the FreedomCAR projects aim to develop technologies and infrastructure needed to develop the technology necessary for commercially viable hydrogen fuel cells.  Through collaborative efforts between the US government and automakers, the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative will hybrid components, fuel cells, hydrogen production and distribution as well as continuing support for research into some advanced combustion engine technologies that could improve fuel economy in the near-term.   

>> What are the goals of the Hydrogen Initiative?

  • Lowering the cost of using hydrogen: Currently, hydrogen is three to four times as expensive to produce as gasoline (when produced from its most affordable source, natural gas) while fuel cells are up to ten times more expensive than internal combustion engines.  The Hydrogen Fuel Initiative seeks to lower that cost enough to make hydrogen cost-competitive with gasoline by 2010, and to advance the methods of producing hydrogen from renewable resources, nuclear energy, and coal with carbon capture and sequestration.
  • Creating effective hydrogen storage: Hydrogen storage systems are currently impractical for regular use. The Hydrogen Fuel Initiative will support the exploratory research and development needed to overcome the challenges of hydrogen storage.  It aims to effectively store the amount of hydrogen required to go a conventional driving distance (>300 miles) while maintaining the vehicular constraints of weight, volume, efficiency, safety, and cost.
  • Decreasing America’s energy dependence: The Hydrogen Fuel Initiative hopes to decrease the United States demand for oil by over 11 million barrels per day by 2040. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
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