Hydrogen Economy
HYDROGEN ECONOMY
Mr. WYDEN. Senator GORDON SMITH and I would like to discuss an important element of the Department of Energy's Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Infrastructure Program. This program is preparing the country for the next energy revolutionwhat many refer to as the "hydrogen economy." It will establish an energy infrastructure for America based on abundant and domestically produced hydrogen, which will be used to fuel our powerplants, our homes, and our automobiles. The Senator's leadership, and that of the Congress as a whole, has strengthened the program over the past few years. However, there is one area on which the House and Senate have not yet achieved a consensus, an area that Senator SMITH and I believe is important for establishing one early element of the hydrogen economy.
I am referring to fuel cells, and specifically the Proton Exchange Membrane, or P-E-M fuel cell. Is the Senator aware that this technology is being developed by American companies for widespread applications, including homes and automobiles, but that before it may be used broadly in these applications, the fuel cell must be greatly improved and made affordable?
Mr. WYDEN. That is correct. However, at the current pace of development it will be at least a decade before fuel cell systems are available in any significant numbers for large markets. Meanwhile, Japan and the European countries are investing more in fuel cell development than the U.S. is investing, and we are losing our leadership in this area. Japan's investment last year alone was three times that of the DOE.
Senator SMITH and I agree that U.S. fuel cell companies are ready to demonstrate P-E-M fuel cell powerplants that will serve the niche markets, and can accelerate the introduction of fuel cells to markets in the near term and the larger markets in the mid term. Would the Senator agree that there is an exciting opportunity here?
Mr. WYDEN. We suggest that the Congress approve $4 million for continued development and validation of advanced P-E-M fuel cells and metal membrane fuel purification technologies in the Energy & Water appropriations measure
Mr. WYDEN. Senator SMITH and I appreciate the Senator's consideration of our request. We thank him for the opportunity for this exchange, and his continued leadership for the advancement of energy technologies important to our Nation.