14 DAY TRIAL // Yesterday, the Energy Department in the United States announced that the country was to invest over $7 million (€5 million) in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
In a press release on the matter at hand, the Energy Department details that the money will be distributed among four projects in the following states: Georgia, Kansas, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
The goal of these investments is to help make such cost-effective technologies available faster, and thus allow businesses across the country to gain access to transportation and power options that are appealing both financially- and environmentally-wise.
“By partnering with private industry and universities, the Energy Department is helping to build a strong 21st century transportation sector that cuts harmful pollution, reduces costs for U.S. businesses and leads to a more sustainable energy future,” Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz explains in a statement.
“Reduced oil dependence is an important part of President Obama’s energy security and climate plans, and hydrogen and fuel cell technologies will help ensure America’s continued leadership in clean energy innovation,” he adds.
As explained in the press release, the beneficiaries of these funds are the Atlanta-based Center for Transportation and the Environment, FedEx Express, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Sprint.
These businesses are to receive $3 million (€2.17 million), $3 million (€2.17 million), $900,000 (€653,950) and $250,000 (€181,650), respectively.
The Center for Transportation and the Environment is expected to use this money to roll out a fuel cell hybrid electric walk-in delivery van whose range would be one of 150 miles (241.4 kilometers) per fueling. What's more, it must equip 15 UPS delivery vans with fuel cell hybrid power trains, and test them at several facilities in California.
FedEx Express must also develop a hydrogen fuel cell delivery truck with the same range, and test 20 such cars in Tennessee and California.
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. must work on a cost-effective tube trailer for hydrogen delivery and storage that is capable to resist elevated pressures, and test it at hydrogen fueling stations in California.
Lastly, Sprint will use the money to fit rooftop telecommunications equipment with fuel cell-powered backup power systems.
“The projects awarded today will help further reduce the cost of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, expand fueling infrastructure and build a strong domestic supply chain in the United States. This investment also supports the Energy Department’s broader efforts to continue U.S. leadership in clean energy innovation,” the Department comments on the importance of these projects.