New funding opportunities coming to the hydrogen fuel cell space

Government agencies aim to introduce more funding for the advancement of fuel cell technologies

The United States Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has produced a Notice of Intent regarding funding opportunities for the hydrogen fuel cell sector. The Notice of Intent was posted on behalf of the Fuel Cell Technologies Office, which promotes the use of fuel cells in various sectors and supports the advancement of this technology. Fuel cells have been gaining momentum in the United States, especially when it comes to the transportation sector. These energy systems are still notoriously expensive, however, which makes them less attractive than other clean technologies.

$35 million may be available for the fuel cell sector

The EERE plans to make some $35 million available for the advancement of hydrogen fuel cell technology. This funding will be issued through the Fuel Cell Technologies Office, but the agencies are still seeking approval to provide this funding. The funding may help aid the early of adoption of fuel cell technologies. This technology is becoming particularly famous in the auto industry, but fuel cells have been used for industrial purposes for several years.

Funding aims to help improve the manufacture of fuel cells and reduce their need for platinum

Funding to improve fuel cell technology could make these energy systems more affordable in the future. The funding will focus on hydrogen fuel production research and development, reducing the amount of platinum needed when manufacturing fuel cell systems, and improving the fuel cell manufacturing process overall. Reducing the need for platinum may help make fuel cells significantly less expensive. Currently, fuel cells use catalysts made from platinum, which allow them to generate electrical power in a relatively efficient manner.

Department of Energy also funding advancement of fuel cell technology

The EERE aims to issue funding for the improvement of fuel cell technology in February of this year. This funding will augment other money that the Department of Energy is funneling into the fuel cell sector. The agency believes that hydrogen fuel cells have a major role to play in the future of clean transportation, but is also funding the advancement of battery technology for more conventional electric vehicles.