Energy Secretary Abraham Visits Detroit to Announce $350 Million for Major Hydrogen Research Projects

4/26/2004

From: Tom Welch of the U.S. Department of Energy, 202-586-5806

News Advisory:

-- Energy Secretary Abraham Visits Detroit to Announce $350 Million for Major Hydrogen Research Projects; Event Participants Include Ford, GM, and Daimler-Chrysler

-- Additional Stops at National Renewable Energy Lab, Golden, Colorado; Keynote Speech to National Hydrogen Association, Los Angeles, Calif.

In Detroit, on Tuesday, April 27, at 11:45 a.m., U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, joined by representatives of the Big 3 Auto makers, will announce recipients of over $350 million in hydrogen research projects to support President Bush's hydrogen economy initiative. Participants at the Wayne State University Tech Center event will include Daimler-Chrysler, Ford and General Motors.

Today, the President announced that the Department of Energy has selected partners through a competitive process to fund new hydrogen research projects totaling $350 million ($575 million with private cost share) to overcome obstacles to a hydrogen economy. This represents nearly one-third of the President's $1.2 billion commitment in research funding to bring hydrogen and fuel cell technology from the laboratory to the showroom.

Selected through a merit-reviewed, competitive process, the projects involve 30 lead organizations and include over 100 partners. Recipients include academia, industry and DOE national laboratories.

DETROIT, MICH.: Tuesday, April 27; 11:45 a.m. - Press Conference; Wayne State University, TechTown, 440 Burroughs, Detroit, MI 48202

GOLDEN, COLO.: Tuesday, April 27; 2:45 p.m. - Hydrogen Grant Announcement; National Renewable Energy Lab; Golden, Colo.

LOS ANGELES, CALIF.:Wednesday, April 27; 9 a.m. - National Hydrogen Association, Keynote speech; Renaissance Hotel; 1755 N. Highland Avenue, (Tentative -- media availability to follow)

Note to news desks: times subject to change.