Fuel-Cell Car Demo Gives Bronx Students Glimpse of Future Hydrogen Economy; DOE Official Explains New Technologies

4/22/2004

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

BRONX, N.Y., April 22 -- Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy David Garman today spoke to eighth grade students from the Star Academy MS-201 about the promise of hydrogen and fuel cell technology. The students are building fuel cell-powered model cars from kits provided by the Department of Energy.

"Investing in our students today will help ensure the transformation of our energy future from one dependent on foreign petroleum to one based on hydrogen," Assistant Secretary Garman said. "It's important that we begin to prepare and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers who will lead the transition to a hydrogen-based economy and build the machines and infrastructure that will make it a reality."

Hydrogen fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen in an electro-chemical reaction that produces electricity, water and heat. The electrical current produced can be used to power anything from portable computers to entire buildings. It is also believed that fuel cell technology will offer a clean replacement for the internal combustion engine.

President Bush has proposed $1.7 billion over five years in research funding for the FreedomCAR Partnership and the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, to enable America to lead the world in developing clean, hydrogen-powered automobiles that would free the U.S. from dependence on foreign petroleum. This education effort -- which includes similar visits by Energy Department officials to schools around the nation -- supports President Bush's initiative. For more information on the FreedomCAR Partnership and the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, visit: http://www.eere.energy.gov

Garman spoke with a middle school science class taught by Ms. Emily Bobel, a recent Stanford University graduate. Bobel comes to teaching through the Teach for America program. Teach for America is the national corps of outstanding college graduates academic who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools. For more information on Teach for America, visit: http://www.teachforamerica.org.