The U.S. Department of Energy's Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel (HTAP), which advises the Secretary of Energy on the nation's program to adopt hydrogen fuels technology, will hold its semi-annual meeting at the Desert Research Institute in Reno October 29-30, DRI President Stephen G. Wells announced. Wells said hydrogen is the most common element in the universe and is widely regarded as a leading, environmentally friendly candidate to supplement or replace fossil fuels.
National energy technology consultant John B. O'Sullivan, chairman of HTAP, said the theme of the meeting is "Hydrogen and National Security". The panel will hear reports on possible means of implementing a hydrogen infrastructure as well reports on the DOE H2 program to include efforts ranging from improved hydrogen fuel storage systems to ongoing demonstration programs. HTAP helps DOE to coordinate hydrogen research, development, and demonstration among federal agencies.
"HTAP also provides advice on investment strategy and priorities for hydrogen R&D, and on the economic, technical, and environmental consequences of deploying hydrogen energy systems. These public meetings are especially valuable since they provide a forum by which the public can become more closely involved, said O'Sullivan.
"The hydrogen fuel technologies being proposed are considerably less polluting than fossil fuel technologies and can be supplied by domestic sources of hydrogen. They represent a realistic approach for significantly reducing America's dependence on imported oil, and that would greatly improve America's economic stability and reduce our vulnerability to disruptions in the world's oil markets."
Wells said DRI is working with the hydrogen technology industry to provide scientific analyses of environmental impacts and benefits, applying the institute's broad range of environmental expertise and recent experience working directly with these technologies.
He said DRI has been conducting feasibility studies using solar and wind energy to "crack" the hydrogen out of water to power fuel cells. Fuel cells recombine hydrogen and oxygen in an electrochemical, combustion-free, reaction that produces electricity and water vapor. The system could provide remote locations with reliable electrical service, or supplemental generation for utility customers.
The institute also recently adapted a conventional motorbike to run with a fuel cell and the bike is currently being demonstrated in areas of Asia where they are a dominant mode of personal transportation.