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The Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition Speaks Out Against U.S. DOE Funding Cuts
Washington, D.C. (June 1, 2009) 33 years ago, the Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition (FCS&E) was developed with one simple and absolute mission: To advance the global energy, environmental, and economic benefits offered by fuel cell technology through the promotion of Technical Excellence, Education, Outreach, Demonstration, and Product Commercialization.
Through its programs, the FCS&E supports and encourages the growth of the fuel cell community both within its professional core and in its public commitment to industry building. As such, we are speaking out on behalf of our industry partners, representing over 600 companies and universities worldwide.
FCS&E is concerned that recent budgetary cuts announced by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the current Administration will severely impact the future growth and vitality of the fuel cell and hydrogen industries. We were discouraged to read that DOE proposes to cut hydrogen and fuel cell programs by nearly 60%in FY 2010, as compared to the FY 2009 budget.
DOE has characterized the budget cuts as a focus on more near-term opportunities. In fact, fuel cells, an ultra-clean and efficient energy source, are available today. They are gaining traction in various motive applications including buses and material handling; they are gaining market share in backup power and large stationary combined heating, cooling and power applications as well; and soon they will begin to replace batteries in many portable devices. DOE’s own fuel cell market transformation strategy recognizes that fuel cell products and services are on the cusp of achieving commercial success in every imaginable energy market. Clearly these budget cuts are ill-timed for the future health of an American made technology and send a conflicting message to commercial fuel cell markets that have been painstakingly developed for over a decade.
In his presentation of the proposed DOE budget, Secretary Chu stated, “The President’s budget for energy reflects his commitment to...restoring our scientific leadership and putting Americans back to work through investments in a new green energy economy...” There are at least nine university programs and countless commercial laboratories in the U.S. specifically dedicated to fuel cell and hydrogen research. They are all pioneers in the “new green energy economy”. Not only are these budget cuts counterproductive of that goal, but threaten our nation’s preeminence in the fuel cell industry and open the door to possible foreign domination.
“If the Administration is going to publicly promote and commit to clean and renewable energy products, markets and applications”, says Sam Logan, president of the FCS&E board of directors, “then we believe it should do so by promoting a more balanced and inclusive energy portfolio, that commits national resources equally to hydrogen and fuel cell products and technology as it has with others. It is our hope that the Administration and Members of Congress will take the time to become aware of the great strides made by the U.S. fuel cell industry and align its potential with a truly balanced and inclusive energy policy. This is a pivotal moment for our industry.”
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The Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition is the largest technical conference of its kind. The conference attracts over 1500 attendees annually, and offers the largest number of technical papers, the most exhibits, and the best coverage of the latest technical advances and research in the field. International participants include technical leaders, scientists, educators, researchers, developers, investors, students and manufacturers of fuel cell products. Technical sessions focus in four main areas: utility, residential, vehicle and portable. Challenges in costs, fuels, storage, reliability, lifetime and adoptability are also covered. Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors represent the latest in leading research and development—both domestically and abroad. The 2009 FCS&E continues on its mission to educate, inform and help lead the fuel cell community to commercial success. |
