A Hydrogen Economy and Fuel Cells: An Overview (CRS Report for Congress)
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Release Date |
Jan. 14, 2004 |
Report Number |
RL32196 |
Report Type |
Report |
Authors |
Brent D. Yacobucci, Resources, Science, and Industry Division |
Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
There is growing interest in the use of hydrogen as the main fuel for stationary, mobile, and transportation applications, especially using fuel cells. This is particularly true in light of the Bush Administrations efforts to increase research and development for these technologies. In his January 2003 State of the Union Address, President Bush announced a new, five-year research initiative on hydrogen fuel and fuel cells. This effort is a key component of the Administrations proposed energy policy. This report discusses six key questions related to the hydrogen economy and fuel cells: 1) what is hydrogen fuel; 2) what is a fuel cell; 3) how will hydrogen fuel be used; 4) where will hydrogen fuel come from; 5) what would it mean to move to a hydrogen economy; and 6) what role can Congress play.