WASHINGTON, DC – The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy David K. Garman today launched a DOE effort to introduce science students across the country to the promise of hydrogen and fuel cell technology at Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School in Washington, D.C.
“Investing in our students today will insure the transformation of our energy future from one dependent on foreign petroleum to one that utilizes the most abundant element in the universe – hydrogen,” Assistant Secretary Garman said. “It is 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 hydrogen fuel cell powered cars.”
Students of all ages will be introduced to the basic concepts and principles of hydrogen-based energy in fun and creative ways to interest them in the vision of a hydrogen economy. The challenges of making a hydrogen economy a reality are many, including the development of a hydrogen energy infrastructure like today's petroleum infrastructure. Careers of the future will include jobs in hydrogen manufacturing plants, working on distribution and storage networks and developing hydrogen fueling stations.
DOE is working with its partners -- automakers, energy companies and fuel cell technology companies -- to accelerate the development and successful market introduction of hydrogen fuel cell technologies. Business and educational institutions are working on new research in advanced fuel cell technology for vehicles, buildings and other applications.
President Bush has proposed $1.7 billion over five years in research funding for FreedomCAR 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 supports President Bush’s initiative. For more information on the FreedomCAR partnership and the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative please visit: www.eere.energy.gov.
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