6/18/04

Bob Lowry, 334/844-9999

HOUSE PANEL APPROVES $3.5 MILLION FOR AU FUEL CELL RESEARCH

AUBURN -- A House committee has approved a $3.5 million appropriation to advance Auburn University's hydrogen fuel-cell research program, according to two Alabama congressmen.

Reps. Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., and Mike Rogers, R-Ala., announced the action by the House Appropriations Committee. The bill must still be approved by the full House and the Senate.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology, considered to be the future of the automobile industry, was successfully demonstrated to the Department of Defense by AU researchers in December.

"This gives every reason to be optimistic that we are on the threshold of a major advancement in transportation technology developed right here in Alabama," said Bachus, an AU alumnus. "Congressman Rogers and I have worked together to secure this funding for Auburn University to continue their work in this vital area of research. Because fuel-cell technology is three times more efficient than regular petroleum, hydrogen powered vehicles have the potential to save the Department of Defense considerable amounts of money."

Rogers said AU has been talking with Defense Department officials at the Anniston Army Depot about the possibility of including their research in the production of military vehicles manufactured at the depot. Currently, all vehicles produced by the depot utilize diesel engines, which are prime candidates for fuel-cell technology upgrades.

"Motorists all across Alabama are feeling pain at the pump," Rogers said. "It is vital we develop a long range energy plan that includes alternative fuels, and I am delighted Auburn University will continue to lead efforts that could provide relief to Alabama motorists and further bolster our national defense." "This announcement points to the leadership role that the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering continues to take in the critical issues facing the nation in both transportation and defense," said Larry Benefield, dean of engineering at AU. "Dr. Bruce Tatarchuk of our chemical engineering faculty has taken an extremely innovative approach to respond to the requirements of research partners such as the Anniston Army Depot, which also address the country's future transportation needs."

Tatarchuk said congressional support is essential in allowing him to continue to work on a fuel source that will produce electricity and power for a wide range of military and civilian applications.

"We look forward to working ever more closely with the Anniston Army Depot and others to ensure the best possible utilization of this emerging technology to the U.S. military," he said.

Rogers, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said the legislation could help the nation develop new technologies that allow it to be less dependent on foreign oil.

Bachus agreed, adding, "This research funding is, of course, good news for Auburn University's engineering school, the Anniston Army Depot and Alabama's automobile industry. Of even greater significance, the research promises to provide the technology to help solve America's need for affordable transportation that doesn't exhaust our energy resources."

jun04:AU-hydrogen