"U.S. Will Award 16 Firms Fuel-Cell Research Funds"
Washington - The Department of Energy will award $70 million in research funds today to 16 companies involved in designing fuel cells and ultrahigh-efficiency automobile and truck engines.
Energy Secretary Bill Richardson said the move will support "innovative ideas and diverse talent" to speed the introduction of more efficient vehicles and more energy-efficient buildings.
Eleven of the 16 companies are researching and designing fuel-cell components. Fuel cells can create electricity directly from fuel, such as hydrogen or gasoline, without a generator. Recipients include Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co. of St. Paul Minn., and Arthur D. Little Inc. of Cambridge Mass.
The other five, including Ford Motor Co., will receive awards for work on advanced diesel engines. Most of the funds are directed at finding ways to correct air-pollution problems related to the diesel-combustion process.
Part of the fuel-cell research is focused on overcoming problems posed by their use in cars, including sluggish acceleration. The research is meant to support the Clinton administration's partnership with auto makers to develop vehicles, scheduled by 2004, that can travel 80 miles on a gallon of fuel.
(Wall Street Journal, March 4, 1999, pg. C18) |
