Tom Harkin: “Fuel cells, a family of technologies that produce energy electochemically, without combustion, are being developed for a…”

“Fuel cells, a family of technologies that produce energy electochemically, without combustion, are being developed for a exciting variety of applications. Some of these applications were not contemplated in 1992 when Congress authorized the Office of Transportation Technologies to support development in a variety of product areas. To its credit, the department has attempted to keep pace and to provide the most meaningful support possible to the research, development and demonstration of fuel cells. My purpose today is to clarify the Senate's interest in two applications, auxiliary power units for motor vehicles and portable power. Auxiliary power units promise a substantial improvement in energy efficiency of vehicles of all types and may reach commercial readiness before complete fuel cell engine systems for vehicles. APU's might also encourage the development of fuel infrastructure and encourage consumer acceptance, readying the marketplace for fuel cell vehicles. Successful development of fuel cell portable power units will also accelerate consumer understanding and market acceptance. The manufacture of portable power units would yield important experience in manufacturing technology and the increased production volumes would have a direct benefit in reducing the cost of fuel cell engines and systems for vehicles.”