Detroit’s big three automakers, Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler AG, as well as auto parts supplier Delphi Corp. (Troy, MI) and Wayne State University have received US Department of Energy (DOE) grants to fund research programs on hydrogen-powered vehicles.
US Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham made the formal announcement at Wayne State’s Tech Center and awarded $350 million in grant money during a three-city tour, which includes Detroit, Los Angeles and Golden, CO. The grants represent about one-third of the $1.2 billion President Bush has pledged to fund hydrogen and fuel cell research.
"Over time, hydrogen will become much bigger in the public mind," said Jim Croce, chief executive of NextEnergy, an alternative energy research center at Wayne State University. However, for now, the public will have to keep waiting. Croce estimates hydrogen-powered cars won’t be a reality for 20 more years.
