The U.S. Energy Department has awarded $2 million to Eaton Corporation in Southfield for the development of cost-effective, durable and highly efficient fuel cell components. The three-year project will focus on boosting the performance of advanced fuel cell systems for vehicles and stationary applications while lowering the costs. This investment by the Energy Department represents its commitment to give families and businesses more options to cut energy costs and reduce petroleum use.
“Advancing hydrogen and fuel cell technology is an important part of the Energy Department’s efforts to support the President’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, helping to diversify America’s energy sector and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “This investment in Michigan will help fuel technology breakthroughs, drive down costs, and bring innovative, job-creating clean energy technologies to market faster.”
Fuel cells convert fuel — often hydrogen or natural gas — into electricity, cleanly and efficiently, using diverse domestic energy supplies. Fuel cells can be used in a wide range of stationary, transportation, and portable-power applications — curbing harmful air pollution and enhancing energy security.
Eaton Corporation’s partners on the project include Kettering University, Ballard Power Systems, and Electricore, Inc.
