WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it is providing $100 million for 25 hydrogen research and development projects. The cost of the projects will total approximately $127 million, with the additional $27 million covered by the applicants.

Fuel cells use hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity and effectively produce zero emissions, with only water and heat as byproducts. They can be used in various applications, from buildings to vehicles. The new projects will focus on fuel cell membranes; water transport within the stack; advanced cathode catalysts and supports; cell hardware; innovative fuel cell concepts; the effects of impurities on fuel cell performance and durability; and fuel cell demonstration projects to build international and intergovernmental partnerships.

States with organizations that have received awards include Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington.