Every time you pump gas or pay an energy bill, it's hard to overlook the growing cost of fossil fuels. If only someone would discover a cheaper and cleaner source of energy! That wish may come true sooner than you think, through the combined efforts of The Dow Chemical Company and General Motors Corporation to generate electricity from hydrogen fuel cells.
Landmark Event
February marks the first-ever start up of a fuel cell that will convert hydrogen into electricity at a major chemical manufacturing site. The installation will take place at Dow's Freeport, Texas, plant and if successful, will prove the viability of this renewable energy source for a large industrial power system. The program will also help improve the durability and life of the fuel cell system, driving future advances.
"This is a significant milestone from a business, technology and environmental perspective," said Theo Walthie, Dow Business Group President for Hydrocarbons & Energy and Ethylene Oxide-Ethylene Glycol. "It is a small but needed and important step that will make us less dependent on fossil fuels and help usher in a more sustainable future."
Tremendous Benefits
The benefits to Dow, GM and motorists are tremendous:
- Dow will be able to recycle the site's by-product hydrogen through a fuel cell, creating efficient electricity that is competitively priced while further reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. Industry worldwide could realize similar benefits.
- GM will move closer to commercializing its hydrogen fuel cells for cars.
- Motorists will eventually enjoy a fuel that is reliable, low-cost and environmentally friendly.
Living. Improved daily. — By working together to develop renewable energy sources.
