This is an excerpt from EERE Network News, a weekly electronic newsletter.

August 07, 2013

Energy Department Awards $4.5 Million to Improve Fuel Cells

The Energy Department on August 1 announced a $4.5 million investment in two projects to lower the cost, improve the durability, and increase the efficiency of next-generation fuel cell systems. The projects will be led by Minnesota-based 3M and the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado.

The announced projects will continue research and development work aimed at making cost-effective, high-performing fuel cell membranes that can operate under hotter and drier conditions. For example, 3M will receive $3 million to focus on developing innovative fuel cell membranes with improved durability and performance, using processes that are easily scalable to commercial size. The Colorado School of Mines will receive $1.5 million to develop advanced hybrid membranes for cutting-edge, next-generation fuel cells that are simpler and more affordable and able to operate at higher temperatures. See the Energy Department Progress Alert.