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Hydrogen & Fuel Cells

Watch this video to find out how fuel cell technology generates clean electricity from hydrogen to power our buildings and transportation—while emitting nothing but water. Learn more about hydrogen and fuel cell technology basics.

Fuel cells produce electricity from a number of domestic fuels, including hydrogen and renewables, and can provide power for virtually any application -- from cars and buses to commercial buildings. This technology, which is similar to a battery, has the potential to revolutionize the way we power the nation while reducing carbon pollution and oil consumption.

The Energy Department is working to increase fuel cell deployment by supporting research into cheaper, longer-lasting fuel cells and increasing the production of hydrogen from domestic energy sources.

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Live Discussion on Energy 101: Fuel Cells

Watch our Google+ Hangout on Energy 101: Fuel Cells to learn everything you need to know about fuel cells.

Small Catalyst Finding Could Lead to Big Breakthrough for Fuel Cell Deployment
Researchers from the Energy Department's Berkeley and Argonne National Labs have developed a new class of fuel cell catalysts that uses roughly 85 percent less platinum and has more than 30 times the catalytic activity than conventional catalysts. The graphic above highlights the catalyst's different stages throughout its manufacturing process. | Graphic courtesy of Argonne National Lab.

Researchers at the Energy Department's National Labs have developed a new catalyst that could make fuel cells cost-competitive with other power generators.

NASCAR Green Gets First Place in Daytona 500
At this year's Daytona 500, four fuel cell generators will power some of the broadcast cameras and spotlights, demonstrating how the technology could help NASCAR save money on fuel costs. This technology was beta-tested during the IMSA Rolex 24 race weekend last month. | Photo courtesy of P.T. Jones, Oak Ridge National Lab.

Behind the scenes at the Daytona 500, fuel cells will be providing NASCAR with a cleaner, more efficient option for powering broadcast cameras and lights.

Top 11 Things You Didn’t Know About Fuel Cells
Zero Emission Bay Area (ZEBA) -- a group of regional transit agencies in Northern California -- operates twelve, zero-emission, fuel cell buses in real-world service throughout the Bay Area’s diverse communities and landscapes.  | Photo courtesy of Leslie Eudy, NREL.

Test your fuel cell knowledge with these little-known facts.