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TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Solar
Energy Center recently released a database of hydrogen
research projects throughout the state. Created by the
Florida Solar Energy Center and maintained by University
of Central Florida, the database lists projects from
Florida universities that are conducting hydrogen
research.
“Hydrogen is the most abundant element on earth, and
using hydrogen as a renewable power source reduces
America’s dependence on foreign oil, protects air
quality and diversifies our economy,” said DEP Deputy
Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy Allan
Bedwell. “This database allows companies and
universities worldwide to explore hydrogen research
projects underway in Florida, which can lead to more
corporate investment, new jobs and additional research.”
The first of its kind, the hydrogen database
identifies research being conducted at universities
statewide, including the University of Central Florida,
Florida International University, Florida Agricultural &
Mechanical University, Florida State University,
University of South Florida and University of West
Florida. Additional research projects and project
updates, whether by public or private universities,
industry or government agencies, will continue to be
added to the database. In addition, the database allows
companies and industry leaders to tap into the expertise
and research currently underway at Florida’s academic
research institutions.
“With so much concern these days about the cost and
availability of energy, it is clear that one of the
challenges of the 21st century is finding a replacement
for liquid fuel,” said Florida Solar Energy Center
Director Jim Fenton. “Hydrogen, one of the most abundant
elements in our universe, offers a solution, but much
research remains to make it cost effective. This
database provides a key resource for researchers and
industry partners who are dedicated to making hydrogen a
reality for Florida’s energy future.”
The database was created as part of H2 Florida and
follows the recommendations of the Florida Hydrogen
Business Partnership. In 2003, Governor Bush launched
“H2 Florida,” a statewide initiative to grow the
hydrogen technology industry, spur investment and
economic opportunity and safeguard the nation’s natural
resources. H2 Florida partners the state with industry,
local governments and academia to accelerate hydrogen
innovation and stimulate a consumer market for the
newest hi-tech approach to cleaner, sustainable sources
of energy.
To view the hydrogen research database, visit
http://hrdb.net,
or log onto
www.FloridaEnergy.org. | 
