Hydrogen research gets $200,000
Pacific Business News (Honolulu) - by Ben DiPietro
Hydrogen research that one day may produce a pollution-free, island-generated source of energy is getting a boost with $200,000 from the state Legislature.
House and Senate negotiators approved the appropriation last week, and both chambers will vote Tuesday on the measure.
A study by a national consultant says Hawaii can be a leader in the field of hydrogen energy because of its abundance of alternative energy sources needed to produce hydrogen to operate fuel cells that will be used to power cars, homes and businesses.
The consultant recommended the state spend $1 million a year for five years to get its program moving, but Rep. Hermina Morita, D-E. Maui-N. Kauai, chairwoman of the House Energy Committee, says the amount approved by lawmakers is a good start.
"I think we will attract some attention now," she says.
The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism will get the money and use it to develop a chart a plan for the state's hydrogen energy development, Morita says.
A report is due to lawmakers before the start of next session.
Latest News |
