Dignitaries Celebrate Center For Hydrogen Research Grand Opening

[nhparrot]

Dignitaries Celebrate Center For Hydrogen Research Grand Opening

02/13/2006 Aiken, South Carolina
February 13, 2006 - Aiken, South Carolina - Business and government leaders from throughout the nation attended the Grand Opening of Aiken County's Center for Hydrogen Research on Monday, February 13, 2006. The only facility of its kind in the world, the Center for Hydrogen Research was specifically designed to facilitate cooperative research among the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), universities and industry to develop new products and services necessary for the emerging hydrogen economy.

National, state and local dignitaries spoke on topics ranging from the Center's influence on the local economy to the future use of hydrogen fuel globally. All participants emphasized that developing affordable and reliable hydrogen-fueled applications is key to our nation's long-term energy and economic security because it lessens our reliance on expensive foreign petroleum.

Clay Sell, Deputy Secretary of Energy reviewed the Administration's program to accelerate the introduction of environmentally friendly hydrogen-fueled vehicles into the marketplace. "History has proven that innovation and technological advancement can
overcome almost any obstacle and serve as the driving engine of economic growth and prosperity. The Center for Hydrogen Research is a practical symbol of a much larger effort that has the potential to transform our economy, fuel our vehicles, and move our goods in new ways - much like the internal combustion engine did in the past century. I believe this center, and the people who will work here will play a key role in this
effort."

James Griffith, Vice President of the Toyota Technical Center, U. S. A., discussed Toyota's collaborative research efforts to develop reliable and affordable hydrogen power vehicles. "The vehicle's hydrogen storage system is the fuel-tank in the car of the future," said Griffith, "and our work with SRNL in this new laboratory will aid us in successfully solving this most critical requirement. We are proud to be part of such an innovative project."

Lauding the forethought and initiative of local leaders, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham commented on the national imperative to develop alternatives to unreliable foreign-based petroleum supplies. "Aiken's investment in the Center for Hydrogen Research is visionary. The hydrogen economy of the future could very well be developed in Aiken. As a nation we need to become less dependent on foreign oil. It would be irresponsible if 50 years from now we're still reliant on Middle Eastern oil to drive our national economy. Aiken and the entire state stand to benefit from President Bush's technology innovation and energy independence proposals. What Detroit was to the automotive industry, South Carolina can be to hydrogen."

South Carolina Representative Gresham Barrett stated "The work being done in hydrogen production and fuel cell applications is providing an opportunity for the public and private sector to work together to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy. We are fortunate to have the Savannah River Site, the Savannah River National Laboratory, several quality research universities and the new International Center for Automotive Research in such close proximity to the Center for Hydrogen Research. There is no doubt that South Carolina is leading the world in hydrogen research and together we will move our nation toward the President's goal of replacing more that 75 percent of our oil imports from the Middle East by 2025."

South Carolina has identified hydrogen-related activity as high priority for a new technology business cluster. "This administration is focused on growing our knowledge-based economy through building on our state's competitive advantages in sectors like hydrogen and fuel cell research," said Gov. Mark Sanford. "We view hydrogen research as being a catalyst that can bring high quality jobs and significant capital investment into our state, and as an important step toward helping us raise income levels in South Carolina."

"Ten years ago, when Washington Group donated the land for the Savannah River Research Campus to Aiken County, this was precisely the kind of facility we envisioned would be here one day," said E. Preston Rahe, Jr., President – Energy & Environment, for Washington Group International. "Our goal was for the state and Aiken County to be able to leverage the exceptional technology and other capabilities of the Savannah River National Laboratory for commercial and educational purposes. With this new center, that is happening."

The Center for Hydrogen Research was constructed by Aiken County government. Ronnie Young, Chairman Aiken County Council stated "The Center will showcase local capabilities to the world, and provide an opportunity to inform our citizens on the needs and many benefits of hydrogen as the future energy source."

The ceremonies were followed by the Ribbon Cutting, Grand Opening Reception and an Open House for visitors to tour the facility.

The Center for Hydrogen Research is the result of close collaboration between SRNL and Aiken County. This 60,000 sq. ft structure houses lab space for both the Savannah River National Laboratory researchers and private partners to investigate and test the storage, production and supporting disciplines of hydrogen. The Center for Hydrogen Research is a member of the South Carolina Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance and the National Hydrogen Association.