Applications/Technology Validation
Hydrogen is able to supply every end-use energy need in the economy, including transportation, central and distributed electric power, portable power, and combined heat and power for buildings and industrial processes.
The DOE Hydrogen Program applications/technology validation activities are focused on evaluating the technical and economic performance of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and integrated systems in real-world environments. The results are used to provide feedback to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office's research and development activities.
Continuing efforts include:
- Real-world evaluation and data collection associated with fuel cells operating in transportation applications—including light-duty vehicles, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and buses—and with hydrogen stations
- Implementing projects that support the advancement of hydrogen infrastructure by validating infrastructure components as well as implementing and validating advanced hydrogen storage, delivery, and dispensing technologies.
Activities of the program have expanded into these areas:
- Examining hydrogen-based energy storage, where electrolyzers may be used as a controllable electrical load that can provide real-time grid services
- Evaluating the H2@Scale concept, which focuses on utilizing hydrogen's unique ability to both support the electric grid and provide clean energy to a variety of demands.