According to Lipinski, the development of alternative energy sources will benefit not only the environment, but also boost the US economy and reduce dependence on foreign fossil fuels. He cites hydrogen in particular as a viable fossil fuel substitute. “Hydrogen has an especially great potential to fuel our nation, and as we see here today a hydrogen economy is within reach if we make the proper investments,” Lipinski said, FuelCellWorks reports.

“I am confident that American innovators will do their part; it is up to Congress and the president to establish the policies that facilitate innovation. “We are off to a good start but we must continue to move forward.” General Motors used the event – which was also attended by Dr Al Sattelberger, the associate laboratory director of the Argonne National Laboratory – to show off its HydroGen3 fuel cell vehicle, while an IIT-designed hydrogen-powered lawn mower was also on display. (fuelcelltoday.com)