COMMUNITY COMMENTARY:

I recently toured the National Fuel Cell Research Center at UC Irvine, the leading fuel cell research facility nationwide. The widespread availability of this technology in the future would greatly benefit California’s economic vitality and help it become energy independent.

The increase in the state’s population and electricity usage are outpacing our capacity to produce electricity. We urgently need to develop alternative sources of electrical energy.

Another issue facing the state stems from our importing 16% of our electricity from out-of-state coal-fired power plants. This year, however, the Public Utilities Commission banned the purchase of electricity from coal-fired power plants as part of the state’s fight against global warming. As a result, the state needs affordable and clean forms of alternative energy. Energy from fuel cells may be one solution to the growing demand for clean energy.

Most of California’s electricity is produced by a process known as “central generation.” Power is generated in a large plant, and electricity travels through the power grid to commercial and residential consumers. A major drawback to this system of energy production however, is that it operates at only 30% efficiency.

On the other hand, fuel-cell technology directly converts chemical energy into electrical energy through a process known as “reverse hydrolysis.” This process produces energy at an overall efficiency exceeding 80% and is environmentally friendly, producing virtually zero pollutants.

Today, fuel cells are being used in stationary power applications to provide electricity to homes and offices. In the 1990s, a major hotel in Irvine installed a fuel cell, which provided electrical energy to the hotel, and the heat generated by the fuel cell was used to power the hotel’s cooling system. Fuel cells are also being used in space shuttles, cars, trucks and laptop computers.

In the near future, Californians may be able to purchase fuel cells for use in their homes. Fuel-cell technology has the potential to reduce pollution, lessen energy costs to consumers and decrease American reliance on foreign sources of oil.

The National Fuel Cell Research Center at UCI is an internationally recognized leader in advancing innovative developments with respect to fuel cells. It focuses on research, development and the demonstration of fuel-cell technology. Additionally, it bridges the gap between UCI and the industry to improve its research and to work toward the large-scale deployment of fuel cell technology.

We are fortunate to have this fuel-cell research and development facility. The research conducted will prove invaluable to businesses and communities in California as well as the rest of the world.

TOM HARMAN represents California’s 35th Senate District, which includes Costa Mesa and Newport Beach.