In 2003 President Bush proposed what is called the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative HFI, which was later implemented by legislation through the 2005 Energy Policy Act and the 2006 Advanced Energy Initiative. These aim at further developing hydrogen fuel cells and its infrastructure technologies with the ultimate goal to produce fuel cell vehicles that are both practical and cost-effective by 2020. As of October 2008, the United States had contributed $1 billion to this project.
In 2005, the Department of Energy developed a new hydrogen cost goal and methodology. The previous hydrogen cost goal of $1.50/gasoline gallon equivalent (gge, delivered, untaxed, 2001$, by 2010) was developed in 2002, and was based on hydrogen produced from distributed natural gas reforming. The strategy was that hydrogen should cost no more than gasoline on an equivalent energy basis. Since one kilogram of hydrogen contains approximately the same energy as one gallon of gasoline, the hydrogen cost goal was set at $1.50/kg or $1.50/gge to be equivalent to the untaxed cost of gasoline.
The new hydrogen cost goal of $2.00-$3.00/gge delivered, untaxed, 2005$, by 2015 is independent of the pathway used to produce and deliver hydrogen. In addition, the new methodology accounts for the energy efficiency of the gasoline hybrid vehicle and the fuel cell vehicle on a cost-per-mile basis. The cost goal was derived using the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) fuel-efficiency improvement factors and the Energy Information Administration EIA "High A" gasoline price projection for 2015. In the High A case, the U.S. economy is more vulnerable to limited oil supplies from foreign sources due to the increasing world and U.S. oil demand, resulting in higher oil prices. This case is more representative of the economic and energy security environment in which hydrogen must compete.
The new hydrogen target is in alignment with the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative goal of achieving a technology readiness milestone by 2015, and will be used to guide the Department's hydrogen and fuel cell research and development activities.
In July 2003, the Department of Energy DOE issued a "Grand Challenge" to the global scientific community for research and development in hydrogen storage with open competition to universities, industry, and national laboratories. This "Grand Challenge" called for the establishment of hydrogen storage Centers of Excellence on Metal Hydrides, Chemical Hydrogen Storage, and Carbon-Based Materials/Sorbents with multiple university, industry, and federal laboratory partners. In addition, independent projects were solicited on new materials and concepts, off-board hydrogen storage systems, and analyses of life-cycle cost, performance, and environmental impact. The National Hydrogen Storage Project also involves independent research projects that explore promising new hydrogen storage materials and concepts, off-board hydrogen storage needed for a hydrogen delivery infrastructure, standardized testing of hydrogen storage properties, and analyses of life-cycle cost, energy efficiency, and environmental impact for hydrogen storage systems. Some of the new materials/concepts being studied are nanostructured materials, amine borane complexes, metal perhydrides, clathrates, lithium nitride, and irradiation activation of materials.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 presents opportunities with potential for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. On April 15, 2009, the Department of Energy announced $41.9 million in Recovery Act funding to accelerate fuel cell commercialization and deployment. Added to this is approximately $54 million in cost-share funding from industry participants, for a total of nearly $96 million. According to the Department of Energy, this new funding will support “immediate deployment of nearly 1,000 fuel cell systems in emergency backup power, material handling, and combined heat and power applications. These efforts will improve the potential of fuel cells to provide power in stationary, portable, and specialty vehicle applications; and will cut carbon emissions, create jobs, and broaden our nation's clean energy technology portfolio.”[1]
The following table summarizes current expansions of hydrogen-related Tax Credits:
| Hydrogen Fueling Facility Credit | “Increases the hydrogen fueling credit from 30% or $30,000 to 30% or $200,000.” |
| Grants for Energy Property in Lieu of Tax Credits | “Allows facilities with insufficient tax liability to apply for a grant instead of claiming the investment tax credit or the production tax credit. Only entitites that pay taxes are eligible.” |
| Manufacturing Credit | “Creates a 30% credit for investment in property used for manufacturing fuel cells and other technologies.” |
| Residential Energy Efficiency Credit | “Raises ITC dollar cap for residential fuel cells in joint occupancy dwellings to $3,334/kW.” |
- Alaska Energy Authority - Renewable Energy Grant Program http://www.akenergyauthority.org/RE_Fund.html
- Net Metering http://www.azcc.gov
- Interconnection Standards http://www.azcc.gov/divisions/utilities/electric/dg.asp
- Chandler Green Building Requirement for City Buildings http://www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=120
- Renewable Energy Standard http://www.azcc.gov/divisions/utilities/electric.asp
- Scottsdale Green Building Incentives http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/greenbuilding/
- Town of Buckeye Green Building Incentive http://www.buckeyeaz.gov
- Net Metering http://www.arkansasenergy.org
- Interconnection Standards http://www.state.ar.us/psc/
- Net Metering http://www.westernrenewables.com
- California Feed-In Tariff http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Renewables/feedintariffssum.htm
- Emerging Renewables Program http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/erprebate
- Public Benefits Funds for Renewables & Efficiency http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/energy/electric/energy+efficiency/index.htm
- Renewables Portfolio Standard http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/renewables
- Interconnection Standards http://www.energy.ca.gov/distgen/interconnection/california_requirements.html
- San Diego Green Power Purchasing http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/sustainable/
- San Diego Sustainable Building Policy http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/energy/programsprojects/rescom.shtml#sdleed
- San Fransisco Green Building Code http://www.sfgov.org/site/dbi_index.asp
- San Fransisco Renewable Energy Purchasing http://votesolar.org/sf.html
- SCE Biomass Standard Contract http://www.sce.com/EnergyProcurement/bsc.htm
- Self-Generation Incentive Program http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/DistGen/sgip/index.htm
- Clean Energy Fund – New Energy Economic Development http://www.colorado.gov/energy/resources/funding-opportunities.asp
- Net Metering http://www.dora.state.co.us/PUC
- Mandatory Green Power Option for Large Municipal Utilities http://www.dora.state.co.us/PUC
- Interconnection Standards http://www.dora.state.co.us/PUC
- Renewable Energy Standard http://www.dora.state.co.us/PUC
- CCEF On-Site Renewable DG Program http://www.ctcleanenergy.com/default.aspx?tabid=95
- CCEF Operational Demonstration Program http://www.ctcleanenergy.com/default.aspx?tabid=98
- CCEF Project 150 Initiative http://www.ctcleanenergy.com/default.aspx?tabid=97
- Green Power Purchase Plan http://www.opm.state.ct.us/pdpd2/energy/enserv.htm
- Net Metering http://www.ctenergyinfo.com/dpuc_net_metering.htm
- Connecticut Clean Energy Fund CCEF http://www.ctcleanenergy.com
- DPUC – Capital Grants for Customer-Side Distributed Resources http://www.state.ct.us/DPUC/dg.htm
- DPUC – Low-Interest Loans for Customer-Side Distributed Resources http://www.state.ct.us/DPUC/dg.htm
- New Energy Technology Program http://www.opm.state.ct.us/pdpd2/grants/net.htm
- Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems OPMwebmaster@po.state.ct.us
- Renewables Portfolio Standard http://www.ct.gov/dpuc/cwp/view.asp?a=3354&q=415186
- Fuel Mix and Emissions Disclosure http://www.state.ct.us/dpuc
- Net Metering http://www.state.de.us/delpsc
- Delaware Electric Cooperative – Green Energy Fund http://www.delaware-energy.com/
- Delaware Electric Cooperative – Green Power Program https://www.delaware.coop/pdf/renewable_energy.pdf
- DEMEC – Green Energy Fund http://www.delaware-energy.com/green-energy-program-municipal-providers.htm
- DEMEC – Green Power Program http://www.demecinc.net/news.html
- Green Energy Fund http://www.delaware-energy.com/
- Green Energy Program Incentives http://www.delaware-energy.com/green-energy-program-home.htm
- Renewable Portfolio Standard http://www.state.de.us/delpsc/default.shtml
- Research and Development Grants http://www.delaware-energy.com/
- Technology and Demonstration Grants http://www.delaware-energy.com/
- Net Metering http://www.dcpsc.org/customerchoice/whatis/electric/elec_restruc.shtm#Link20
- Interconnection Standards http://ddoe.dc.gov/
- Renewable Energy Demonstration Project REDP http://ddoe.dc.gov/ddoe/cwp/view,a,1209,q,493006.asp
- Renewables Portfolio Standard http://www.dcpsc.org/customerchoice/whatis/electric/elec_restruc.shtm#Link24
- Renewable Energy Equipment Sales Tax Exemption http://www.dep.state.fl.us/energy/energyact/incentives.htm
- Renewable Energy Technologies Investment Tax Credit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/energy/energyact/incentives.htm
- Net Metering http://www.psc.state.ga.us
- Interconnection Standards http://www.cleanenergy.org
- Net Metering http://www.guamenergy.com
- High Technology Business Investment Tax Credit http://www.state.hi.us/tax/announce/2003ann01.htm
- Interconnection Standards http://www.hawaii.gov/budget/puc/PUC-%20Energy.htm
- Renewable Portfolio Standard http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/energy/
- Avista Utilities – Net Metering http://www.avistautilities.com/services/renewable/incentives/idaho/Pages/default.aspx
- Idaho Power – Net Metering http://www.idahopower.com/aboutus/businesstobusiness/generationinterconnect/
- Renewable Energy Equipment Sales Tax Refund
- Renewable Energy Project Bond Program http://www.iera.info
- Rocky Mountain Power – Net Metering http://www.utahpower.net/Navigation/Navigation552.html
- Net Metering http://www.icc.illinois.gov/
- Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation Grants http://www.illinoiscleanenergy.org/grants.asp
- Interconnection Standards http://www.icc.illinois.gov/
- Renewable Energy Resources Trust Fund http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Energy
- Interconneciton Standards http://www.in.gov/iurc
- Greensburg – Green Building Requirement for New Municipal Buildings http://www.greensburgks.org
- City of New Orleans Net Metering
- Interconnection Standards http://www.lpsc.org/
- Louisiana Net Metering http://www.lpsc.org/
- Fuel Mix and Emissions Disclosure http://www.maine.gov/mpuc
- Green Power Purchasing
- Net Energy Billing http://www.maine.gov/mpuc
- Renewable Resource Fund http://www.efficiencymaine.com/renewable_programs_voluntary.htm
- Renewables Portfolio Standard http://www.maine.gov/mpuc
- Voluntary Renewable Resources Grants http://www.efficiencymaine.com/renewable_programs_voluntary.htm
- Income Tax Credit for Green Buildings Corporate http://energy.maryland.gov/incentives/business/greenbuilding/index.asp
- Income Tax Credit for Green Buildings Personal http://energy.maryland.gov/incentives/business/greenbuilding/index.asp
- Interconnection Standards http://www.energy.state.md.us/
- Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard http://webapp.psc.state.md.us/intranet/ElectricInfo/home_new.cfm
- Alternative Energy and Energy Conservation Patent Exemption Corporate http://www.state.ma.us/doer/programs/renew/renew.htm#taxcred
- Alternative Energy and Energy Conservation Patent Exemption Personal http://www.state.ma.us/doer/programs/renew/renew.htm#taxcred
- Boston Green Power Purchasing http://www.cityofboston.gov/environment
- Fuel Source and Emissions Disclosure http://www.state.ma.us/dpu
- Interconnection Standards http://www.mtpc.org/cleanenergy/howto/interconnection/interconintro.htm
- Green Power Purchasing Commitment
- Net Metering http://www.state.ma.us/dpu
- MTC – Business Expansion Initiative http://www.masstech.org/renewableenergy/BEI/index.html
- MTC – large Onsite Renewables Initiative LORI Grants http://www.masstech.org/renewableenergy/large_renewables.htm
- MTC – Sustainable Energy Economic Development SEED Initiative http://www.masstech.org/SEED
- Renewable Energy Trust Fund http://www.masstech.org/renewableenergy/index.html
- Renewable Portfolio Standard http://www.state.ma.us/doer/rps/index.htm
- Alternative Energy Personal Property Tax Exemption http://ref.michiganadvantage.org/cm/attach/75d7a008-450d-4973-a7cc-22cb2f5ee05f/MichiganNextEnergyAuth.pdf
- Energy Efficiency Grants http://www.michigan.gov/lieefund
- Fuel Mix and Emissions Disclosure http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/mpsc/electric/restruct/regional_disclosure/fuelandemissions.htm
- Interconnection Standards http://www.michigan.gov/customergeneration
- Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund LIEEF http://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/0,1607,7-159-16370_27289---,00.html
- Nonrefundable Business Activity Tax Credit http://ref.michiganadvantage.org/cm/attach/75d7a008-450d-4973-a7cc-22cb2f5ee05f/MichiganNextEnergyAuth.pdf
- Refundable Payroll Tax Credit http://ref.michiganadvantage.org/cm/attach/75d7a008-450d-4973-a7cc-22cb2f5ee05f/MichiganNextEnergyAuth.pdf
- Interconnection Standards http://www.puc.state.mn.us/PUC/index.html
- Mandatory Utility Green Power Option http://www.commerce.state.mn.us
- Renewable Development Fund RDF http://www.xcelenergy.com/Company/Environment/Renewable%20Development%20Fund/Pages/RenewableDevelopmentFund.aspx
- Xcel Energy - Renewable Development Fund Grants http://www.xcelenergy.com/rdf/
- Interconnection Standards http://www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/renewables/solar10.htm
- Missouri - Net Metering http://www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/renewables/solar10.htm
- Renewable Electricity Standard http://www.renewmo.org
- Alternative Energy Investment Tax Credit http://www.deq.state.mt.us/energy/Renewable/TaxIncentRenew.asp#15-32-401
- Alternative Energy Investment Tax Credit Corporate http://www.deq.state.mt.us/energy/Renewable/TaxIncentRenew.asp#15-32-401
- Alternative Energy Investment Tax Credit Personal http://www.deq.state.mt.us/energy/Renewable/TaxIncentRenew.asp#15-32-401
- Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program http://www.deq.state.mt.us/energy/Renewable/altenergyloan.asp
- Corporate Property Tax Reduction for New/Expanded Generating Facilities http://www.deq.state.mt.us/energy/Renewable/TaxIncentRenew.asp#15-24-1401
- Generation Facility Corporate Tax Exemption http://www.deq.state.mt.us/energy/Renewable/TaxIncentRenew.asp#15-6-225
- Montana Electric Cooperatives - Net Metering http://www.mtco-ops.com
- Property Tax Abatement for Production and Manufacturing Facilities http://mt.gov/revenue/
- Renewable Energy Systems Exemption http://deq.mt.gov/Energy/renewable/taxincentrenew.asp#15-6-2014
- Renewable Resource Standard http://www.psc.state.mt.us
- Residential Alternative Energy System Tax Credit http://www.deq.state.mt.us/energy/Renewable/TaxIncentRenew.asp#15-32-201
- Town of Epping - Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design Requirement http://www.nhplanning.com/
- Edison Innovation Clean Energy Manufacturing Fund - Grants and Loans http://www.njeda.com/web/Aspx_pg/Templates/Npic_Text.aspx?Doc_Id=885&menuid=1287&topid=718&levelid=6&midid=1175
- Environmental Information Disclosure http://www.bpu.state.nj.us
- Interconnection Standards http://www.njcleanenergy.com/renewable-energy/programs/core-rebate-program/application-and-e-forms/applications-and-e-forms
- New Jersey - Net Metering http://www.njcleanenergy.com
- New Jersey Customer-Sited Renewable Energy Rebates http://www.njcleanenergy.com/renewable-energy/programs/renewable-energy-incentive-program
- Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
- Renewables Portfolio Standard http://njcleanenergy.com/renewable-energy/program-updates/solar-transition/solar-transition
- Societal Benefits Charge http://www.njcleanenergy.com/
- Alternative Energy Product Manufacturers Tax Credit http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/ecmd/
- Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Bond Program http://www.nmfa.net/loan/?t=State%20Building%20Automation%20Project%20Financing
- Interconnection Standards http://www.njcleanenergy.com/renewable-energy/programs/core-rebate-program/application-and-e-forms/applications-and-e-forms
- Mandatory Utility Green Power Option http://www.nmprc.state.nm.us/renewable.htm
- New Mexico - Net Metering http://www.nmprc.state.nm.us/
- Renewables Portfolio Standard http://www.nmprc.state.nm.us/renewable.htm
- Green Building Tax Credit Program Corporate http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/1540.html
- Green Building Tax Credit Program Personal http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/1540.html
- Interconnection Standards http://www.dps.state.ny.us/distgen.htm
- Long Island Power Authority - Renewable Electricity Goal http://www.lipower.org/cei
- New York - Renewable Power Procurement Policy http://www.nyserda.org/programs/exorder111.asp
- NYSERDA - Fuel Cell Rebate and Performance Incentive http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1150pon.asp
- Renewable Portfolio Standard http://www.dps.state.ny.us/03e0188.htm
- Solar and Fuel Cell Tax Credit http://www.tax.state.ny.us
- System Benefits Chargehttp://www.getenergysmart.org
- Durham County - High Performance Building Policy http://www.durhamnc.gov/ghg
- Interconnection Standards http://www.ncuc.commerce.state.nc.us
- Mecklenburg County - Green Permit Rebate Program http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/LUESA/GreenPermitRebate/Home.htm
- North Carolina - Net Metering http://www.ncuc.commerce.state.nc.us
- Advanced Energy Fund http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/oee/elfgrant.htm
- Alternative Energy Resource Standard http://www.puco.ohio.gov/PUCO/Rules/Rule.cfm?id=8724
- Interconnection Standards http://www.puco.ohio.gov/PUCO/Consumer/Information.cfm?id=6608&terms=interconnection&searchtype=1&fragment=False
- ODOD - Advanced Energy Program Grants - Non-Residential Distributed Energy http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/oee/elfgrant.htm
- Ohio - Net Metering http://www.puco.ohio.gov/PUCO/Consumer/Information.cfm?id=8510
- Business Energy Tax Credit http://egov.oregon.gov/ENERGY/CONS/BUS/BETC.shtml
- Energy Trust - Open Solicitation Program http://www.energytrust.org/grants/up/index.html
- Interconnection Standards http://www.puc.state.or.us
- Oregon - Net Metering http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/
- Oregon Energy Trust http://www.energytrust.org/who/index.html
- Renewable Energy Contractor Licensing http://licenseinfo.oregon.gov/
- Renewable Energy Systems Exemption http://egov.oregon.gov/ENERGY/RENEW/Solar/Support.shtml
- Residential Energy Tax Credit http://egov.oregon.gov/ENERGY/CONS/RES/RETC.shtml
- Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard http://www.puc.state.pa.us/electric/electric_alt_energy.aspx
- Interconnection Standards http://www.puc.state.pa.us
- Metropolitan Edison Company SEF Grants FirstEnergy Territory http://www.bccf.org/pages/gr.energy.html
- Metropolitan Edison Company SEF Loans FirstEnergy Territory http://www.bccf.org/pages/gr.energy.html
- Penelec SEF of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies Grant Program FirstEnergy Territory http://www.cfalleghenies.org/penelec.htm
- Penelec SEF of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies Loan Program FirstEnergy Territory http://www.cfalleghenies.org/penelec.htm
- Pennsylvania - Net Metering http://www.puc.state.pa.us
- Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority PEDA - Grants http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/enintech/cwp/view.asp?a=1415&q=504241
- Pennsylvania Energy Harvest Grant Program http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/energy/cwp/view.asp?a=1374&q=483024
- Public Benefits Programs http://www.puc.state.pa.us/electric/electric_renew_sus_energy.aspx
- SEF of Central Eastern Pennsylvania Loan Program PPL Territory http://www.TheSEF.org
- Sustainable Development Fund Financing Program PECO Territory http://www.trfund.com/sdf/financing.html
- West Penn Power SEF Commercial Loan Program http://www.wppsef.org/investments.html
- West Penn Power SEF Grant Program http://www.wppsef.org/grants.html
- Renewable Energy Standard http://www.ripuc.org/utilityinfo/res.html
- Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund RIREF http://www.riedc.com/business-services/renewable-energy
- RIEDC - Renewable Energy Fund Grants http://www.riedc.com/business-services/renewable-energy
- RIEDC - Renewable Energy Fund Loans http://www.riedc.com/business-services/renewable-energy
- Interconnection Standards http://www.psc.sc.gov
- Sales Tax Exemption for Hydrogran Fuel Cells http://www.state.sc.us/energy/
- Tennessee Clean Energy Technology Grant http://www.cleanenergy.org/
- Interconnection Standards http://www.puc.state.tx.us/rules/subrules/electric/25.211/25.211ei.cfm
- Interconnection Standards http://www.psc.state.ut.us/
- Net Metering http://geology.utah.gov/sep/incentives/rincentives.htm#netmeter
- Clean Energy Development Fund CEDF Grant Program http://publicservice.vermont.gov/energy/ee_cleanenergyfund.html
- Clean Energy Development Fund CEDF Loan Program http://publicservice.vermont.gov/energy/ee_cleanenergyfund.html
- Interconnection Standards http://www.state.vt.us/psb/rules
- Local Option for Property Tax Exemption http://www.revermont.org/
- Renewable Energy Systems Sales Tax Exemption http://www.revermont.org/
- Sustainably Priced Energy Enterprise Development SPEED Goals http://vermontspeed.com
- Vermont - Net Metering http://publicservice.vermont.gov/energy-efficiency/ee_netmetering.html
- Grays Harbor PUD - Net Metering https://www.ghpud.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=59&Itemid=76
- Interconnection Standards http://www.wutc.wa.gov/energy
- Renewable Energy Sales and Use Tax Exemption http://northwestsolarcenter.org
- Washington - Net Metering http://northwestsolarcenter.org/Faq/faq.html
- Net Metering http://www.psc.state.wv.us
- Interconnection Standards http://psc.wi.gov/utilityinfo/electric/distributedGeneration/interconnectionProcedure.htm
- Renewable Portfolio Standard http://psc.wi.gov/utilityinfo/electric/newsInfo/renewableResource.htm
- We Energies - Direct Financial Incentives for Not-for-Profits http://www.we-energies.com/business_new/altenergy/dirfinance_incent.htm
- Wisconsin - Green Power Purchasing http://power.wisconsin.gov/index.asp?locid=131
- Wisconsin Power and Light Alliant Energy - Advanced Renewables Tariff http://www.alliantenergy.com/Environmental/SecondNature/017175
- Xcel Energy - Renewable Energy Buy-Back Rates
