Conference explores technology of fuel cells

Experts, academics, entrepreneurs and others are headed to Hawaii for a conference examining the latest technological advances and practical applications for fuel cell technology.

The 30th Fuel Cell Seminar is scheduled Monday through Friday at the Hawai'i Convention Center.

Organizers say the seminar offers the largest number of technical papers, exhibits and coverage of the latest advances in the field.

Fuel cells are devices that convert the chemical energy from a fuel such as hydrogen gas into electricity that is stored for use as a source of power.

Sessions are expected to focus on progress in utility, residential, vehicle and portable uses of fuel cell technology. Participants also plan to discuss challenges in costs, fuels, storage, reliability, lifetime and adaptability.

More than 2,300 participants and 175 exhibiting companies from 36 different countries are expected to attend, organizers said.

As part of an overall strategy to reduce the state's dependence on imported oil, Hawaii lawmakers have aimed to set up the islands as a model hydrogen and fuel-cell economy in the United States. Because hydrogen fuel can be created by renewable energy sources such as wind, wave and solar power, supporters say Hawaii is the ideal testing ground for the technology.

Bipartisan initiatives passed this year would establish the Hawaii Renewable Hydrogen Program and set up an investment capital special fund with $10 million in state money.

Earlier this month, state officials unveiled the first hydrogen fueling station for fuel cell vehicles in Hawaii. The $1.5 million hydrogen fueling station at Hickam Air Force Base is part of an alternative-fuel-vehicle development program that was launched five years ago.