U.S. hails clean fueling breakthrough

Commissioning the first fuel cell and hydrogen energy station in Orange County, Calif., is a sign of U.S. leadership in clean energy, an official said.A tri-generation fuel cell energy station commissioned in California produces hydrogen for up to 50 alternative-fuel vehicles charges per day. Another 250 kilowatts of energy produced by the station can be used to help power a nearby wastewater treatment facility. Steve Chalk, deputy assistant secretary of energy, said the facility is a testament to U.S. efforts in the green energy race."By providing the added value of electricity and heat, this approach provides a significant step in overcoming economic challenges with hydrogen refueling infrastructure," he said in a statement.The entire fuel system uses biogas generated from the wastewater treatment plant as fuel. The Department of Energy says the system is the first of its kind."Innovations like this demonstrate how American ingenuity and targeted investment can accelerate breakthroughs in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry while driving the clean energy economy forward," said Chalk.