International agreement to coordinate hydrogen energy research

U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and ministers from 14 nations and the European Commission have signed an agreement formally establishing the International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy (IPHE) as an international mechanism to coordinate hydrogen research and technology development.

According to a press release, Abraham said the signing of the non-binding agreement and the launch of the partnership November 20 "marks a significant advancement in countries from around the globe working together for a safe and environmentally benign hydrogen economy."

Representatives from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, European Commission, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Norway, Russia and the United Kingdom joined the United States in signing the agreement at the IPHE inaugural ministerial meeting being held November 18-21 in Washington, D.C.

The ministers, under the terms of the agreement, established two committees -- a Steering Committee and an Implementation-Liaison Committee -- that are expected to identify issues that will be the focus of their work during the next year, according to a separate announcement.

According to the press release, IPHE will allow participating countries to leverage limited resources, bring together the world's best intellectual skills and talents to solve difficult problems, and develop interoperable technology standards.

Hydrogen fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen in an electro-chemical reaction that produces electricity, water and heat. The electrical current produced can be used to power anything from portable computers to entire buildings. It is also believed that fuel cell technology will offer a clean replacement for the internal combustion engine.