Fuel Cell Project Gets $1.65 million
October 6, 2006

A leading-edge fuel cell project in Chattanooga has received $1.65 million for the next phase of testing, officials said today.

U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tennessee, said another $500,000 for the project is in a bill now pending in Congress which he hopes will receive approval.

Early this year, the fuel cell unit, produced by a California firm, was set up at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Rep. Wamp said the new money will be used to run and evaluate a larger unit.

The fuel cell, now powered by natural gas, produces not only electricity but hydrogen. Officials believe the hydrogen could one day be used to fuel vehicles, while the electricity could power homes and businesses.