Today, on what would be Sir William Grove's 206th birthday, the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) celebrates Grove's ingenuity and his contribution to the amazing progress the fuel cell industry has achieved since.

More than 175 years ago, Welsh scientist Sir William Robert Grove made history by constructing the first fuel cell system. Today, on what would be his 206th birthday, the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) celebrates Groves ingenuity and his contribution to the amazing progress the fuel cell industry has achieved since.

In the United States, NASA helped launch fuel cells out of the laboratory and into the mainstream in the 1960s, powering shuttles that took us beyond Earths orbit, and eventually to the moon. Since then, fuel cell technology has truly come back to earth, and now offers efficient, reliable, power to a range of applications.

Today more than 300 megawatts of stationary fuel cells deliver primary or back up electricity generation in the U.S., utilizing natural gas, hydrogen, or renewable biogas. These fuel cells are used by large and small businesses, electric utilities, and municipalities, at facilities such as a data centers, retail stores, corporate headquarters, telecommunications sites, wastewater treatment plants, universities, hospitals, micro grids, and more.

More than 2,000 zero-emission fuel cell vehicles have been purchased in California with more on the way as hydrogen fueling stations continue to proliferate across the country. Besides cars, fuel cell buses are in revenue service in several states and advances are being made on fuel cell-powered trucks, trains, planes, and ships. More than 16,000 fuel cell-powered forklifts are currently in operation at warehouses, distribution centers, and cold storage facilities across the country.

As state and federal policymakers look for ways to strengthen our energy infrastructure and improve energy security, fuel cells continue to provide a viable solution. Unlike other energy technologies that have shipped production overseas, the largest fuel cell companies continue to design and manufacture their products in the U.S., with the supply chain base rooted in nearly every state. Fuel cell companies have created thousands of jobs for American workers, and are helping maintain the countrys status as a world leader in this technology while reducing dependence on foreign fuel sources.

"Today we celebrate the accomplishments of Sir William Robert Grove, who was truly ahead of his time when he developed the worlds first fuel cell system," said FCHEA President Morry Markowitz. "With further investment and support of this groundbreaking technology, the fuel cell industry - which has already grown beyond what Sir William could have possibly imagined in 1842 - will ensure Americas leading role in the worlds energy future."

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About the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association

The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) represents the leading companies and organizations that are advancing innovative, clean, safe, and reliable energy technologies. FCHEA drives support and provides a consistent industry voice to regulators and policymakers. Our educational efforts promote the environmental and economic benefits of fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies. Visit us online at www.fchea.org.