The U. S. Department of Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu, a Nobel Prize Winner, has on many occasions insinuated that he is a hydrogen hater, by trying to zero out the Federal budget for hydrogen cars. He calls them “impractical” while battery electric cars have gotten his blessing.
As early as May 2011, there were 12 U. S. Senators petitioning Secretary Chu not to zero out the budget for hydrogen cars saying that America for the moment leads in this technology and in manufacturing jobs in this sector. The budget was of course cut, but not zeroed out thanks to the outcry from both Republican and Democratic U. S. Senators.
So, now ½ a year later when holiday cheer and parties are flowing and celebrations are at hand, what does the Energy Secretary do? Well, of course Dr. Chu decides to light his Christmas tree using a fuel cell. Now, there is nothing wrong with this. Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger did this before for several years when he was in charge of such things.
Also in the United Kingdom, the star atop Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree is also powered by hydrogen fuel cell. The message in and of itself to use green energy to power holiday lights is a sound one. What is not sound, however, is to cut the budget for an emerging technology, then show it off at Christmas time as if you’re a true believer.
I suppose this hypocrisy could have been worse, though. I suppose Dr. Chu could be driving around to his holiday parties in a hydrogen car and then giving out toy RC hydrogen cars to children as gifts this holiday season.
On second thought, though, perhaps I should give Dr. Chu the benefit of the doubt. After all this is the holiday season and the time for second chances. Perhaps Secretary Chu has turned from a hydrogen Grinch into a hydrogen believer due to the magic of Christmas. All you have to do is close your eyes and believe. Believe …
OK I have been quiet nay sayers to your request to reply. So since even Dr. Chu is finally using product and facts are it works beautifully I know more folks will start educating themselves on these items . Hydrogen batteries fuel cells
Secretary Chu has turned from a hydrogen Grinch into a hydrogen believer due to the magic of Christmas. Love what you wrote.
I think there is more chance of Santa turning up ay my place in a hydrogen fuel cell sleigh than Dr. Chew being a real hydrogen convert.
So after the ‘silly season’ is over and the begging bowl is out for some hydrogen research funds it will be the same old answer “no can do” says Dr. Chew.
Mike H. founder HYDROGENHEADS.
I have been a hydrogen believer and could never understand why Dr.Chu wasn’t more focused on hydrogen,but he has actually converted me to battery tech.Batteries are at the center of fuelcell,hybrid and battery electric and densities and charge rates have been advancing rapidly.All will have plug-in features and that will be where the most energy will be saved.I don’t think he has ever totally denounced hydrogen or fuelcells just that he was more focused on saving the most energy and putting our dollars where they would have the greatest benefit!I still believe in hydrogen though.