National Biomass Initiative

Advisory Committee makes recommendation on Hydrogen

During the Biomass Technical Advisory Committee’s meeting on July 13th and 14th in 2004, the committee formed its opinion on hydrogen from biomass. The committee members formed their recommendation after hearing from representatives on both sides of the hydrogen pathway during the meeting. The following is a summary statement from the committee members on their position, along with recommendations to the Secretaries of the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Agriculture:

Biomass is the only source of carbon-based transportation fuel that is carbon neutral, thus providing an insurance policy against global climate change. Biomass-derived transportation fuels can contribute now to energy security while at the same time increasing rural economic development. Therefore, this committee recommends the following three-pronged approach to the Secretaries for setting funding priorities:

1. Accelerate the development and market penetration of ethanol powered hybrid electric vehicles and ethanol powered plug-in hybrid vehicles to capture immediate environmental and energy security benefits.
2. Significantly increase funding for cellulosic R&D programs.
3. Continue to evaluate other alternative fuels strategies, including hydrogen with particular emphasis on biomass to hydrogen in recognition of its unique carbon sequestration capabilities.

The July 13th and 14th meeting presentations and background information on hydrogen that the Committee reviewed can be accessed on this site.