A recent article “Larson says time is now for shift to natural gas” (HBJ, Page 1, May 2) provides a favorable policy response to help manage the nation’s energy dilemma to better use a domestically produced alternative fuel to reduce energy cost, improve security, and increase environmental performance.
Congressman Larson has taken a leadership position to develop this solution that will encourage the increased use of domestic natural gas for transportation applications. Congressman Larson also correctly recognizes that “natural gas will make for a smoother transition into clean, more abundant transportation alternative — such as hydrogen fuel cells” and that “hydrogen fuel cell vehicles emit zero greenhouse gases and can be powered by clean, domestic sources.”
Clearly this investment in time and resources will be well justified for a sustainable energy future. Moreover, Connecticut will have an opportunity for substantial economic growth in terms of job creation, domestic gross product, and global export of hydrogen and fuel cell technology as this transition matures.
Currently, the Connecticut hydrogen and fuel cell industry consists of:
• 8 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs);
• 571 supply chain companies;
• 1,074 direct jobs;
• 2,529 total jobs (including indirect and induced jobs);
• $497 million in total revenues and investment.
The hydrogen fuel cell industry in Connecticut is part of a larger regional “Northeast” cluster that includes over 25 OEMs, 2,228 direct jobs, 1,046 supply chain members, and over $979 million in total revenues and investment. This Northeast cluster is centered in Connecticut and includes activity in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
With this industry, Connecticut is particularly well positioned to meet demand for advanced energy technology as the nation’s and global economies evolve from an oil economy, to a natural gas economy, and to a sustainable hydrogen economy. Continued investment in the hydrogen fuel cell industry will not only help the industry to meet future global energy needs, it will help power our own public buildings, schools, hospitals, factories, buses, and cars with highly efficient and clean technology made in Connecticut by Connecticut workers.
Indeed, as a historic region noted for innovative product development, Connecticut is again providing leadership as it aims to serve the needs of the world economy.
Joel Rinebold is director of energy initiatives at the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology and program administrator for several state and federal energy programs.
