The United States currently imports more than 60 percent of its liquid fuels supply, totaling over 12 million barrels per day.  The production of hydrogen and other clean fuels from domestic resources can reduce reliance on petroleum imports and address environmental concerns, including greenhouse gas emissions.  The Hydrogen and Clean Coal Fuels Program is investigating novel technologies that efficiently and economically produce these fuels from coal and coal-biomass mixtures.

In his 2003 State of the Union address, President Bush announced a $1.2 billion initiative to reverse America's growing dependence on foreign oil by developing the technology for commercially viable hydrogen-powered fuel cells to power cars, trucks, homes, and businesses.At the same time, these technologies will also help reduce emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. 

"Tonight I am proposing $1.2 billion in research funding so that America can lead the world in developing clean, hydrogen-power automobiles." White House Links: President's State of the Union Address Hydrogen Initiative Fact Sheet Read the President's remarks on the Hydrogen Initiative

A key element of the President's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative (HFI) is to develop advanced hydrogen production, delivery, storage, and utilization technologies that can supply tomorrow's energy and transportation systems with affordable hydrogen with significantly reduced or near-zero emissions.  The use of coal — America’s largest domestic fossil energy resource — offers the potential to economically produce hydrogen to reduce oil imports.  With carbon capture and storage, coal can produce hydrogen in a manner that addresses concerns regarding the build-up of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. 

The Hydrogen and Clean Coal Fuels Program is composed of three key elements: 

Hydrogen Production from Coal
America’s abundant coal resources offer an attractive option for producing hydrogen to meet the goals of the President’s Hydrogen Fuel Initiative.  The Hydrogen and Clean Coal Fuels Program is investigating innovative technologies and methods to produce, deliver, and utilize hydrogen from coal.  Read more > 

High Hydrogen-Content Fuels from Coal – An Alternative Pathway
Hydrogen-rich liquids and substitute natural gas (SNG) can be produced from coal and used directly or as an alternative route to hydrogen production.  Read more > 

Systems Analysis
Systems analysis provides guidance and support for the Hydrogen and Clean Coal Fuels Program by analyzing, measuring, and validating the progress and benefits of the Program’s R&D portfolio.  Read more >