Chicago to build first ethanol-hydrogen fueling station

Nov. 10 -- The city of Chicago plans to build the world´s first ethanol-to-hydrogen fueling station thanks in part to $2 million in funding included in the federal Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, according to members of the Illinois congressional delegation.

House and Senate conferees approved the fiscal year 2006 appropriations bill Nov. 7, which includes the ethanol-to-hydrogen fueling station funding.

"It´s good energy policy, it´s good environmental policy, and it´s good economic policy," said Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., who championed the funding in the House. "Hydrogen is an affordable renewable resource with virtually infinite quantities. By investing now, we can develop this technology to fit our country´s growing energy needs."

The city of Chicago will install the hydrogen fueling station to fuel a small test fleet of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The facility will convert ethanol -- an alcohol fuel produced from crops -- and convert it to clean hydrogen gas.

"By funding the world´s first ethanol-to-hydrogen fueling station, Illinois is setting a global example and putting our nation on the road to energy independence," said Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill.