11.2.2004
Dow, GM make world's first significant fuel cell application a reality

The world's largest fuel cell transaction between Dow and General Motors is now a reality. The companies began the Phase 1 installation operations of a single fuel cell that will convert hydrogen into electricity, with hydrogen being a by-product of chemical manufacturing at Dow. Up to 400 fuel cells will be added during the summer months.

At Dow's largest chemical manufacturing installation in Freeport/Texas, the two companies intend to prove the viability of hydrogen fuel cells for a large industrial power system. By efficiently consuming by-product hydrogen in a fuel cell, Dow will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and create competitively priced electricity.

The initial GM fuel cell will generate 75 kilowatts of power. Dow and GM plan to ultimately install up to 400 fuel cells to generate 35 megawatts of electricity. That would be enough power for 25,000 average sized American homes.

" People need to understand the significance of this event," said Larry Burns, GM's vice president of research and development and planning. "The pathway of getting an affordable fuel cell vehicle in your driveway sometime in the next decade runs right through Texas."