As the United States and the international community struggle with issues concerning global warming, pollution, and finite resources, non-petroleum based energy sources such as fuel cells gain greater appeal. A fuel cell is a device that generates electricity via a chemical reaction between oxygen and a fuel. Fuel cells can efficiently produce electricity from a number of domestic fuels, including bio-gas, natural gas, propane, methanol, and diesel, although hydrogen is the most common fuel.

Fuel cells have a broader range of application than any other currently available power source, ranging from toys to large power plants. While already competitive in some areas - especially markets for material handling equipment and backup power - fuel cells are expected to be competitive in other markets due to their unparalleled reliability and enhanced efficiency. Industry advocates anticipate that as technology progresses, fuel cells will begin to compete in new markets with more stringent cost, durability, and performance requirements. As the current markets for fuel cells grow, fuel cells will begin to significantly benefit the nation economically and environmentally.

Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) especially are gaining interest due to their environmental benefits and petroleum reduction: While gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles emit greenhouse gases (GHGs), FCVs powered by pure hydrogen emit only heat and water. The US Department of Energy anticipates that FCVs could play an important role in reducing CO2 emissions, mitigating climate change, and reducing American dependence on foreign oil.

While FCVs themselves do not pollute the environment, the processes used to manufacture the hydrogen fuel can result in pollution. In addition, widespread commercialization of fuel-cell vehicles relies on improved driveability issues, lower costs, improved infrastructure, and better hydrogen storage systems. While commercialization of FCVs has been slow, more than 20 prototypes and demonstration cars have been released since 2009, and several car manufacturers have announced plans to have models ready for commercial sale by 2015.

In the United States, the DOE oversees the Fuel Cell Technologies Program, a comprehensive portfolio activities that aim to overcome challenges to fuel cell development, deployment, and commercialization. The DOE anticipates that as fuel cell technology progresses, fuel cells will be able to compete in new, larger markets, significantly benefitting the nation economically and environmentally.

The Obama administration has been openly skeptical about the viability of fuel cells, favoring hybrid and electric vehicles in its alternative energy plans. However, in early 2012 the DOE announced a new funding plan that direct $6 million to automakers, giving DOE researchers an opportunity to collect valuable data concerning the performance of hydrogen-powered vehicles.