A quick note to brighten a rainy day in Washington: Energy Secretary Steven Chu has announced plans to work with advocates of hydrogen vehicle technology, rather than to continue efforts to cut funding for hydrogen programs.

Earlier, the Nobel laureate stated his belief that hydrogen technology for vehicles would not be commercially viable for years to come, and used this as justifications for the program cuts. He wanted to funnel the money away from hydrogen vehicle programs, towards programs that he deemed closer to commercialization.

Opposition to the cuts quickly amassed, and Congress is ready to restore funding to these activities.

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Chu’s change of heart is encouraging news. First, it embraces a more holistic, “all of the above strategy” for energy technologies that avoids picking winners. Second, it recognizes the reality of fuel cell and hydrogen technology – that they are clean, efficient and necessary to mitigating carbon emissions and relieving our addiction to imported fuels. Finally, it keeps us competitive. Maintaining a robust federal program that includes fuel cells and hydrogen will keep us competitive with our foreign industrial competitors.

Although Secretary Chu still has his reservations, he agreed to work with supporters to continue to fund worthwhile pathways. In a statement to E&E PM, Chu said, “Given the reality of that [restored funding], I think it would be foolish if I next year said, ‘No, I’m still going to insist.’ They are going to stick it [funding] back again.” Now, Chu plans on working with lawmakers to ensure the funds are “invested wisely”.

Areas of research that most concern the secretary: hydrogen storage and infrastructure. However, he believes that stationary fuel cells are a mature market, and there might be lessons learned in stationary applications for vehicles.

Again, we applaud the change in position. Considering the tremendous amount of tax-payer money going to advanced batteries and biofuels, the relatively modest fuel cell and hydrogen program is a prudent hedge.