Hydrogen fuel cells offer an efficient and reliable source of power that plays a significant role in the clean energy economy of the future. While commonly associated with the transportation sector, this technology has many other applications, including backup power generation and warehouse logistics and distribution. This guide includes information from current hydrogen fuel cell research and guidance. Key players in technology development are highlighted along with strategies to support the growth of hydrogen fueling infrastructure across the United States.
Selected Resources
Alternative Fuels Data Center, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy.
This fact sheet provides a collection of online interactive tools, maps and data sharing products to assist transportation stakeholders in implementing alternative and renewable fuels and technologies. Access to federal and state laws and incentives is also provided.
► Tools, Alternative Fuels Data Center, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy.
Calculators, interactive maps and data searches are available to assist transportation decision-makers.
► Hydrogen, Alternative Fuels Data Center, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy.
Key elements of hydrogen fuel cell technology are presented in this overview, including benefits and considerations, fueling station locations, and laws and incentives.
State of the States: Fuel Cells in America 2017, U.S. Department of Energy, January 2018.
The extent of hydrogen fuel cell activity is summarized for each state.
Hydrogen, U.S. Department of Energy.
The benefits and challenges of hydrogen fuel are presented along with access to other resources.
Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy.
Highlights of the agency’s hydrogen and fuel cell research and technologies are presented.
Midwest Hydrogen Center of Excellence, Renewable Hydrogen Fuel Cell Collaborative.
This webpage provides an overview of the fuel cell process, transportation applications, safety, and production and fueling.
The Basics
Learn preliminary information about hydrogen fuel cells and the fuel cell process from the following resources:
- Hydrogen Fact Sheet, California Energy Commission
- Hydrogen and Fuel Cells 101, U.S. Department of Energy
- Hydrogen Basics, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- Hydrogen Basics, Alternative Fuels Data Center
- Fuel Cells, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office
- The Fuel Cell Process: How It Works, Renewable Hydrogen Fuel Cell Collaborative
- Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, Alternative Fuels Data Center
Maps and Tools
- Alternative Fueling Station Counts by State
- Hydrogen Fueling Station Locator
- Hydrogen Fuel Corridors
Source: Alternative Fuels Data Center
Related Resource Guides
- Transportation Sustainability Guide: Energy/Fuels, North Carolina DOT Library and Eastern Transportation Knowledge Network.
- Automobiles, Highways and Drivers: Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Northwestern University.
Authors and Contributors
This Resource Guide was prepared by CTC & Associates LLC for the Transportation Research and Connectivity pooled fund study, TPF-5(442), under the guidance of the following members of the study's technical advisory committee:
- Ned Parrish, Idaho Transportation Department
- Laura Wilt, Oregon DOT
- Michael Molina, Oklahoma Transportation Library (lead state technical contact)
This guide is a living document that is intended to be revised and updated to incorporate new resources. To suggest a resource for inclusion, please contact one of the committee members listed above.
Publication date: July 2022.
About the Pooled Fund
The Transportation Research and Connectivity pooled fund study, TPF-5(442), is a consortium of state DOTs and other partners that supports the coordinated development of transportation libraries as well as research organizations without dedicated libraries. Study focus areas include communication and networking, digitization, research report accessibility, and developing online resource guides and a toolkit for non-librarians.