§12403. Research and development

(a) Program

The Secretary shall conduct a research and development program, consistent with the comprehensive 5-year program management plan under section 12402 of this title, to ensure the development of a domestic hydrogen fuel production capability within the shortest time practicable consistent with market conditions.

(b) Research

(1) Particular attention shall be given to developing an understanding and resolution of all critical technical issues preventing the introduction of hydrogen into the marketplace.

(2) The Secretary shall initiate research or accelerate existing research in critical technical issues that will contribute to the development of more economic hydrogen production and use, including, but not limited to, critical technical issues with respect to production, liquefaction, transmission, distribution, storage, and use (including use of hydrogen in surface transportation).

(c) Renewable energy priority

The Secretary shall give priority to those production techniques that use renewable energy resources as their primary source of energy for hydrogen production.

(d) New technologies

The Secretary shall, for the purpose of performing his responsibilities pursuant to this chapter, solicit proposals for and evaluate any reasonable new or improved technology that could lead or contribute to the development of economic hydrogen production storage and utilization.

(e) Information

The Secretary shall conduct evaluations, arrange for tests and demonstrations, and disseminate to developers information, data, and materials necessary to support efforts undertaken pursuant to this section, consistent with section 12405 of this title.

( Pub. L. 101–566, §104, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2798 .)

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 12402, 12404 of this title.