WASHINGTON--The US Fuel Cell Council announced today that the organization has released its first-ever comprehensive list of fuel cell products available for purchase.

The list of more than 40 fuel cell products for micro, portable, stationary and transportation applications features products from manufacturers headquartered in the United States, Canada and Europe.

While the list is seen as an important and impressive milestone, the US Fuel Cell Council cautions that availability doesn't translate into a fully commercial commodity.

"This is an excellent inaugural list, and it proves that the hard work of our members and the public/private partnership are starting to pay dividends," said Robert Rose, Executive Director of the US Fuel Cell Council. "Some people have portrayed fuel cells as a far distant energy generation option. This simply is not the case. Fuel cells are available today and in some markets are competing directly against incumbent technologies."

"But we have not yet made it to the finish line. The industry still needs programs that facilitate commercialization, including extension of existing tax credits for purchase and installation, federal purchase programs and other early market assistance."

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 featured a number of programs to benefit fuel cell and hydrogen technology; the US Fuel Cell Council seeks full implementation of these provisions.

"We will maintain and expand our product list and we invite all fuel cell developers to contact us with information on their products as they become available," Rose said.

With more than 120 members, the US Fuel Cell Council is the leading voice of the fuel cell industry. For more information on the USFCC, visit http://www.usfcc.com.