Aiken County Council voted unanimously this week to accept a $600,000 loan from the South Carolina Energy Office for the establishment of a hydrogen fueling station at Sage Mill Park. It did so with the strong support of the Aiken Edgefield Economic Development Partnership, which plans to be an active participant in the project, said Director Fred Humes.

Hydrogen is the simplest and most abundant element in the universe, which can power vehicles in two ways. It is either burned in engines as regular gasoline is or, in fuel-cell conversion, hydrogen is reacted with water to produce water and electricity. The electricity is then used to power an electric traction motor.

Using hydrogen to power the nation's cars could mean far less dependence on disappearing fossil fuels, no more noxious fumes at the gas station and no more polluting carbon-dioxide emissions.

But its possibilities pose a "chicken and egg" quandary for those looking to tap into it: how can consumers be persuaded to buy hydrogen-fueled cars if drivers can't find fuel? And, how can companies commit to building hydrogen stations if few people own the cars?

"Do you have the vehicles first or the infrastructure?" Humes said. "We have tried to break into that cycle. It is a visionary approach."

Earlier this year, the Center for Hydrogen Research and URS Washington Division rolled out South Carolina's first hydrogen fueled vehicle -- the eTec Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine vehicle, a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. A $175,000 grant provided by URS Washington Division was used to fund the project.

The truck spurs dialogue about hydrogen cars, which helps fuel demand for these types of vehicles and could attract new industry to the region and bring economic growth.

"The availability of such a fixed fueling station at Sage Mill Park, adjacent to various industrial facilities and near Interstate 20, would enhance the (efforts to support the development of hydrogen fuel as fuel in motor vehicles and industrial vehicles) and also serve as an educational and information site for such technology," County Council's ordinance reads.

Humes said Columbia officials also are venturing into hydrogen fuel and in the "not too distant future, there could be a hydrogen fueling facility in Atlanta."

Columbia, Aiken and Atlanta could become known as a hydrogen corridor, he added.

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Copyright (C) 2008, Aiken Standard, S.C.