Grant Furthers Research at University of California Irvine's National Fuel Cell Research Center

Sacramento - - Assemblywoman Marilyn Brewer (R - Irvine) announced today that the California Energy Commission has approved a grant for $305,733 to the University of California at Irvine (UCT) to develop the National Fuel Cell Research Center (NFCRC).

The NFCRC was established at the University with the goal of both developing and transitioning to fuel cell power applications, power generation that is both energy efficient and environmentally sensitive.

"The NFCRC is a valuable program which will provide critical information on alternative energy sources," stated Assemblywoman Brewer. "I'm pleased the Energy Commission recognized its importance and approved the grant."

Considered an integral component of the NFCRC, education is directed at UCI's undergraduate and graduate students, as well as the technical and business community at large.

Last year, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed Senate Bill 268 which appropriated $4 million from the Petroleum Violation Escrow Account (PVEA) to the California Energy Commission to fund grants to California entities qualifying for federal funds under programs providing incentives for economic conversion.

January 13, 1998