May 12 2008
Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc. announced today that Governor Culver of Iowa visited Hydrogen Engine Center's state-of-the-art engine/generator manufacturing facility for the ceremonial signing of Iowa's Alternative Energy Bill into law. Iowa has been a leader in utilizing wind power and ethanol production, positioning the state as the "Renewable Energy Capital of the U.S." The state has set a goal to have at least 25% of the energy in the state produced by renewable and alternative sources by 2025.
Culver toured HEC with Don Vanderbrook, CEO, who explained the technology and innovation developed by HEC that allow engines and generators to run off of a multitude of combustible fuel, including propane, hydrogen and other potential fuel carriers such as anhydrous ammonia. HEC has provided numerous proposals to potential customers with Renewable Wind Energy Projects. These projects are similar to the projects the company undertook with Xcel Energy and Natural Resources Canada. Xcel Energy recently began testing HEC’s grid connected hydrogen powered genset in Colorado. HEC has deployed its product line on a global scale.
Don Vanderbrook, HEC’s CEO, stated, “Our mission is to combine our clean energy solutions in support of renewable and other sources of clean power. It took the pioneer spirit to settle this land. Now we need the true pioneer spirit again with a great deal of planning and sound instinct to end the need for immediate action. That pioneering movement is an energy revolution that will result in our independence, strength and security as a nation.”
Governor Culver stated, “Hydrogen Engine Center has been working in India and I would look to make connections in China during my upcoming visit to that country. We can export this technology around the planet. Iowa can help the rest of the world with its energy needs. We’ve learned a great deal in a short time on our tour here.”
Governor Culver also said, “I see the Hydrogen Engine Center and its exciting possibilities. It reaffirms my commitment to Iowa's cutting edge technology. We're going to need more operations like this one here doing great things. We want to push the envelope. Our goal is a very diverse alternative energy portfolio."