Fossil Fuels are History Says EX-GM Chief

08 May, 2007 12:00:00

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A man who once headed the world's largest manufacturer of gasoline-powered automobiles said the United States is headed for a hydrogen-based economy.

Former chairman and CEO of General Motors Corp. - Robert C. Stempel, told the Economic Club of Grand Rapids on Monday hydrogen should and will play an increasing role in America's drive for energy independence.

The Rochester Hills-based company he now heads, Energy Conversion Devices Inc., will be a leader in this emerging hydrogen economy.

It is experimenting with hydrogen-powered Toyota Prius cars that have a 200-mile range and emit zero carbon dioxide, he said. But mainstay products are rechargeable nickel-metal-hydride batteries that power hybrid gas-electric cars, other hydrogen storage devices and solar roofing to generate electricity.

The company also designs and manufactures hydrogen storage devices, such as batteries that are used in everything from cameras and laptop computers to hybrid cars.

Stempel said hydrogen energy solves many of the problems associated with fossil fuels. A natural element, hydrogen is a seemingly endless energy source and burns cleanly, releasing water as a by-product.

The company's subsidiary, United Solar Ovonic, has found success in manufacturing solar film -- much thinner and more flexible than a glass solar panel -- that can be used for roofing, either as shingles or flat-roof membranes.

Growing worldwide demand led the company to build two plants in Greenville, the first of which is expected to begin production later this year. The company expects to employ about 200 there.

He showed several solar-film applications: on the flat roof of a Frito-Lay factory, on the steeply sloped roof of an elegant Washington, D.C., home and on the exterior of a military surveillance aircraft expected to be flying next year over U.S. cities.

The technology captures the full spectrum of light emitted by the sun, making the solar panels feasible for use in states that see only sporadic sunshine. They even work beneath a layer of snow, he said.

Stempel said the federal government so far has shown limited interest in hydrogen energy technology, but that attitude is starting to change.

Noting California recently opened a freeway that allows owners of hydrogen cell-powered cars to stop at exits to exchange their empty cells for full ones, Stempel called on the government to offer incentives for companies to pursue hydrogen energy technologies.

When an audience member noted Toyota surpassed GM in first-quarter sales, and asked Stempel if he thought GM would reclaim its former title as the world's largest auto maker, Stempel elicited laughs with his simple response: "Well, as a (GM) retiree, I hope so."