A committee has been set up in the US to advise the government on issues relating to the development of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.

The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee (HTAC), made up of industry experts and other stakeholders, will be liaising with US secretary of energy Samuel Bodman.

A total of 25 representatives were selected to sit on the committee to represent all viewpoints on the issue of fuel cell and hydrogen technology development.

"Research, development and deployment of hydrogen is central to President Bush's Advanced Energy Initiative," Mr Bodman said.

"Receiving candid advice from this committee is one of the many ways we are working to meet the President's goal of moving toward a hydrogen economy and reducing our dependence on foreign sources of oil."

UTC Power President Jan van Dokkum, who was selected to sit on the committee, added: "UTC Power will bring a unique perspective to this prestigious panel because we have pioneered fuel cell technology for more than 40 years and are the only company that has developed successful applications for fuel cells in space flight, transportation and on-site power generation.

Platinum is used as a catalyst in fuel cell technology. Palladium has also been used in hydrogen storage technology currently under development.

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