The US government has announced plans to provide $75 million in support to develop hydrogen fuel research.

Energy secretary Spencer Abraham revealed that the funding is a key part of the government's commitment to its Hydrogen Fuel Initiative.

The projects supported by the fund, which involves over 100 organisations, will examine the various technical and economic problems associated with hydrogen fuel technology as well as allowing the US to lessen its reliance on foreign energy sources.

In addition, the projects will examine ways of using the current natural gas and electricity infrastructures to increase hydrogen capabilities. The initiative will also examine the difficulty of using renewable resources, such as bio-derived liquids and wind-based electricity, to produce hydrogen.

Mr Abraham said. "The projects we are announcing today highlight the emphasis that the department has placed on renewable and distributed production of hydrogen."

He added: "They will move the nation toward advanced technologies to make and deliver safe, affordable hydrogen for fuel cell powered vehicles."