FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 8, 2004
CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112

North Port High School Becomes Pioneer in Hydrogen Education

--Hydrogen fuel cell and science program lights classrooms and imaginations--

NORTH PORT- North Port High School today became a leading demonstration site for ‘next generation’ technology when energy officials flipped the switch on a new project that combines science education with clean energy technology. North Port is the first school in the nation to teach students about emerging hydrogen technology using an on-site hydrogen fuel cell together with a hydrogen science curriculum.

“Just like the students of North Port High School, hydrogen is the future. Seeing cutting-edge technology up close is good for students and teachers, but having the chance to work with it hands-on is exciting,” said U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Garman. “Hydrogen will be powering the cars they’ll drive in years to come and—in time—the houses they own.”

The U.S. Department of Energy designated North Port as one of only 10 Hydrogen Education sites nationwide, supplying the school with a hydrogen curriculum complete with laboratory experiments. To further hands-on learning, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection partnered with Florida Power and Light and Sarasota County to install a hydrogen fuel cell at the school.

“Fuel cells have the potential to revolutionize the way we power our nation, offering cleaner, more-efficient alternatives to fossil fuels,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Combining hands-on learning with ‘next generation’ technology is an investment in natural resource protection, future energy security and tomorrow’s scientists.”

The pollution-free fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, forming just water and heat as byproducts. The cell will supply the power grid at North Port High School with five kilowatts of energy -- enough to completely power one classroom. North Port plans to use the water produced to care for landscaping and the heat to warm water in the school’s kitchen.

Powering up a long-term commitment to “next generation” energy and the environment, Governor Bush is proposing $15 million to support the latest advances in fuel cell technology. President Bush is proposing a $1.7 billion investment over the next five years to develop hydrogen-powered fuel cells, hydrogen infrastructure and advanced automotive technologies.

Opened three years ago, North Port High School is one of the largest schools in Sarasota County with more than 1,500 students. The hydrogen curriculum will be used by all science classes at the school, with a special focus by the Environmental Science Academy, which connects career goals to real-life experiences for students.

“North Port students are leaders in education, and now lead the nation in testing this new technology,” said North Port High School Principal Dr. George Kenney. “The fuel cell project is a perfect fit for our school, allowing students the opportunity to not only learn science, but experience it through this hands-on approach.”

For more information about Florida’s energy programs, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/energy/. 

 

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