Homosassa Springs State Park Unveils Hydrogen Fuel Cell

“This project uses existing, proven technologies to provide simple, cost-effective environmental benefits to one of the most pristine areas of natural Florida,” said DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy Allan Bedwell. “Visitors to Homosassa Springs will now experience more than the Real Florida—they will glimpse our nation’s energy future.”

The fuel cell system uses five-kilowatt solar panels to split water molecules into hydrogen and pure oxygen. The fuel cell then converts the hydrogen gas into electricity, which is used to power the park’s Wildlife Encounter Pavilion.

“Progress Energy is proud to be part of such an important project,” said Bill Habermeyer, president and CEO of Progress Energy Florida. “Hydrogen is a potential fuel source for the future, and we are glad to partner with DEP, Hydrogenics and the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to test and develop that potential in our state.”

The most popular park in the region with more than 300,000 visitors last year, Homosassa Springs is home to an underwater manatee observatory providing a unique view of Florida’s famed sea cows. A new 1,600-foot Wildlife Walk takes visitors along a boardwalk showcasing the natural habitats of bobcats, cougars, otters, bears and hundreds of birds.

“We are excited to have Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park on the cutting edge of hydrogen energy technology,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “Showcasing this new technology augments the diverse experiences already offered to the millions of visitors to Florida’s state parks.”

Already a national leader in the development of hydrogen energy, Florida currently has 28 mobile and stationary hydrogen demonstration projects underway, in development or in the planning stage. Just last week, Florida purchased twelve hydrogen fuel cell systems to provide back-up power to DEP offices statewide. Florida is also investing in eight of the world’s first commercially available hydrogen shuttle busses for visitor transit in the Orlando area. In February, Governor Jeb Bush broke ground on Florida’s first hydrogen energy station.

In 2003, the Governor also launched “H2 Florida,” a statewide initiative to grow the hydrogen technology industry, spur investment and economic opportunity and safeguard the nation’s natural resources. H2 Florida partners the state with industry, local governments and academia to accelerate hydrogen innovation and stimulate a consumer market for the newest hi-tech approach to cleaner, sustainable sources of energy.

Nominated as a finalist for the Gold Medal award honoring the Nation’s Best State Park Service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 159 parks spanning more than 730,000 acres and more than 100 miles of sandy white beach. For more information on hydrogen technologies, visit www.FloridaEnergy.org. For more information on Florida State Parks, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.