USC will launch the Citizens' School of Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5.

The seven consecutive sessions for adults will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday evenings through March 19 in Room 2A31 of the Swearingen Engineering Center on South Main Street at Catawba. The cost is $30 for the entire seven-week program.

Hydrogen is a form of fuel that scientists say will play an important role in the United States' energy future because it minimizes the kind of pollution now experienced with fossil fuels. Fuel cells are devices that use hydrogen and oxygen to create a chemical reaction that produces usable energy.

USC is a national leader in fuel cell and hydrogen technology. Its Cooperative Research Center for Fuel Cells is the first such center established by the National Science Foundation. The center has attracted numerous business partners who want to play a role in the hydrogen economy.

The citizens' school is a consumer-friendly outreach program in which USC faculty introduce fuel cell and hydrogen technology to non-experts. It features a series of background readings, presentations and two-way discussions. Participants will receive a package of understandable articles to accompany each session.

"The potential of creating a practical, new type of clean energy is among the most important technical applications any university can work on," said Harris Pastides, USC's vice president for research and health sciences. "It not only has huge economic potential, but it can also be a pivotal factor in reducing international conflict by reducing our nation's dependence on oil."

Participants in the school will not need expertise in science or engineering. It is geared for people who are curious about the topic and want a general introduction.

A special feature will be a visit to two science labs where the participants will see how fuel cells yield usable energy.

A limited number of seats are available for the school. Participants are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible by contacting Chris Toumey at 7-2221 or Toumey@sc.edu.

The schedule is:

• Feb. 5, "Energy Today, and Energy Problems Tomorrow," Tom Vogt, USC NanoCenter
• Feb. 12, "The Hydrogen Economy in our Future," John Weidner, Department of Chemical Engineering
• Feb. 19, "Fuel Cells Unlock the Potential of Hydrogen," Tom Davis, Department of Chemical Engineering
• Feb. 26, Tour of two fuel cell laboratories
• March 5, "Environmental Issues in Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology, Madilyn Fletcher, School of the Environment
• March 12, "Societal Issues in Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Technology, Kevin Elliott, Department of Philosophy
• March 19, Roundtable discussion on fuel cell and hydrogen technology.

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