On February 27, 2014, the Advanced Power and Energy Program and the UCI Sustainability Initiatives, School of Social Ecology, hosted the National Fuel Cell Symposium. The Symposium brought together leaders in industry, research, and government to discuss how fuel cell technology is impacting the U.S. today, and how further adoption of both mobile and stationary fuel cell technology can be accelerated to address the nation's most pressing energy, environment, and economic challenges.

The afternoon of the event was highlighted by two panel sessions, the first focusing on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles with panel representatives from major vehicle manufactures that are developing fuel cell vehicles. The second focused on the current state and future needs of hydrogen vehicle fueling infrastructure. The number of attendees and the high level of interest expressed by those attending the event is a reflection of the global importance of Fuel Cell Technology in meeting the significant challenges related to clean energy, global warming, and energy independence.

UCI's Chancellor Michael Drake, welcomed over 200 attendees to this premier event, Mary Nichols, Chair of the California Air Resources Board, provided the opening keynote address. Other keynote addresses were presented by, John Laird, Secretary of Natural Resources, and Bert Valdman, Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning, Edison International. Scott Samuelsen Director of the National Fuel Cell Research Center provided an introductory message and was the Symposium moderator.