Though there is no talk of tree hugging or protest rallies, his environmental idealism burns strong. For the last thirty years, he has used his scientific background to act as an advocate for environmentally friendly energy systems, bridging the sectors of industry and research university and involving UCI in a worldwide effort to boost awareness of safer and more efficient energy technologies. His work as director of UCI s National Fuel Cell Resource Center and the Combustion Laboratory, as well as head and founder of the Pacific Rim Energy Consortium on Energy, Combustion and the Environment, is an embodiment of the well-worn environmental slogan, think globally, act locally.
Extra steps equal greater toxic emissions.
Thus, the fuel cell represents not only a more efficient way to use fuel, but also a way to decrease pollution, he says. Samuelsen quotes the Department of Energy as saying that this is the most important demonstration of an advanced power generation technology in this century. He illustrates his answer with a story about the Irvine Hyatt fuel cell. Small and unassuming, it has been operating for over five years, quietly providing electricity for much of the hotel. Two years ago, at this very hotel, the chairman of the California Air Resources Board presented a major speech about fuel cells and the exciting role they will play in Orange County businesses.