|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Connection
|
|
Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Headlines
|
California Invests Nearly $50 Million in Hydrogen Refueling Stations
On May 1, the California Energy Commission (CEC) announced it will invest $46.6 million to accelerate the development of public hydrogen refueling stations in the state to prepare for the introduction of consumer fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) as they come to market.
In total, 28 different hydrogen refueling stations were awarded across the state, including six 100 percent renewable hydrogen refueling stations. These add to the nine xisting stations and 17 stations in-construction already in California, bringing the grand total to 54 operating stations in the 2015-2016 time frame. Recipients of the awards include Air Liquide, ITM Power, FirstElement Fuel and Linde with financial backing from Toyota, HyGen Industries, Institute of Gas Technology, HTEC, and Ontario CNG Station. For a link to the full CEC press release, click here.
State of California and NESCAUM Join H2USA
 On April 29, the State of California and the Northeast States for the Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) joined H 2USA, a public-private partnership co-launched by industry and the Energy Department last year to promote the commercial adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).
California and NESCAUM will work to support and develop hydrogen refueling infrastructure in the states as FCEVs come to market. NESCAUM is joining on behalf of its members and eight states that support efforts to accelerate commercialization of zero-emission vehicle infrastructure.
For a link to the California Air Resources Board press release, click here.
For a link to NESCAUM's press release click here.
FuelCell Energy Awarded 5.6 Megawatt Power Plant Contract by United Illuminating
 On April 30, FuelCell Energy announced a utility-scale power plant award for two 2.8 megawatt (MW) DFC3000 fuel cell plants. The award was given by United Illuminating, part of the UIL Holdings Corporation and will be built in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
The two fuel cell plants will be integrated into a distributed generation project along with solar arrays, providing power to approximately 5,600 homes in a 20 year power purchase agreement (PPA).
The fuel cell units are expected to be in operation by early 2015.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Bloom Energy to Install Fuel Cells at NSA Facility in Fort Meade
 On May 15, Bloom Energy announced that the Department of Defense (DOD) has deployed a 1.6 megawatt (MW) Bloom solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) installation at the National Security Agency (NSA) headquarters in Fort Meade, Maryland.
The Bloom fuel cells will help provided energy security and resiliency at the site by eliminating the need for grid transmission while reducing carbon emissions.
To view Bloom Energy's full press release, click here.
FuelCell Energy Announces Fuel Cell Power Plant Installation at University of Bridgeport
On May 1, FuelCell Energy announced the development of a project to install a 1.4 megawatt (MW) fuel cell plant at the University of Bridgeport. The fuel cell will provide approximately 80% of the campus's power needs.
The plant is expected to be operation by the end of 2014, and will operate as a micro-grid for the University, providing heat as well as power.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Cal State LA Opens Largest University-Run Hydrogen Fueling Station
On May 7, Cal State LA held a grand opening ceremony for its new hydrogen fueling station, the largest university-run station of its kind. In attendance were executives from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), who provided $2.5 million of the $4.5 million in funding for the station project.
 | |
Cal State LA's new hydrogen station is unveiled
|
At the unveiling, several fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) were on display, including the Toyota FCV, the Honda FCX Clarity, and the Hyundai ix35 fuel cell vehicle.
The station marks the first of many more in California, as the California Energy Commission (CEC) recently awarded $46 million to the development of 26 more hydrogen stations over the next two years.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Toyota's Jim Lentz Talks Fuel Cells and Hydrogen with Fortune Magazine
On May 20, Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America, was featured in a Fortune Magazine video interview reiterating the automaker's commitment to fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and hydrogen refueling infrastructure in the United States.
In the video, Lentz highlights that while Toyota has achieved widespread success with their battery-gas hybrid vehicles, their long term vision of the future is rooted solidly in FCEVs. He cited the savings of fuel cells on a cost-per-vehicle basis, as well as the advantages in range and fueling compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Toyota recently ended a battery deal with Tesla Motors to focus on development of their FCEV, set to launch in the U.S. next year.
To watch the full video, click the thumbnail above. Automotive News has a full write-up on the interview available here.
GM Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Fleet Surpasses Three Million Miles
 On May 7, General Motors announced that its fleet of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) has surpassed three million miles of real world driving. The fleet has been in operation since 2007, when GM launched the 119-vehicle Project Driveway program.
As part of the program, over 5,000 drivers have provided feedback on the functionality and drivability of vehicles. Additionally, some of the FCEVs in GM's fleet have accumulated over 120,000 miles on their own.
For a link to the full article, click here.
First Retail Hydundai Tucson Fuel Cell Vehicles Arrive in California
On May 20, Hyundai's first mass-produced Tucson fuel cell electric vehicles rolled off the dock at a port near Los Angeles, making it the first delivery of FCEVs to retail markets in the U.S.
 | |
Hyundai Tucson FCEVs roll into port outside of LA
|
Hyundai has made the Tucson available for lease at $499 a month with $2,999 down, paired with unlimited hydrogen refueling and free valet maintenance for life. The automaker expects to lease their first retail vehicle in the coming weeks.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Ballard Power Fuel Cell Deployments Proceeding In Philippines
On May 7, Ballard Power announced that the installation of their fuel cells for telecom backup power was moving forward in the Philippines, following the destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan.
Twenty of Ballard Power's ElectraGen-ME fuel cell systems will be installed at rooftop locations in the city of Manila, 12 of which are currently operational. The systems are part of an order made in the third quarter of 2013 from a full-service telecommunications company in the country.
A link to the full press release can be found here.
Plug Power Amasses $116 Million Stock Sale
 On May 2, Plug Power announced that it had raised $116.3 million in revenue as a result of the sale of 22.6 million shares of common stock at $5.50 a share.
Plug Power plans to use this to spend as working capital and make capital expenditures.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Hyundai Chosen for Third Year in a Row to Demonstrate Fuel Cell Vehicles in Europe
 On May 6, Hyundai Motor announced that they had been chosen by a European-Commission (EC) backed partnership, the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) to demonstrate the benefits of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) for the third year running.
Hyundai will lease hydrogen-powered ix35 FCEVs to FCH JU, which will be driven by members of the European Parliament (MEPs) as well as other European policymakers.
Hyundai recently committed to delivering 75 ix35 FCEVs to Europe as part of the Hydrogen for Innovative Vehicles (HyFIVE) project, which will expand refueling infrastructure all over the continent.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Seeing Future in Fuel Cells, Toyota Ends Tesla Battery Deal
 On May 12, Toyota announced that it was allowing a battery-supply deal with Tesla Motors to expire at the end of the year, and instead focusing their efforts on developing their hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in preparation of a 2015 launch. This announcement comes as Toyota announced additional financial support for hydrogen refueling infrastructure in California. The California Energy Commission recently announced $46 million in funding for station development around the state to support the commercial adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). To read the full New York Times article, click here.
California Energy Commission Awards $1.2 Million for Hydrogen Station Operations and Maintenance
 On May 14, the California Energy Commission (CEC) announced awards of four grants totaling $1.2 million for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of hydrogen refueling stations throughout the state. This funding comes in addition to the recently awarded $46.6 million for hydrogen refueling station infrastructure construction announced earlier this month.
The approved recipients for the O&M awards are Air Liquide Industrial, Mebtahi Station Services, CSU Los Angeles University Auxiliary Services, and H2 Frontier.
For a link to the full press release, click here. FuelCell Energy Announces Strengthening of Relationship with POSCO Energy  On May 13, FuelCell Energy announced increased collaboration with POSCO Energy to support multi-national customers, securing the sale of four fuel cell modules totalling 5.6 megawatts in Asia. This sale follows the initial 2.8 megawatts of fuel cell power ordered by POSCO Energy earlier this year. POSCO Energy's construction of a fuel cell manufacturing plant is on schedule, which is expected to become operational in mid-2015 and will use FuelCell Energy's proprietary fuel cell systems. For a link to the full press release, click here. Ballard Power to Supply Fuel Cell Bus at UC Irvine with Partners BAE and ElDorado National On May 13, Ballard Power Announced that an agreement has been signed with CALSTART, an organization promoting clean transportation in California, to deploy a fuel cell hybrid bus in 2015 at UC Irvine. Ballard is partnering with BAE Systems and ElDorado National to construct the bus. Ballard will supply its sixth generation FCvelocity(R) - HD6 fuel cell module, along with engineering services for the bus. The 150 kilowatt (KW) module features a plug-and-play configuration for multiple bus platforms, as well as durability and efficiency advances. For a link to the full article, click here. WGL and Bloom Energy Partner to Power Santa Clara County with 2.6 MW of Fuel Cell Energy On May 14, WGL Holdings announced through its subsidiary, Washington Gas Energy Systems (WGESystems), a 2.6 megawatt (MW) Bloom Energy fuel cell project in Santa Clara, CA. WGESystems will finance, build and operate the Bloom fuel cells under a 20 year power-purchase agreement (PPA).
The Bloom Energy fuel cells will reduce Santa Clara County's carbon emissions by nearly five illion pounds each year.
For a link to the full press release, click here. Linde to Make Hydrogen from Surplus Wind Power at German Plant  On May 15, Linde AG announced that it will begin generating hydrogen from excess wind power at a plant in Mainz, Germany. This €17 Million deal will be the biggest of its kind when completed next year. Construction for the plant will begin in 2015, and it will convert as much as six megawatts (MW) of power from nearby wind farms into hydrogen using technology supplied by Siemens AG for storage. For a link to the full article, click here.
Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association Announces the Creation of a Fuel Cell Continuing Education Course
 On May 16, the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) announced that the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG), the premier web portal for government and industry building practitioners, is now offering a course titled: Fuel Cells: Advanced Distributed Generation.
The course is based on four primary learning objectives, including how a fuel cell works, identifying sources of renewable and non-renewable hydrogen, understanding the advantages of fuel cells, and examination of notable fuel cell projects.
The fuel cell course is free of charge. Building professionals interested in learning more should visit the Whole Building Design Guide Continuing Education section here.
For a link to FCHEA's press release, click here.
Thuga Group Power-to-Gas Plant Officially Commissioned and Operational
 On May 12, ITM Power announced the official inauguration of the Th�ga Group's power-to-gas (P2G) plant in Frankfurt am Main. ITM Power delivered the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyser, ordered in March of last year.
This P2G plant marks the first time electrolytically generated hydrogen injected into the the Frankfurt natural gas grid. The plant will run in an operational and research phase through 2016, where it will help balance the local energy market, increasing the load on the electrolyser as needed.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Honda Australia Releases its Own Bottled-Water Brand Filled from Hydrogen Fuel Cell Emissions
 On May 8, Honda Australia announced the launch of H 20, the first brand of water created by a car company that is meant to showcase the purity of emissions from the Honda FCX Clarity and other fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
While the water bottles are filled with regular water, the water vapor emissions from their FCEV are pure enough to drink. To view Honda's video for the water brand, click here.
To view the full article, click here.
Office of Naval Research Selects UTC Aerospace to Develop Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Propulsion for Unmanned Undersea Vehicles
On May 14, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced that UTC Aerospace Systems has been selected to proceed with the development of the Long Endurance Undersea Vehicle Propulsion (LEUVP) energy program.
The vehicle will be powered by a proton exchange membrane (PEM) based fuel cell system designed by UTC. For a link to the full article, click here.
UTC Closes Strategic Intellectual Property Deal with Ballard Power
On May 14, UTC announced the completion of last month's sale of proton exchange membrane (PEM) and other transportation related fuel cell intellectual property to Ballard Power.
These assets contain over 800 patents, patent applications, licenses and other disclosures related to fuel cells. Ballard purchased this IP for 5.1 million shares in Ballard Power, as well a $2 million in cash.
For a link to the full article, click here.
DOE Awards $7 Million to Advance Hydrogen Storage Systems
On May 19, the Department of Energy announced $7 million in funding for six projects to develop lightweight, compact and inexpensive advanced hydrogen storage systems. The projects are designed to help fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) achieve longer driving ranges, making them perform more competitively for a variety of platforms.
Recipients of the awards include Materia, PPG Industries, Sandia National Laboratories, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Ardica, and HRL Laboratories.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Ballard Fuel Cell Modules Powering Zero-Emission Bus Fleet in Germany
On May 21, Ballard Power Systems announced the delivery of two 40 foot fuel cell buses powered by Ballard's FCvelocity-HD6 fuel cell modules to Cologne, Germany. The buses were manufactured by Van Hool NV, and will operate under the transit authority Regional Verkehr Koln (RVK).
RVK aims to eliminate public transit emissions in Cologne by 2030. This marks the 7th European city where Ballard and Van Hool have deployed fuel cell buses.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Europe's Largest Hydrogen Bus Fleet Unveiled In Aberdeen, Scotland
On May 21, the Aberdeen City Council officially launched Europe's largest fuel cell bus fleet at the All-Energy 2014 exhibition and conference, taking place in Aberdeen this week. The 14 buses were manufactured by Van Hool NV, with fuel cell stacks being supplied by Ballard Power Systems.
This announcement marks a major milestone in the Aberdeen Hydrogen Bus Project, being funded in part by the Fuel Cells & Hydrogen Join Undertaking (FCH-JU), the UK Innovation Agency, the Technology Strategy Board, and the Scottish Government.
BOC, a member of the Linde Group, is installing a new hydrogen refueling station just outside Aberdeen city center to service the fleet of buses.
To read the full article, click here.
Intelligent Energy Unveils Next Generation Fuel Cell Power Unit
On May 21, Intelligent Energy unveiled its next-generation integrated and compact fuel cell power system at the Society of Automotive Engineers in Japan (JSAE) Annual Congress.
Named the Gen4, the fuel cell system is a 3.9 kW air-cooled system designed for use in automotive applications. Intelligent Energy plans to use Gen4 for light-duty fuel cell electric vehicles, and as a range-extender for larger vehicles.
To read the full article, click here.
Japan Creates Public-Private Panel to Map Out Blueprint for Hydrogen Energy
On May 16, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government set up a public-private panel to explore how to promote greater use of hydrogen in Japan. Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe declared that the panel's main task was to help create a society that makes daily use of hydrogen energy.
Japan recently announced that the 2020 summer Olympics and Paralympics will be powered by hydrogen, using fuel cell buses to transport athletes to events. The panel itself is made up of city officials as well as major automakers like Toyota, Honda and Nissan.
For a link to the full article, click here.
DOE Announces Webinar on NREL Fuel Cell Contaminant Database
 On May 22, the Department of Energy announced that it will present a live webinar titled "NREL's Fuel Cell Contaminant Database" on Tuesday, May 27 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has led a multi-year project studying the effects of contaminants in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells on performance and durability. Through these tests, NREL has designed an interactive material screening database.
The webinar will provide an overview of data obtained, and how to use the web-based data tools.
For a link to register for the webinar, click here.
Additional Links
Bloomberg | April 30, 2014
The Japan News | May 5, 2014
Science World Report | May 7, 2014
AutoBlog Green | May 8, 2014
Tire Review | May 12, 2014
Department of Energy | May 14, 2014
|
|
Upcoming Events
|
|
Fuel Cell Seminar Extends Abstract Submission Deadline
The 2014 Fuel Cell Seminar and Energy Exposition, whose vision is to be the premier international gathering of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy industries and their customers and stakeholders, extends an invitation to submit Extended Abstracts for the seminar.
the abstracts feature the following topic areas - Fuels and Renewable Energy, Fuel Cell Industry Status, Fuel Cell Applications, Fuel Cell Technology Development, and Fuel Cell Education and Training.
Abstract submission deadline has been extended to May 29, 2014
For a link to the abstract submission page, click here.
Fuel Cell Seminar & Energy Exposition
and FCHEA Present:
Renewable Energy Finance Forum - Wall Street
REFF-Wall Street is the premier renewable energy financing event in the U.S. Attendees of this event include CEOs and other senior company officials, lenders, investors, investment bankers, private equity investors, venture capitalists and other top transactional professionals in renewable energy finance.
The event draws an especially senior audience, comprising of over 600 senior decision makers, financiers and professionals in the renewable energy finance field.
Use 20% discount code SPT20FC and REGISTER TODAY!
|
DOE National Labs Co-Launch H2FIRST Initiative in Support of H2USA
On April 30, the Department of Energy's Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) announced the formation of the Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure Research and Station Technology (H2FIRST) project, a unique collaborative effort between Sandia National Laboratories and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
H2FIRST was formed in support of H2USA,a public-private partnership co-launched by industry and the Energy Department last year to promote the commercial adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). The two national labs will aim to provide technical support and facilities to demonstrate hydrogen refueling technologies and infrastructure, as well as develop cost reductions for new hydrogen station construction. Sandia's Center for Infrastructure Research and Innovation (CIRI) in California and NREL's Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) in Colorado will serve as hubs for H2FIRST. For a link to the full DOE blog post, click here. To view NREL's press release on H2FIRST, click here, and to view Sandia's press release, click here.
DOE Announces Webinar on NREL Fuel Cell Contaminant Database
On May 22, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it will present a live webinar titled "NREL's Fuel Cell Contaminant Database" on Tuesday, May 27 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has led a multi-year project studying the effects of contaminants in polymer electrolye membrane (PEM) fuel cells on performance and durability. Through these tests, NREL has designed an interactive material screening database. The webinar will provide an overview of data obtained, and how to use the web-based data tools. For a link to register for the webinar, click here.
DOE Awards $7 Million to Advance Hydrogen Storage Systems
 On May 19, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced $7 million in funding for six projects to develop lightweight, compact and inexpensive advanced hydrogen storage systems. The projects are designed to help fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) achieve longer driving ranges, making the more competitive for a variety of platforms.
Recipients of the awards include Materia, PPG Industries, Sandia National Laboratories, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Ardica, and HRL Laboratories.
For a link to the full article, click here.
USDA Announces Rural Energy for America Program Funding
On May 6, the Department of Agriculture announced that it is again seeking applications for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which funds energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy system installation for agriculture and rural small business.
REAP, authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, plans to award $12.3 million in grants and $57.8 million in loan guarantees for 2014. Under REAP, renewable systems using hydrogen as an energy carrier are eligible for funding.
For a link to the full funding announcement, click here.
|
Request for Papers, Proposals, and Information
|
DOE Announces $2 Million to Develop Supply Chain, Manufacturing Competitiveness Analysis for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies
On May 21, the Department of Energy released a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for outreach and analysis projects supporting hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
The FOA targets the challenges present to fuel cell and hydrogen production scaling, which are currently built using laboratory fabrication techniques. The Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO), who manages the project, aims to reduce costs, improve process and develop better systems for fuel cell production and hydrogen production, delivery, and storage.
Topic one is for strategies and approaches to facilitate development and expansion of the domestic supply chain of hydrogen and fuel cell components. Topic two funds a global manufacturing competitive analysis for the technologies.
For a link to the full FOA, click here.
DOE Issues Request for Information on Fuel Cell Research and Development Needs
On May 5, the Department of Energy released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking feedback from stakeholders regarding topics for a potential Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) in 2015, focused on fuel cells for multiple applications.
The purpose of the RFI is to solicit feedback on R&D needs and technical barriers to the commercialization of fuel cells. The DOE is specifically focused on information concerning the development of low-cost fuel cell components and increased performance and durability.
For a link to the full RFI, click here.
DOE Announces $10 Million in Funding for Advanced Zero-Emission Cargo Transport Vehicles
On April 29, the Department of Energy announced up to $10 million to demonstrate and deploy alternative transportation technologies for cargo vehicles at transportation hubs including seaports and airports.
DOE seeks applicants to demonstrate zero-emission systems, including fuel cells, and collect data on performance and cost to determine viability of the technology.
The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is open to local governments and the private sector, with a 50% cost share matching by the federal government.
A link to the full funding opportunity can be found here.
|
Click here for an archive of previous issues of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Connection.
Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association
(202) 261-1331
|
|
|
|
1211 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington D.C.20036 | 202-261-1331
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
