South Coast Air Quality Management District Opens One of the Largest Capacity Hydrogen Fueling Stations in California

On March 25, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) unveiled a publicly accessible hydrogen fueling station at its Diamond Bar, California headquarters, helping to modernize the network of fueling stations throughout California.

The new hydrogen fueling station, designed and built by Air Products, replaces one originally installed at SCAQMD headquarters in 2004. The upgraded station is one of only a few in California that allows for both low-and high-pressure fueling of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

Cal State LA official fuels Hyundai Tucson FCEV with hydrogen at new SCAQMD Station Source: San Gabriel Tribune

Funding for the station came as part of a $17 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to upgrade existing fueling sites at SCAQMD and University of California (UC) Irvine, as well as install six new hydrogen fueling stations across the state. The six new stations will be located in West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Beverly Hills and a second Irvine location. They are expected to be completed within the next 12 months.

For a link to the full story, click here.

IKEA to Install Bloom Energy Fuel Cells to Generate More Onsite Power at Store in Emeryville, California

On March 25, IKEA announced plans to install a fuel cell system manufactured by Bloom Energy at its facility in Emeryville, California. 

The 300 kilowatt (kW) biogas fuel cell system will be installed, commissioned, and activated by summer 2015.  This installation, which is IKEA's first major fuel cell investment, will reduce carbon emissions annually by 1,304 tons, and is part of IKEA's goal to be energy independent by 2020.

For a link to the full story, click here.

Daimler to Upgrade Key German Plant for Fuel Cell Systems  

On March 19, Daimler announced that it will invest billions of euros in the coming years, and specifically €1 billion in 2015 alone, to modernize its Untertuerkheim, Germany plant to become a center of competence for fuel efficient engines, hybrid vehicles, and production of fuel cell systems.

Air Products Opens United Kingdom's First Supermarket-Sited Hydrogen Refueling Station

 

On March 11, Air Products announced that the United Kingdom's (UK) first supermarket-based hydrogen refueling station opened at a Sainsbury's in Hendon, North London.

Air Products FCEVs at Sainsbury's SmartFuel Hydrogen Refueling Station in London Source: Air Products

The 700-bar SmartFuel hydrogen refueling station was installed by Air Products as part of a larger network of public hydrogen refueling stations, the London Hydrogen Network Expansion (LHNE) project.  The LHNE project is co-funded by the UK government and Innovate UK, a technology strategy board.  

Hydrogenics supplied a 1 megawatt (MW) electrolyzer system to generate the clean hydrogen on-site for the refueling station.

 

Hydrogenics electrolyzer installation at Sainsbury's site (Source: Hydrogenics)

 

For a link to the full press release, click here.  

 

ABB-Doosan Extend Partnership Agreement to Produce Fuel Cells for Commercial Sites Through 2016

On March 9, Doosan Fuel Cell announced that it had extended its partnership with ABB to produce fuel cells for commercial power generation through 2016.  ABB is a global power systems and automation company based in Switzerland. 

 

Under the agreement Doosan fuel cells will be paired with ABB electric system harnesses and controls to provide power to a variety of commercial buildings, including universities, hospitals, and data centers.

 

For a link to the full press release, click here.   

 

Linde to Supply Shell Eco-Marathon with Hydrogen Fuel 

On February 26, Linde announced that for the fifth consecutive year, it will be providing hydrogen fuel to participating fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) at Shell's Eco-Marathon. 

The Eco-Marathon is a student innovation event taking placing in Europe, America, and Asia through May 24.  An anticipated 54 student teams will be competing in the FCEV category this year.  

For a link to the full press release, click here. 

On March 19, Plug Power Inc. announced that FreezPak Logistics has selected its GenKey solution for its new cold storage distribution center freezer warehouse under construction in Carteret, New Jersey.  

GenDrive forklift unit being fueled with hydrogen (Source: Plug Power)

 

The GenKey deployment includes 25 GenDrive fuel cells, a GenFuel outdoor hydrogen storage infrastructure with two indoor GenFuel dispensers, and GenCare service for both the fuel cells and hydrogen system.

In addition, the contract includes a ten-year hydrogen supply agreement. 

 

For a link to the full story, click here.

FuelCell Energy Announces Progress in Carbon Capture Solution with Fuel Cells

On March 24, the California Energy Commission (CEC) awarded a $4.4 million grant to Hydrogenics Inc. for two projects; the Hydrogenics Advanced Fuel Cell Vehicle Technology Demonstration for drayage truck applications, and the New Flyer Advanced Fuel Cell Technology Demonstration for fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs).

The grants are part of the CEC's Medium and Heavy-Duty Advance Vehicle Technology Demonstration project, meant to accelerate technologies for commercial truck and bus applications ins the state of California.

For a link to the full story, click here. 

Audi Showcases Experimental Water Vapor Billboard for FCEV Concept

As part of an experiment ad campaign for Audi's A7 Sportback h-tron fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) concept, the automaker created unique billboards made of vapor that similarly leave nothing behind.

Audi A7 Sportback H-Tron water vapor advertisement Source: Ad Week

 Audi unveiled the FCEV concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show earlier this year.

For a link to the full story, click here. 

On March 19, the University of New Mexico (UNM) announced a partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory, Pajarito Powder, and IRD Fuel Cells to develop materials for a cheaper, more durable and stable electrocatalyst for fuel cells.  Pajarito Powder will mass produce the materials for the catalyst developed by UNM. 

The electrocatalyst being developed is for alkaline fuel cell systems and the project is being funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Fuel Cell Technologies Office.  

For a link to the full article, click here.

Ballard Power Places Purchase Order with UQM Technologies for New Fuel Cell Compressor  System 

On March 6, UQM Technologies announced that it had received the first purchase order from Ballard Power for its new fuel cell compressor system, totaling $600 thousand.  

The fuel cell compressor system is an integral part in the manufacturing and operation of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). UQM's system is designed for medium-duty vehicles and fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) applications up to 150 kilowatts (kW).

For a link to the full press release, click here.   

Proton OnSite to Supply Electrolyzer Stacks for Multiple Submarine Fleets

On March 11, Proton OnSite announced follow-on orders from UTC Aerospace Systems to deliver a series of electrolyzer stacks for submarine fleets.  UTC Aerospace Systems is a leading defense and aerospace contractor.

Proton OnSite will deliver 17 fuel cell electrolyzer stacks over several years as part of the agreement.  The electrolyzers will be intregrated into American, British, and French submarine fleets for oxygen generation.  To date, Proton OnSite has delivered 22 electrolyzer stacks to UTC. 

 

For a link to the full press release, click here.  

 

Intelligent Energy Unveils New 100 kW Automotive Fuel Cell Architecture

 

On March 12, Intelligent Energy unveiled a new 100 kilowatt (kW) automotive fuel cell architecture for use in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).  The updated fuel cell, developed by Intelligent Energy's Motive division, takes advantage of the company's evaporatively-cooled technology, allowing reductions in mass and volume. 

 

 

Intelligent Energy Autmotive Fuel Cell Architecture Source: Intelligent Energy
 

 

The new architecture will be available for integration into electric drive trains by automakers through technology licensing programs and joint-development agreements.

 For a link to the full press release, click here. 

ITM Power Receives £4.9 Million Strategic Investment from J.C.B. Research

On March 12, ITM Power announced that it had received a £4.9 million strategic investment from J.C.B. Research and Valebond Consultants Limited.   Together the two companies in aggregate are now ITM Power's largest shareholder. 

 

ITM Power plans to use the investment to scale-up its fuel cell business and enter new markets.

 

For a link to the full press release, click here.  

Representative Dent Visits Air Products, Drives Toyota Mirai in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania 

On March 13, U.S. Representative Charlie Dent (R-PA) test drove a Toyota Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, where Air Products is helping to develop the technology needed to bring the concept to the U.S. mainstream. 

Representative Charles Dent Test Driving Toyota Mirai FCEV (Source: Lehigh Valley Live)

The Mirai FCEV will debut in the U.S later this year in Southern California, where Air Products is constructing 29 hydrogen refueling stations.  Dent, a Co-Chair of the House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, stated he wants to ensure tax credits are available for all types of alternative fuel vehicles.

 

 

For a link to the full story, click here. 

 

Disney Announces 1 MW Fuel Cell Installation at Pixar Animation Studios

The Walt Disney Co. recently announced the installation of a 1 megawatt (MW) fuel cell at Disney Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California.

 

 

The fuel cell supplements electricity use throughout the Pixar Campus. Disney is also in the process of installing a fuel cell at its Burbank Studio Lot campus, as part of its goal is to reduce net emissions by 50 percent by 2020.

 

For a link to the full Disney Citizenship Performance Summary, which includes information on the fuel cell, click here. 

 

Linde Group Member BOC Opens UK's Largest Hydrogen Production and Bus Refueling Station in Aberdeen

On March 11, BOC, a member of the Linde Group, announced that it had opened the UK's largest hydrogen production and fuel cell electric bus (FCEB) refueling station in Aberdeen, Scotland.  The facility is part of a £19 million Aberdeen Hydrogen Bus Project, which will develop hydrogen and fuel cell infrastructure in the city of Aberdeen, including a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) maintenance center. 

 

The station, located at Aberdeen City Council's Kittybrewster Depot,  will fuel 10 Van Hool FCEBs which will service the Aberdeen city area.  The project was funded by UK and Scottish government organizations, as well as the fuel cell and hydrogen joint undertaking (FCH-JU), a European public-private partnership for the development of fuel cell technology.

 For a link to the full press release, click here. 

Bloom Energy Installs Fuel Cells at Osaka Prefectural Central Wholesale Market in Japan

 

On March 9, Bloom Energy Japan announced the installation of a Bloom Energy fuel cell at the Osaka Prefectural Central Wholesale Market.  The building is located Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture. 

 

The fuel cell installation produces 1.2 megawatts (MW) of electricity, providing 50% of the building's total energy needs.  The installation was installed as part of the Osaka Prefecture's disaster preparedness policy, and represents the first solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) installation of over 1 MW in Japan.

 

For a link to the full press release, click here.   

 

Shell Dedicates Latest Hydrogen Refueling Station in Hamburg, Germany with Video 

 

On March 17, Shell published a video on how they produce and supply hydrogen fuel for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) at hydrogen refueling stations.

The video was published as Shell opened its most recent hydrogen refueling station in Hamburg, Germany, part of a planned network of 50 stations by then public-private partnership Clean Energy Partnership in Germany.

 

The station is one of the first hydrogen refueling stations to receive compliance for the new SAE J2601 fueling standard. 

 

For a link to the full article, click here. 

Ballard Power Hosts South African Government Delegation in Support of Fuel Cell Technology

On March 11, a delegation of South African Government officials visited Ballard Power Systems' fuel cell headquarters and production facility as part of a recent trip to Canada to promote trade and investment opportunities in South Africa.

 

During the visit to Ballard the delegation of high ranking officials form the Department of Mineral Resources were also joined by members of South Africa's High Commission, along with executives from Platinum Group Metals, a Vancouver-based company with plans to begin mining platinum this year in South Africa.

 

South Africa holds 75% of the world's supply of platinum, a key component of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell products. Ballard is collaborating with companies in South Africa on a number of PEM fuel cell technology applications.

 

For a link to the full story, click here. 

 

First Mobile Hydrogen Fueling Station Opens in Tokyo, Japan

 

On March 24, Japan's first mobile fueling station for hydrogen-powered cars opened for business. The opening of the new station, operated by Nippon Mobile Hydrogen Station Services LLC, signals progress in the building of a network of fueling stations for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

Toyota Mirai FCEV at Mobile hydrogen fueling station in Tokyo Source:  Wall Street Journal

 

The mobile station, located in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, carries enough fuel for about five vehicles, and takes approximately three minutes to fill up a tank. Nippon Mobile Hydrogen Station Services is schedule to open a second mobile station in Tokyo this summer.

 

For a link to the full story, click here.

 

Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking Releases Study Commercialization of Energy Storage in Europe

On March 27, the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint-Undertaking (FCH JU) released a study titled Commercialization of Energy Storage in Europe.  The study analyzes the implications of projected developments in Europe's electrical grid through 2030 and the potential for commercial-scale hydrogen energy storage to balance excess generation on the grid.

 

One of the key findings of the study is that the conversion of electricity to hydrogen through water electrolysis can productively utilize nearly all excess renewable energy in the high renewable energy sources (high-RES) scenario contributing to the de-carbonization of the gas grid and mobility sectors.

 

For a link to the full study, click here. 

 

Japan, European Union to Standardize Fuel Cell Vehicle Regulations

 

On March 18, the government of Japan and the European Union agreed to cooperate in standardizing future regulations in 12 emerging industry fields, including fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

 

The agreement was included in a joint document that the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry of Japan and the European Commission drew up in Brussels, and based on the opinions of an automobile sector panel including experts from the private sector. The joint efforts are designed to foster investments and trade in products expected to hit the market fully in five to ten years.

 

For a link to the full story, click here.

 

British Columbia Government Announces New Incentive for Purchase of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles

 

On April 1, residents of British Columbia will be eligible for a new tax credit for the purchase of electric vehicles, including a $6,000 credit for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), the B.C. government announced recently.

 

The point of sale incentive will run until March 31, 2018, or until the $10.6 million in government funding for the credit runs out.

 

For a link to the full article, click here. 

 

Apple Inc. Granted First Fuel Cell Patent, Paving Way for Days Long Battery Life

 

On March 17, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) approved Apple Inc.'s "Fuel Cell System to Power a Portable Computing Device" patent, which details using energy sources including hydrogen to power its iOS and MacBook products. The technology could enable devices to run continuously for days or weeks.

 

In one of the patents, Apple's fuel cell would connect to a MacBook as an external battery pack, but the company notes that the invention would use any connector that provides power, as well as bidirectional communication, possibly opening up fuel cell technology for iPhones and iPads. 

For a link to the full story, click here.

 

Heliocentris Announces HyDrive Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Experiement Kit

 

On March 19, Heliocentris announced a new educational product, the HyDrive Electric Vehicle Trainer kit.  The experiment kit provides high school and university students the ability to test specific aspects of a fuel cell elelctrc vehicle (FCEV).

The HyDrive software system allows students to simulate the fueling and storage of hydrogen, regenerative breaking, and other functions in a FCEV. 

 

For more information and specifications on the HyDrive, click here.   

 

Startup Receives Grant to Advance Microbial Fuel Cell Technology with Brewery

 

On March 5, Waste2Watergy, a startup developing a microbial fuel cell, announced it had received a Phase 1 Small Business Technology Transfer Grant (STTR) from the National Science Foundation (NSF).  For the past 18 months, Waste2Watergy has partnered with Widmer Brothers Brewing, where it installed a prototype microbial fuel cell system, and recently integrated a scaled-up system to treat the brewery's waste  water while generating electricity.

 

Oregon BEST researcher with Waste2Watergy Microbial Fuel Cell Source: Biomass Magazine

 

The microbial fuel cell technology, developed in collaboration with researchers from Oregon State University and Oregon BEST, helps reduce disposal costs and volumes of waste water by removing organic compounds from water on-site at breweries and other food processing plants.  

 

For a link to the full article, click here.  

 

MassCEC Awards SiEnergy $300,000 Grant to Develop Thin Film Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Technology for Portable Power Generation

On March 27, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center awarded SiEnergy a $300,000 grant as part of the AmplifyMass program, which awards university based energy projects who have been already been funded by the Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (DOE ARPA-E).

SiEnergy is using the funding to develop a thin film solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) for portable power generation.   The company plans to develop SOFC technology that is fuel flexible, protable, and operates at a desirable temperature suitable for portable applications.

 

For a link to the full article, click here. 

 

ESTAP Announces Webinar on Funding Opportunity Announcement for Resilient Electricity Delivery Infrastructure Initative

 

On April 7, the Energy Storage Technology Advancement Partnership (ESTAP) will hold a webinar on the $3.5 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Resilient Electricity Delivery Infrastructure (REDI) Initiative. The webinar will feature presentations by DOE officials administering this solicitation, with time for questions from the audience.

 

Through this solicitation, the DOE Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability will support the deployment of Smart Grid and Storage technologies and tools to advance climate preparedness and resiliency.  Municipalities are eligible to apply for up to $600,000 for the deployment of industry (commercial and pre-commercial) technologies, and up to $1 million for the deployment of laboratory technologies.

 

Applications for the REDI FOA are due May 4. For more information, click here.

 

For a link to the full announcement, click here. To register for the webinar, click 

here.

FEMP 2015 Funding Opportunity Announcement

On March 6, the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) issued a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) titled the Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies (AFFECT), Fiscal Year 2015.  The FOA will cover two topic areas; combined heat and power (CHP) and renewable energy installations, including biomass, waste-to-energy, and landfill gas projects.

 

The anticipated total funding level for AFFECT is $2.85 million with anticipated funding per award to be between approximately $50,000 and $1 million. Letters of intent (LOI) are due by April 6, and full applications are due by May 20. 

 

To apply for AFFECT submit application materials through the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) Exchange.

 

For a link to register for the webinar, click here.  For a link to the full article, click here.

USDA Announces Funding for Renewable Energy for America Program

On February 10,  the Department of Agriculture announced the availability of $280 million in funding through the Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP).  

The USDA is offering grants of up to 25% of project costs and loan gurantees for up to 75% of project costs. Eligible projects include renewable energy installations, including hydrogen-based systems, as well as energy efficiency improvements.  Up to $25 million is available per-project. 

For a link to project eligibility specifics and more information on the REAP program, click here.

On February 4, DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) released two separate Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).

The first FOA is for core technological advancements for SOFCS to improve reliability, robustness, and commercial viability.  NETL anticipates making 13 awards available for core SOFC technology, and will award systems in the 5-10 kilowatt (kW) range. The second FOA will award two seperate 400 kW SOFC systems, and deals with the testing of prototype SOFC systems. 

Both FOAs close on April 6, 2015.

For a link to both FOAs, click here. 

Marine Corps Releases Request for Information for Expeditionary Energy Concepts Demonstration 

On January 27, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) posted a Request for Information (RFI).  The RFI seeks industry participants to demonstrate technologies addressing the USMC's energy, waste, and water capability gaps for the Expeditionary Energy Concepts (E2C) event.  

Eligible technologies include hybrid and all-electric vehicles, batteries and other energy storage technologies, and fuel cells up to 10 kilowatts (kW) in capacity.

The Marine Corps is interested in fuel cell power systems that meet the following specifications:

• A power output of up to 10 kW, with a target output of 3 kW
• Ability  to operate on a safe solid or liquid fuel, including but not limited to zinc, aluminum, JP-8, and other alternative fuels
• Transportable via light tactical trailer (NSN:2330015435794)
• Fuel savings over the 3 kW Tactical Quiet Generator (~24% fuel efficiency at 100% load)

For a link to the full RFI, click here.  

NYSERDA Accepting Funding Applications for RPS Customer-Sited Tier Fuel Cell Program 

On January 5, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced a set of two funding opportunities for customer-sited fuel cells - one for a fuel cell system rated 25 kilowatts (kW) or less, and another for systems over 25 kW.   NYSERDA is making up to $50,000 available for fuel cell projects as part of the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).  

Funding will be available until December 31, 2015.

For a link to the full Project Opportunity Notices (PON) for small and large fuel cell systems, click here and here, respectively. 

April 1 marks the next deadline for industries to submit their Part I application for the DOE's $4 billion in available loan guarantees for EERE Projects.  As a part of the President's Climate Action Plan, the DOE has allocated $4 billion in loan guarantees to promote EERE projects that avoid or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Fuel cell and hydrogen technologies are eligible for the EERE loan program.  The five technology areas of interest under the solicitation are:

• Advanced Grid Integration and Storage
• Drop-in Biofuels
• Waste-to-Energy
• Enhancement of Existing Facilities
• Efficiency Improvements 

DOE has due dates for the loan program on a rolling basis as follows:

Part I Due Dates

Round 3 - April 1, 2015

Round 4 - August 5, 2015

Round 5 - December 2, 2015

Part II Due Dates

Round 3 - July 1, 2015

Round 4 - November 4, 2015

Round 5 - March 2, 2016

For more information on the EERE loan program, click here.

In addition to the $4 billion loan guarantee program for EERE projects, DOE is also accepting applicants for its $8 billion Advanced Fossil Energy Projects solicitation and $16 billion Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program.