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FuelCell Energy Proposes 63 Megawatt Fuel Cell Park for Beacon Falls, Connecticut
 On May 5, FuelCell Energy announced a proposed 63.3 megawatt (MW) fuel cell park in Beacon Falls, Connecticut. If completed, the Beacon Falls Energy Park would be the world's largest fuel cell facility. The park would be part of a joint-venture with leading regional construction company O&G Industries and CT Energy & Technology LLC, with FuelCell Energy responsible for long term operation and maintenance.
Render of Beacon Falls Fuel Cell Project Source: FuelCell Energy
The project would occupy just eight acres of the 23.8 acres of land available, and the 63.3 MW capacity would generate enough power to supply 60,000 Connecticut homes. The project is also estimated to generate up to $90 million in tax revenue for the community.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Plug Power Announces Big Box Retailer as New GenKey Fuel Cell Customer
 On May 19, Plug Power announced a big box retailer with more than 100 distribution centers in North America as its most recent GenKey customer.
Plug Power will supply 177 GenDrive units for class-2 and class-3 fuel cell forklifts, as well as GenFuel hydrogen supply and storage infrastructure to the retailer's new distribution warehouse in Troy Township, Ohio. The site will be the first to deploy Plug's outdoor skid, the company's newest addition to the GenFuel product line.
Plug Power is also in discussions with this retailer for future deployments across their network.
Plug Power's CEO Andy Marsh recently embarked on a tour across America, stopping in Albany, New York City, and San Francisco earlier this month to discuss operations and plans for the future with Plug Power shareholders. Additional stops will be held in Dallas, Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Plug Power Presentation at New York City stop Source: Plug Power
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Bloom Energy to Install Fuel Cells at Equinix Silicon Valley Data Center
 On May 20, Bloom Energy announced the upcoming installation of a one megawatt (MW) solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) at Equinix's SV5 International Business Exchange data center in Silicon Valley, California. The Bloom fuel cell will use biogas to provide an estimated 8.3 million kilowatt (kW) hours of electricity to the facility.
The project will also include uninterruptible power modules configured to protect the data center's energy load from electrical outages. The Bloom fuel cell installation supports Equinix's long-term sustainability goal of using 100% clean, renewable energy across its platform of more than 100 data centers.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Toyota, Mazda Form Long-Term Partnership to Share Fuel Cell Technologies
 On May 13, Toyota and Mazda announced they had agreed to form a long-term partnership to deepen collaboration on products, manufacturing and technologies, including Toyota's hydrogen fuel cell systems for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Mazda will in turn supply its fuel-efficient Skyactiv gasoline and diesel engine technology.
Toyota CEO Akio Toyda with Mazda CEO Masamichi Kogai Source: Automotive News
Joint manufacturing, hybrid vehicles and fuel cells were identified as areas for cooperation by the two automakers. This partnership marks the latest for Toyota, who entered into a separate partnership with BMW in 2013 to share fuel cell technology advancements.
For a link to the full story, click here.
Hydrogenics and Alstom Sign €50 Million Agreement to Develop and Commercialize Hydrogen-Powered Commuter Trains in Europe
On May 27, Hydrogenics announced it had signed a 10-year agreement to supply hydrogen fuel cell systems to France-based Alstom Transport for Regional Commuter Trains in Europe.
The agreement, valued at over €50 million, includes at least 200 fuel cell engine systems specifically developed to meet European train compliance regulations, as well as service and maintenance over a 10-year period. Prototype work for the systems, based on Hydrogenics' Heavy-Duty HD series fuel cells, will begin in late 2015 and are expected to be delivered in 2016.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
2.6 MW of Doosan Fuel Cells Begin Operation at South Korean Utility Facility
 On May 6, Doosan Fuel Cell announced that six of its fuel cell units went online at an East Power Co Ltd. (KOSEP) facility in Ansan, a suburb of Seoul, South Korea. The six Doosan PureCell Model 400 units are providing a total of 2.6 megawatts (MW) of power and heat to the local grid and KOSEP customers.
KOSEP is a subsidiary of the Korea Electric Power Company, and sells electricity in South Korea and around the world. This Doosan-KOSEP installation marks the 6th fuel cell project as part of their partnership in South Korea.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Ballard Receives Order for Breakthrough PEM Technology Solutions Project with Nisshinbo
 On May 26, Ballard announced it had received a purchase order from Nisshinbo for the next phase of development of breakthrough catalyst technology intended to reduce platinum requirements and manufacturing cost of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Nisshinbo is an international energy company that provides a range of low-carbon products for a variety of industries, and supplies Ballard with compression-molded bipolar field flow plates for use in its fuel cells.
Research conducted by Ballard and Nisshinbo will focus on improvements in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) within Ballard's air-cooled PEM fuel cell stacks.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Germany's First Hydrogen Fueling Station on the Autobahn Begins Operation
On May 12, the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP), represented by Linde, Daimler, and TOTAL, announced the inauguration of Germany's first hydrogen fueling station located on the Autobahn at TOTAL Motorway's service station in Geiselwind, Germany. TOTAL is a fueling station operator in Germany, operating 8 of the 17 public hydrogen fueling stations in operation.
FCEV is fueled at the new TOTAL, Daimler, and Linde backed fueling station Source: Daimler
On site for the inauguration were officials from Germany's Ministry of Transportation, as well as the National Innovation Programme (NIP), a government organization which provided funding for the hydrogen station.
Germany has plans to expand its total number of hydrogen fueling stations to 50 over the next few years. Linde and Daimler are partnering on 20 of those stations, with a total investment of €20 million.
For a link to the full Daimler press release, click here.
Hyundai Announces Pricing for Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle in UK
 On May 5, Hyundai announced that it would be pricing its Tucson ix35 fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) from £53,105 in the United Kingdom. The vehicle will be funded in part by the HyFive consortium, a European-wide effort that aims to deploy 110 FCEVs in countries across Europe from the five automakers that make up the consortium, including Hyundai.
Hyundai Tucson ix35 FCEV in London Source: Hyundai
The Tucson FCEV is available for purchasing immediately in the United Kingdom, and is already on the road in 15 countries around the world.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Proton OnSite to Receive "E" Award from President Obama for Expansion of U.S. Exports
 On May 4, Proton OnSite announced that it would be one of four Connecticut manufacturers to receive the prestigious 'E' award from the White House, which is the nation's highest honor in recognition of increasing American exports. Proton Onsite is being recognized for its work in exporting hydrogen generation technology around the world while creating jobs at home in Connecticut.
Proton OnSite's VP of Manufacturing, John Torrance Speaks at Test Area Source: MyRecordJournal
For a link to the full story, click here.
FCEV, Hydrogen Infrastructure Advancements Highlighted at SAE World Congress
Last month, automakers from around the globe gathered at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress in Detroit, Michigan to discuss advances in powertrain, emissions, safety as well as alternative propulsion.
The fuel cell and hydrogen applications session, SAE PFL 799, had a Technical Executive Expert panel, chaired by Jesse Schneider of BMW, featuring representatives from automotive OEMs GM, Hyundai, Honda, and Toyota, as well as industrial gas companies Linde and Air Liquide. This panel provided updates on the status of development commercialization of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and the expansion of hydrogen fueling infrastructure.
Slide from Hyundai's Presentation at the SAE World Congress
New reports were discussed on the PFL 799 panel, including statements by Hyundai stating 10,000 FCEVs would be deployed in South Korea by 2025. GM and Honda also discussed their FCEV joint development activities, and Honda stated that their upcoming fuel cell vehicle is to be released in early 2016. Additionally ,a presentation by Linde reported that costs of its "small series production" hydrogen stations have been reduced by 33%.
For a link to the presentation summaries at PFL 799, as well as the full Green Car Congress article, click here.
Toyota Mirai FCEV Coming to Eight California Dealerships this Fall
On May 6, Toyota North America announced that its Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) will arrive at eight different California dealerships in October of 2015.
Northern Californians will be able to view the Mirai at San Francisco Toyota, Roseville Toyota, Stevens Creek Toyota or Toyota of Sunnyvale. In southern California, Longo Toyota, Toyota Santa Monica, Toyota of Orange and Tustin Toyota will all receive Mirai FCEVs. These initial dealers were selected based on advanced technology vehicle sales experience and proximity to hydrogen fueling infrastructure.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Plug Power Announces Master Sales Agreement with Large Footwear Manufacturer for GenKey Fuel Cell Solution
On May 27, Plug Power announced a master sales agreement (MSA) with a large North American footwear manufacturer for deployment of Plug Power's GenKey hydrogen and fuel cell solution. GenKey includes GenDrive fuel cell for material handling, GenFuel hydrogen fueling, and GenCare maintenance.
Plug Power has already completed a successful demonstration at one of the manufacturer's distribution centers, with the fuel cell technology set for implementation at three more sites. Wide adoption of GenKey at the manufacturer's 30 sites across the globe is also being considered.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
FuelCell Energy Announces Tri-Generation Solution for Production of Power, Heat, and Hydrogen for Transportation and Industry
On May 27, FuelCell Energy announced a new product for the on-site generation of high purity hydrogen, electricity, and heat for industrial and transportation applications using commercial fuel cell power plants.
FuelCell Energy's New Tri-Generation Unit Source: FuelCell Energy
FuelCell Energy's megawatt (MW) hydrogen delivery system can generate over 1,200 kilograms (kg) of hydrogen daily, and is suitable for industrial applications, such as metal and glass processing plants, or petrochemical operations. Alternatively, the system can be used to fuel a fleet of over 1,500 fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), while also producing two MW of electricity and usable heat.
The tri-generation fuel cell system is also fuel flexible, allowing it to run off natural gas-fed sources or renewable biogas.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Ballard Receives Order for Additional Next-Gen Fuel Cell Bus Module from Solaris
 On May 12, Ballard announced it had received a follow-on order from Solaris Bus & Coach for an additional FCvelocity-HD7 fuel cell power bus module. The module will be incorporated into a new 80 foot fuel cell electric bus (FCEB) design, and will be deployed in Europe later this year.
In November 2014, Solaris, along with a number of other European bus OEMs, signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) to independently develop, demonstrate, and offer FCEBs to European urban centers from 2017 to 2020, with a goal of 500-to-1,000 deployed. Two previous Ballard FCEBs were presented by Solaris to the City of Hamburg as part of an operations trial in December 2014.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Air Liquide and Toyota Host Ride and Drive at New York State Capitol
 On May 12, Air Liquide and Toyota hosted ride and drive event for lawmakers in Albany, New York. Air Liquide demonstrated its latest hydrogen dispenser technology, and Toyota provided its Mirai FCEV for test driving.
Air Liquide and Toyota Officials with NY State Lawmakers at Ride and Drive Source: Air Liquide
Air Liquide and Toyota recently announced a collaborative effort to expand hydrogen refueling infrastructure in the Northeast United States.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Linde Announces Compact Hydrogen Generator Technology
 On May 8, the Linde Group announced the launch of HYDROPRIME, a compact hydrogen generator using steam-methane reformation technology. Linde's Hydro-Chem division will mass-produce the HYDROPRIME solution as an alternative to trucked-in hydrogen fuel.
The generators are fully-automatic with built-in fail safes and remote startup capabilities, making it suited for a variety of industrial and end-user hydrogen applications.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Hydrogenics Completes Factory Acceptance of German PEM Electrolyzer
On May 4, Hydrogenics announced that it had completed factory acceptance testing of the new 1.5 megawatt (MW) proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer at its facility in Gladbeck, Germany. The Hydrogenics system can deliver a power density of 4,000 watts per liter of hydrogen, a new industry benchmark, according to Hydrogenics.
The system will be delivered to E.ON's facility in in Hamburg, Germany as part of a power-to-gas injection plant that will utilize excess renewable energy generated by the grid. The plant is expected to begin operation by mid-2015.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Bloom Energy Recognized as Number 3 on CNBC's Disruptor 50 List
On May 12, CNBC the third annual Disruptor 50 winners, featuring private sector companies whose innovations are revolutionizing the market. This year, Bloom Energy was number three on the list, being recognized for its unique fuel cell energy solutions.
For a link to Bloom Energy's page and the full list of Disruptor 50 awards, click here.
Toyota Announces Technological Breakthrough for More Efficient, Durable Fuel Cell Stacks
On May 18, Toyota announced it had developed a breakthrough in real-time observation of fuel cell catalyst degradation, allowing researchers to monitor the behavior of platinum particles during catalytic reactions inside fuel cells.
Developed in partnership with the Japan Fine Ceramics Center (JFCC), the new observation method will enable discovery of the points on the carbon carrier where platinum coarsens, the level of voltage output during coarsening, and determination of characteristics of carrier metals. This observation and analysis method will provide direction on improving the durability of both the platinum catalyst and of the fuel cell stack in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
Platinum Particles Under a Microscope Source: Toyota
For a link to the full presentation on the real-time observation of platinum in fuel cells from Toyota, click here.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
City of Riverside Demonstrates Environmental Leadership with Carbon Neutral On-Site FuelCell Energy Power Plant
On May 14, FuelCell Energy announced a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the city of Riverside, California to construct a 1.4 megawatt (MW) Direct FuelCell combined heat and power (CHP) power fuel cell at the Riverside Regional Water Quality Control Plant. The fuel cell system will convert biogas recovered from the waste water treatment process into electricity to power the plant, as well as two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The heat generated will be used for the water treatment process.
FuelCell Energy will install, operate, and maintain the fuel cell system under a long-term service agreement of 20 years, and is anticipated to be operational in 2016.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Plug Power to Supply Uline with GenKey Fuel Cell Solution at Wisconsin Distribution Center
On May 21, Plug Power announced Uline as its newest GenKey customer. The initial deployment of Plug's GenDrive fuel cells will power Uline's forklift fleet at their distribution center in Pleasant Prarie, Wisconsin. Uline is a leading distributor of shipping, packaging and industrial materials throughout North America.
A second GenDrive fleet will be deployed to a newly constructed facility in the coming months, totaling over 130 units. Plug Power will also expand their pilot GenFuel liquid system into a full eight-dispenser installation at the Pleasant Prairie distribution facility.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Linde and OMV Open Hydrogen Fueling Station in Innsbruck, Austria
 On May 21, Linde and OMV officially opened a new hydrogen fueling station in Innsbruck, Austria, the country's second. The project was built as part of the EU-funded Hydrogen for Innovative Vehicles (HyFIVE) initiative, and bridges existing hydrogen hubs in both Munich, Germany and Bolzano, Italy.
The station is equipped with Linde's 700 Bar IC90 ionic-compressor, and will make travel between Germany and Italy feasible for FCEVs.
For a link to the full story, click here.
Connecticut Governor Announces New Rebate for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
 On May 19, Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy announced a new rebate of up to $3,000 for Connecticut residents who purchase electric vehicles, including fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The $1 million in funding for the rebate program was provided by an approved merger of two Connecticut utility companies.
In addition to the customer rebates, the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate Program will provide dealers with bonuses for FCEVs to incentivize dealerships. FCEVs will qualify for the full $3,000 rebate under the program.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
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 Federal Program News
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FCHEA Capitol Policy Forum Highlights Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies
 Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association, in cooperation with the House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, co-hosted the 2015 Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Policy Forum drawing attention to the latest advancements in fuel cell and hydrogen energy technology.
Attendees at the May 5 Policy Forum
The 2015 Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Policy Forum featured representatives from Air Liquide, Toyota Motor North America, Bloom Energy, Plug Power, and the U.S. Department of Energy. The event was well attended, with over 70 attendees in the audience including congressional staff, NGO representatives, and industry members.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
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Fuel Cell Seminar Call for Abstracts Closing Soon
 The Call for Abstracts is closing soon for the 2015 Fuel Cell Seminar & Energy Exposition, which takes places from November 16-19, 2015.
The deadline to submit your Abstract is Friday, May 29, 2015. If you do not have a complete abstract to submit at this time, you can submit a placeholder to be completed at a later date, but you must submit something prior to the deadline.
Every year, the Fuel Cell Seminar seeks abstracts for session speakers and poster presentations from academics, professionals, and others to be featured throughout our conference.
Topics for submission include Fuels and Renewable Energy, Fuel Cell Industry Status and Analysis, Fuel Cell Applications, Fuel Cell Technology Development, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Related Technologies for Energy Storage, and Fuel Cell Education and Training.
More information on these topics and their sub-categories is available here.
Before submitting your Abstract, please read through the Guideline instructions available here.
Abstracts must be submitted online using the link here.
European Fuel Cell Conference and Exhibition
 The European Fuel Cell Technology & Applications Piero Lunghi Conference - EFC15 - is going to celebrate its 6th anniversary in beautiful Naples, Italy, from 16 to 18 December 2015. This conference offers three days with prominent academics, researchers, students politicians and entrepreneurs, in the field of fuel cells. The topics include Materials, Modeling, Lab Tests, System Design, Fuels and decarbonizing society, Fuel Cell Applications, Fuel Cells operated in reversed mode, Marketing and Policy pathways to full commercialization of Fuel Cells, and Cross-cutting Issues. A series of special sessions will be held in parallel with the core event: Safety, Regulations codes & standards in Fuel Cells; Microbial Fuel Cells; Dissemination of European projects on Fuel Cell and Hydrogen. The call for abstracts is now open. Selected paper will be published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. The event offers also opportunities to those who want to promote their products and activities. For more information, please visit the website at www.europeanfuelcell.it.
12th Renewable Energy Finance Forum - Wall Street
 The 12th Annual REFF-Wall Street Conference, taking place from June 24 - 25 at the Grand Hyatt in New York, New York, 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 conference will connect the principal players in the renewable energy finance and development communities, providing valuable insights into the latest financing developments across the industry in areas including securitization, green bonds and yieldcos. The event will also highlight how policy developments will affect the financial community, charting the way forward for the renewable energy investment for years to come.
More information can be found on the REFF website here.
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Gasworld | May 1, 2015
Alt Energy Magazine | May 4, 2015
Union of Concerned Scientists Blog | May 4, 2015
The Japan News | May 4, 2015
Motor Authority | May 5, 2015
Times Union | May 6, 2015
FuelCell Energy: Fuel Cells Energize a University
Alt Energy Magazine | May 7, 2015
Apple to Expand Renewable Energy Goal to Cover Supply Chain
Wall Street Journal | May 10, 2015
Ithaca Voice | May 11, 2015
Washington Post | May 11, 2015
Greenpeace | May 11, 2015
Washington Post | May 12, 2015
Bloomberg Business | May 13, 2015
Hybrid Cars | May 13, 2015
Green Car Reports | May 14, 2015
SUNY Poly Installing 100 kW Fuel Cell in Albany
Times Union | May 18, 2015
MarketWired | May 19, 2015
A Lightweight Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Enables Copter to Fly for Four Hours
Gasworld | May 21, 2015
Energy Manager Today | May 21, 2015
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Part 1 Applications for $4 Billion DOE Loan Program Due August 5
 August 5 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 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.
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Administration
Press releases and story ideas may be forwarded to Connor Dolan and Karen Hall for consideration at cdolan@fchea.org and khall@fchea.org respectively.
The Sponsors
Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association -- The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) is the trade association for the fuel cell and hydrogen energy industry, and is dedicated to the commercialization of fuel cells and hydrogen energy technologies. Fuel cells and hydrogen energy technologies deliver clean, reliable power to leading edge corporate, academic and public sector users, and FCHEA members are helping to transform the our energy future. FCHEA represents the full global supply chain, including universities, government laboratories and agencies, trade associations, fuel cell materials, components and systems manufacturers, hydrogen producers and fuel distributors, utilities and other end users.
National Energy Technology Laboratory -- The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory system is owned and operated by the DOE. Its mission is "Advancing energy options to fuel our economy, strengthen our security, and improve our environment". NETL performs, procures, and partners with universities and the private sector. Together, these efforts focus a wealth of scientific and engineering talent on creating commercially viable solutions to national energy and environmental problems. NETL has expertise in coal, natural gas, and oil technologies, contract and project management, analysis of energy systems, and international energy issues. NETL supports DOE's mission to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States.
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