Honda Announces Clarity Fuel Cell U.S. Pricing and Sales Plans
On January 21, Honda officially announced its U.S plans for the Clarity Fuel Cell sedan at the 2016 Washington Auto Show in Washington, D.C. Honda plans to lease the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in California markets before the end of 2016.
Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Source: Honda
The Clarity features a fuel cell stack 33% more compact than its predecessor and a 60% increase in power density. The FCEV will have a driving range of over 300 miles, and can refuel in three to five minutes.
Honda predicts the vehicle will cost around $60,000 and lease for under $500 a month. The automaker will begin deliveries through certified retailers in Los Angeles and Orange County, as well as the San Francisco and Bay area dealerships.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Audi Unveils H-Tron Quattro FCEV Concept at North American International Auto Show
 On January 11, Audi unveiled the H-Tron Quattro fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) Concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan. The concept features a 200 kilowatt (kW) fuel cell and a range of up to 372 miles on a full tank of hydrogen.
Audi H-Tron Quattro FCEV Concept Source: Audi
Audi has not released a date for commercial production at this time.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Connecticut Regulators Approve 63.3 Megawatt Beacon Falls Fuel Cell Park
 On January 7, the Connecticut Siting Council unanimously approved a 63.3 MW fuel cell power park, to be built in Beacon Falls, Connecticut with fuel cells provided by FuelCell Energy. When completed, it will be the largest fuel cell power facility in the world, 4 MW larger than the current record holder in South Korea.
Rendering of the FuelCell Energy Fuel Cell Power Park Source: FuelCell Energy
The park will occupy 8 acres of land, and provide enough power for 60,000 Connecticut homes. The fuel cell park was proposed in partnership with O&G Industries, a U.S. construction firm, and CT Energy & Technology LLC, the project developer.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Anglo American Platinum Invests $4 Million in Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Value Chain
 On January 29, Anglo American Platinum announced that it was investing $4 million in the United Hydrogen Group (UHG), an American hydrogen production and delivery company, in order to help reduce reduce hydrogen costs and support hydrogen fueling infrastructure development in the Northeast U.S.
Anglo's investment is aimed at bolstering demand for platinum, which is used as a catalyst in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). This investment is part of Anglo's platinum group metal (PGM) Investment Program, which provides capital to technologies that enable consumption of PGM's.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Bloom Energy to Install First−Ever Highrise Fuel Cell Project at Morgan Stanley Global Headquarters in New York City
 On January 12, Morgan Stanley announced that Bloom Energy will install 750 kW of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) at Morgan Stanley's global headquarters in New York City's Time Square neighborhood . The fuel cells are expected to be operational in late 2016.
Rendering of Bloom Energy Servers at Morgan Stanley Headquarters Source: Bloom Energy
Bloom Energy previously installed fuel cells at Morgan Stanley's Purchase, New York campus in 2014, which provides 250 kW of power to the facility.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Hyundai Motor Reveals Hydrogen & Electric Vehicle Station
 On January 19, Hyundai announced that it had completed South Korea's first hydrogen fueling station that doubles as an electric charging station, dubbed a "fusion station" by the automaker.
Hyundai fusion fueling station with Tucson FCEV Source: Hyundai
The station is located within the Jingok Industrial Complex in Gwangju. The station can be used to analyze the fuel cell power generation business, vehicle-to-grid business models, and performance tests and commercialization readiness assessments for FCEVs. Hyundai also plans to integrate a compressed natural gas (CNG) station with an on-site reformer in the future.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Ballard Signs $12 Million Agreement For Fuel Cell Stacks to Power Commercial Buses in China
 On January 21, Ballard Power announced a $12 million Equipment Supply Agreement (ESA) with Guangdong Synergy Hydrogen Power Technology Co., Ltd. to supply FC-Velocity -9SSL fuel cell stacks to be used in commercial buses in China.
Each fuel cell stack will deliver approximately 15 kilowatts (kW) of power for range extender applications in buses, and are expected to be delivered in 2016 and 2017. The ESA is in addition to agreements that Ballard previously announced for heavy duty power applications in China, such as fuel cell-powered buses and trams.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Major Drone Manufacturer Signs Letter of Intent with Intelligent Energy for Fuel Cell-Powered Drone Development
 On January 28, Intelligent Energy announced it signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with a major drone manufacturer to develop hydrogen fuel cell powered drones. The two companies will work together in 2016 to develop solutions to increase drone flight time, with the intent to lead to a formal commercial agreement for roll out.
Render of Drone with Intelligent Energy's Fuel Cell Range Extender Concept Source: Intelligent Energy
Drones historically suffer from short flight times and long recharging periods due to battery limitations. Intelligent Energy's ultra-light weight fuel cell stacks specifically for the drone market could overcome these issues and enable drones to fly for hours instead of minutes.
Earlier this month, Intelligent Energy showcased it's fuel cell powered range extender for drones, as well as other fuel cell-embedded electronics, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
myFC's Fuel Cell Charger JAQ is Ready for Launch, Debuts at CES 2016
On December 29, myFC announced that its JAQ portable fuel cell charger was ready for launch, and that it has shipped its first batch of devices of sale. The JAQ is fueled by interchangeable PowerCard cartridges, which are used to produce electricity to power electronic devices.
JAQ Booth at CES 2016 Source: myFC
The JAQ will also be on display starting on Tuesday, January 5 through Saturday, January 9 at CES 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada, ahead of a U.S. launch. For a link to the full press release, click here.
myFC also recently signed an exclusive supply agreement for the JAQ with UAE-based telecom Du, starting in Q2 2016. For a link to the full press release, click here.
Fuji Electric to Purchase German Engineering Company N2telligence
 On January 5, Fuji Electric announced its intent to purchase N2telligence, a German fireproof engineering company. Fuji Electric aims to use the acquisition to broaden fuel cell sales routes and lower fuel cell production costs through economies of scale.
N2telligence owns the exclusive rights to fuel cell patents owned by Airbus. N2telligence's fuel cell systems help lower oxygen concentrations in environments, such as warehouses to reduce the risk of fires. For a link to the full article, click here.
Proton OnSite PEM Electrolyzer Achieves Over 500,000 Cell Hours With Zero Failures and No Loss in Efficiency
 On January 11, Proton OnSite announced that its MW-scale M Series Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer achieved over 500,000 hours of cell operation without failures or loss in efficiency. Over the last 20 years, Proton OnSite has achieved over 1 billion fielded cell hours with its PEM technology, and over 2,500 installations in more than 75 countries.
Proton OnSite's M-Series Electrolyzer Unit Source: Proton OnSite
Proton OnSite introduced the M400 electrolyzer in 2015, which featured a 13-times increase in hydrogen production while reducing per kW cost of production by 50 percent.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
CEME and ITM Power to Develop a Hydrogen Hub in East London On January 19, ITM Power announced that following planning approval for a solar hydrogen fueling station at the Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME), it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with CEME. The two companies will also collaborate to develop hydrogen fuel training initiatives on the campus.
The solar hydrogen station will be deployed as part of the HyFive project, funded by the fuel cell and hydrogen joint undertaking (FCH-JU).
For a link to the full press release, click here.
FuelCell Energy Announces 5.6 Megawatt Fuel Cell Project With Pfizer Inc.
On January 4, FuelCell Energy announced a 5.6 megawatt (MW) fuel cell project in partnership with Pfizer Inc., one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. FuelCell Energy's fuel cell installation will provide low-carbon power and steam for Pfizer's 160-acre research and development facility in Groton, Connecticut.
FuelCell Energy DFC3000 Units Similar to the Future Installation at Pfizer's Facility Source: FuelCell Energy
As part of the project, Pfizer will purchase the fuel cell power under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA). FuelCell Energy will install two DFC3000 fuel cell power plants, rated at 2.8 MW each, in a combined heat and power (CHP) configuration.
FuelCell Energy expects the installation to be fully operational by summer of 2016.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Tottori Prefecture, Tottori Gas, Sekisui House and Honda Sign an Agreement for a Project to Establish a Base for Hydrogen Energy Demonstration
 On January 27, Honda Motor Co., Tottori Prefecture, Tottori Gas Co., a gas distribution company, and Ltd, Sekisui House Ltd, one of Japan's largest home builders, signed an agreement to jointly pursue Tottori Prefecture's project to establish a base for a hydrogen energy demonstration in Japan.
The demonstration will utilize Honda's smart hydrogen station (SHS) that creates renewable hydrogen through solar power, a smart home, and a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).
Concept of hydrogen energy demonstration Source: Honda
The goal of the demonstration project is to increase public education and understanding of how a future hydrogen society would work. Visitors would be able to see how power could be fed from an FCEV to power the smart home, and how to create clean hydrogen through the electrolysis of water.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Toyota Hawaii Brings Mirai FCEV Production Cars to Hawaii
 On January 19, Toyota delivered the first production model Mirai FCEV to Oahu, Hawaii. Hawaii is the second state, following the October 2015 launch in California, to receive the FCEV.
Hawaii Governor David Ige with Toyota Mirai FCEV Source: Toyota
The Mirai is expected to be on sale in Hawaii in late 2016 or early 2017 in Hawaii.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Ballard's Subsidiary Protonex Secures Follow-On Power Manager Product Order From U.S. Army
On December 29, Ballard Power announced that its subsidiary, Protonex, received a follow-on order for more than 400 squad power management special operation kits (SPM-622) from the U.S. Army.
Protonex SPM-622 Source: Protonex
The SPM-622 can provide power to a range of devices and equipment used by the modern warfighter, and can be paired with external power sources like a fuel cell or battery. The order was placed by the Army's Program Executive Office (PEO), and the units will be deployed with Special Operations Forces for battlefield use.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
ITM Power Achieves Rapid Response Electrolysis for Power-to-Gas Energy Storage
On December 22, ITM Power announced that it had achieved sub-second response times for both its hydrogen refueling station equipment and power-to-gas (P2G) equipment.
The InnovateUK Power Electronics project, supported by ITM Power and AEG, a German electric equipment company, developed power electronics module and control parameters that significantly improved response time of ITM Power's systems. As a result, ITM Power's electrolyzer systems now qualify for more demanding frequency response services on the electric grid, including energy storage and grid balancing of renewable energy generation.
For a link to the press release, click here.
Honda and Ceres Power Sign New Joint Development Agreement for SOFCs
On January 18, Honda R&D Co Ltd and Ceres Power announced a joint development agreement (JDA) to collaborate on solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks using Ceres' Steel Cell technology for a range of applications.
The agreement will include a yet-to-be-named third party who will consider the future mass production scale-up of Ceres Power SOFCs.
For a link to the full press rel ease, click here.
Toyota Motor Europe Delivers Two Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicles to Dutch Government as the Netherlands Take on Presidency of the European Council
On January 18, Toyota Motor Europe delivered two Mirai FCEVs to Sharon Dijksma, Dutch Secretary of State for Infrastructure and Environment at a zero-emissions event held at the Hague. At the event, the government presented its plans for the Dutch National Hydrogen Platform, aimed at expanding hydrogen infrastructure.
Toyota and Netherlands Officials in Front of the Toyota Mirai FCEV Source: Automobilesport
The Netherlands recently assumed Presidency of the European Council, where it will work towards the development of a hydrogen-based society.
For a link to the full article, click here.
FuelCell Energy Renewable Hydrogen From Tri-Generation Plant Included Under California Low Carbon Fuel Standard
On January 14, FuelCell Energy announced that it had received a prospective pathway certification for its renewable hydrogen solution using tri-generation fuel cells under the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The LCFS, which defines the carbon intensity of various alternative fuels, would grant hydrogen generated at a tri-generation facility negative carbon intensity. Hydrogen generated at the planet can be used to refuel fuel cell electric vehicles.
FuelCell Energy Infographic on Tri-Generation Technology Source: FuelCell Energy
FuelCell Energy's tri-generation power plant provides megawatt(MW)-scale power and heat from renewable biogas, as well as hydrogen by using waste heat and water byproducts from fuel cell power generation. FuelCell Energy was granted prospective pathway certification based on the success of a three-year tri-generation project at the Orange County Sanitation District in California.
LCFS was established in 2007 to reduce the carbon intensity of petroleum based fuels, and allows the purchase of credits from companies selling low-carbon alternative fuels.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Ballard Receives Follow-On Order From Nisshinbo For Breakthrough Technology Solutions Project
On January 21, Ballard Power confirmed that it had received a follow-on order from Nisshinbo Holdings Inc. for the next phase in the Technology Solutions program, focused on the development of a breakthrough catalyst to reduce the cost of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Ballard aims to reduce the platinum requirements in air-cooled fuel cells by over 70%.
Nisshinbo is a global environmental company, and a long-time supplier of carbon plates used in PEM fuel cells. Nisshinbo became a strategic investor in Ballard Power in 2015 through a $5 million purchase of common shares.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
SARTA to Break Ground for $1.6 Million Hydrogen Refueling Station
 On January 5, the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority broke ground on a new, $1.6 million hydrogen refueling station at its Gateway Boulevard SE headquarters in Canton, Ohio. Actual construction will begin in February, and it is expected to take six to eight months to complete.
The hydrogen refueling station will begin serving fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) for public transportation, and will be open to the public as well. SARTA has planned a seven-bus FCEB fleet by the end of 2017.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
SAE Awards Recipients Recognized at Washington Auto Show
On January 20, the Society of Automotive Engineers recognized recipients of the Ralph H. Isbrandt Automotive Safety Engineer Award at the 2016 Washington Auto Show in Washington D.C. The award is given annually for the most outstanding paper in on the subject of automotive safety engineering. This year's award was given to the authors of a paper on hydrogen fueling safety and the SAE J2601 hydrogen fueling protocol, including Jesse Schneider (BMW), Steve Mathison (Honda), Jihyun Shim (Hyundai), Timothy McGurie (Mercedes Benz), and Peter Potzel (Daimler). For a full list of awardees, click here.
|
 Federal Program News
|
The Year of the Fuel Cell: Looking Back to Get Ahead
 On January 27, the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE EERE) posted an article looking back on the major milestones and successes from the Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) in 2015.
For a link to the full article, click here.
State Support Keeping U.S. at Forefront of Fuel Cell Industry
On January 13, FCHEA, with support from the DOE, published a press release highlighting the 2015 State of the States report. The report profiles technological innovations, domestic supply chains, and supportive state policies that are keeping the U.S. at the forefront of the fuel cell industry.
The U.S. is home to the world's largest fuel cell manufacturers, as well as hydrogen generation and component companies. The collective fuel cell and hydrogen industry in the U.S. has enhanced economic growth and job development, growing global exports and generating millions of dollars in revenue and investment.
For a link to the State of the States report, click here. For a link to the full press release, click here.
Fuel Cell Technologies Office Director Sunita Satyapal Receives Presidential Rank Meritorious Executive Award
On January 21, DOE's Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) Director Dr. Sunita Satyapal received the Meritorious Executive Award as part of the 2015 Presidential Rank Awards.
Dr. Satyapal oversees over $100 million in funding each year for fuel cell and hydrogen energy research and development.
For a list of the full awards, click here.
NREL Serves as the Energy Department's Showcase for Cutting-Edge Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
 On January 25, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) announced it had received a 2015 Hyundai Tucson FCEV and a Mercedes Benz B-Class F-Cell on loan, and has partnered with the automakers to evaluate the interaction of the vehicles' high-pressure hydrogen storage systems with NREL's hydrogen fueling system equipment and to test the user experience by FCEVs. The vehicles add to NREL's existing fleet of two Toyota fuel cell-hybrid SUVs and a Toyota Mirai FCEV.
The FCEVs are fueled with renewable hydrogen produced at the Hydrogen Infrastructure Testing and Research Facility (HITRF) located at NREL's Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF). NREL is using the HITRF to demonstrate hydrogen fueling technologies and infrastructure as part of the DOE's Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure Research and Station Technology (H2FIRST) project.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Energy Department Announces $58 Million to Advance Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Technologies
On January 21, U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz announced $58 million in funding for fuel-efficient vehicle technologies at the 2016 Washington Auto Show in Washington, D.C.
The funding opportunity announcement (FOA) will solicit projects like energy storage systems, electric drive trains, advanced materials, fuels, as well as alternative fuel safety, including hydrogen.
For a link to the full FOA, click here. For a link to the announcement, click here.
|
Nanotech 2016 Conference and Expo, May 22-26, 2016 - Call for Abstracts Extended to January 15
Join us in Washington DC for the 18th annual Nanotech 2016 Conference & Expo, co-located with the TechConnect World Innovation Conference, convening over 3,000 academic, government and corporate leaders to address the next phase of nanotechnology impact from lab to marketplace. Representing the world's largest technology acceleration program, with thousands of multi-disciplinary research submissions annually from over 75 countries, the program includes over twenty-five U.S. Federal Funding Agencies, and hundreds of Corporate Technology Prospectors.
Fuel cell and hydrogen energy topics for abstract submission include:
- Fuel cell technologies & applications
- Advanced materials for fuel cells
- Membrane technologies
- Hydrogen generation & production methods
- Hydrogen storage
- Case studies & best practices
Abstract submissions are due online by Friday, January 15. For more information on abstract submission guidelines, click here.
FCHEA Members can take 10% off registration with discount code 16FCHE10.
For a link to find out more about TechConnect, click here.
Discount Available for FCHEA Members for ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit 2016 Registration
Register now to attend the 2016 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit to be held February 29 - March 2, in Washington, DC. This annual conference focuses on bringing the latest energy innovations out of the lab and into the market place in order to address America's energy challenges.
FCHEA Members can use the code FCHEA16 for $100 off your registration. The Summit gathers 2,000+ of the top energy industry experts from government, academia and business for a 3-day program offering informative seminars, practical solutions for breakthrough technologies, and critical networking opportunities. Meet with key representatives from government agencies who are actively supporting energy development as well as investors looking to partner with new technologies. The Technology Showcase displays more than 300 transformational energy solutions from ARPA-E awardees and a highly selective group of companies and research organizations.
|
Albany Business Review| January 28, 2016
Phys.org | January 27, 2016
Bloomberg News | January 26, 2016
Times Union | January 25, 2016
Transport Evolved | January 25, 2016
Slash Gear | January 22, 2016
Tech Insider | January 22, 2016
Reuters | January 21, 2016
Huffington Post | January 21, 2016
Ars Technica | January 18, 2016
9News | January 16, 2016
Autocar | January 15, 2016
Eurekalert | January 14, 2016
Denver Post | January 13, 2016
Greenbiz | January 13, 2016
The Detroit News | January 12, 2016
Department of Energy | January 12, 2016
Gizmag | January 11, 2016
PC World | January 11, 2016
Newsday | January 8, 2016
Phone Arena | January 7, 2016
New Britain Herald | January 6, 2016
California Energy Commission Blog | December 29, 2015
Buzzfeed | December 29, 2015
|
First Air Liquide Essential Molecules Challenge
On January 19, Air Liquide launched its first Essential Molecules challenge, encouraging teams to submit proposals for scientific breakthroughs, including the generation of hydrogen from water using solar energy.
The proposal, titled Sunny H2 in a Bottle, will award up to three teams with a €50,000 ($54,100) prize and a 4-year contract with Air Liquide with total financing of up to €500,000 ($541,100).
Submissions are due by April 26, 2016.
For a link to the full request for proposals, click here.
NYC Releases RFI for Sustainable Fleet Solutions, Including FCEVS, as Part of Mayor's Clean Fleet Initiative
 On December 16, the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (NYC DCAS) released a Request for Information (RFI) for sustainable fleet solutions, as part of the Mayor's recent Clean Fleet Initiative. The RFI includes specific information on FCEVs and hydrogen refueling infrastructure, and was issued with the intent to spend $6 billion to procure fleet vehicles, fuel, and infrastructure through 2035.
The Mayor's Clean Fleet Initiative plans to create the largest electric vehicle fleet of any U.S city, and cut vehicle emissions 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2025 and 80 percent by 2035. The full text of the plan is available here.
Responses to the RFI are due on February 16, 2016.
For a link to the full RFI, click here. For a link to the press release, click here.
Electric & Hybrid Aerospace Technology Symposium 2016 Call for Papers
On December 3, Electric & Hybrid Aerospace Technology Symposium 2016 issued a Call for Papers for its conference taking place on November 9-10, 2016 in Cologne, Germany.
Proposal topics include fuel cell powered aerospace applications, including high-temperature fuel cells, as well as fuel cells for cabin power.
Submissions are due by February 29, 2016.
For a link to the full page, click here.
|
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.
|
|
|
Click here for an archive of previous issues of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Connection.
|
|
