Mercedes-Benz to Commercialize Fuel Cell Plug-In Hybrid SUV in 2017
 On June 10, Mercedes-Benz, a Daimler brand, announced plans to sell a fuel cell electric version of its GLC SUV in 2017, dubbed the GLC F-Cell hybrid Plug-In. Mercedes aims to broaden consumer appeal for the technology by making the vehicle able to either be charged through an electric outlet, or refueled with hydrogen.
Prototype Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell hybrid plug-in SUV automobile during Daimler's TecDay Road to the Future event in Stuttgart, Germany Source: Bloomberg
Mercedes reports that the GLC F-Cell Hybrid Plug-In can travel approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) on a full tank of hydrogen fuel. The on-board battery can also provide enough power to travel an additional 50 kilometers (31 miles) before needing to refuel. The vehicle is being developed as part of Daimler's €7 billion ($7.9 billion) initiative for innovative vehicle technology through 2017. For a link to the full article, click here.
Nissan Develops World's First Ethanol Based Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System for Vehicles
 On June 14, Nissan announced the development of a new kind of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) drivetrain that taps an on-board tank of ethanol fuel, instead of pressurized hydrogen, dubbed the 'e-bio fuel cell.'
Nissan Test Bench for New E-Bio Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Source: Automotive News
Nissan's new platform generates hydrogen inside the vehicle from ethanol using a reformer and atmospheric oxygen, which is then fed to a SOFC stack to produce electricty. Nissan plans to bring the technology to market for fleet vehicle applications around 2020.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Hyundai Provides 50 FCEVs for World's First Fuel Cell Car Sharing Service
On June 10, Hyundai announced that it has provided 50 Tuscon ix35 fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) for BeeZero, the world's first fuel cell car sharing service, operated by the Linde Group in Munich, Germany.
Hyundai and Linde Executives in front of ix35 FCEV car share fleet Source: Hyundai
BeeZero will enter operation on July 16, making all 50 FCEVs available for use by customers using a smart phone app in the Munich city center, as well as areas around the city.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
ITM Power Participating in H2ME2, €35M European Union Hydrogen Refueling Station Deployment Program
 On June 14, ITM Power announced its participation in a €35 million ($39.3 million) project for the Hydrogen Mobility Europe 2 (H2ME2) program, funded by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH-JU) under Horizon 2020, administered by the European Union.
H2ME2 brings together 37 partners from around Europe to deploy 1,230 fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and an additional 20 hydrogen refueling stations over the next six years. Additionally, the project will test the ability of electrolyzers at hydrogen refueling stations to assist in grid balancing.
For a link to the full FCH-JU press release, click here.
ITM Power Fueling Station with Fuel Cell Vehicles Source: ITM Power
ITM Power will receive €5.06 million ($6.29 million) as part of the project to deploy three dual-pressure hydrogen refueling stations to expand the fueling network in the United Kingdom.
For a link to the full ITM Power press release, click here.
myFC Delivers First Order of Fuel Cell Charger JAQ to Swedish Phone Operator Three
 On June 7, myFC delivered the first order of its officially certified portable fuel cell charger JAQ to Three, a mobile phone operator based in Sweden. Three will test and evaluate the JAQ charger, and will soon make it available for purchase to their customers.
JAQ Fuel Cell Charger in Packaging for Three Sweden Source: myFC
JAQ is powered with a charge card that uses water and salt to generate hydrogen fuel. The hydrogen is then used to generate electricity that can charge a mobile device via USB.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Toyota Delivers First Mirai Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle in Belgium to Hydrogenics
 On May 31, Toyota delivered the keys to its first Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in Belgium to Hydrogenics as part of its expansion in the country. The Flemish government is hoping to create 20 public hydrogen fueling stations by 2020, which would support the commercialization of FCEVs such as the Toyota Mirai.
Toyota Mirai FCEV at unveiling event in Belgium Source: Hydrogenics
The delivery of the Mirai comes after the April opening of the first public hydrogen fueling station in Belgium, located in the Zaventem municipality. Hydrogenics also stated that they are helping prepare further hydrogen infrastructure in the country. Toyota has delivered the Mirai FCEV to markets in Japan, United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Denmark, and now Belgium.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Plug Power and HyGear Partner to Provide Reformer Technology to Global Fuel Cell Users
 On June 8, Plug Power announced a partnership to supply HyGear's hydrogen reformer technology to Plug Power's customers world-wide. HyGear's product, the Hy.GEN steam methane reformation (SMR) system, is a low-cost and efficient alternative to conventional hydrogen sources including electrolysis and large-volume liquid systems.
HyGear's HyGEN SMR Unit Source: Plug Power
The partnership is part of a long-term goal for Plug Power to make hydrogen a prevalent, accessible, and low-cost fuel.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Johnson Matthey Led Consortium to Develop Technology for Fuel Cell Vehicles
 On June 16, Johnson Matthey announced plans to lead an industry consortium as part of a three year program to develop and validate technology for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). The program, named INSPIRE, is a €7.0 million ($7.86 million) project supported by the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH-JU), a program administered by the European Union.
Johnson Matthey's Technology Centre in Sonning Common, UK Source: Johnson Matthey
The consortium members include fuel cell component suppliers, academic institutions, and automotive OEM BMW Group. Johnson Matthey develops membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) that make up key components of FCVs.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Air Products Announces License Agreement with Air Liquide for its Patented Hydrogen Fueling Protocol
 On June 2, Air Products announced it signed a technology license agreement with Air Liquide, allowing the company to practice Air Products technology incorporated into the Society of Automotive Engineer's (SAE) J2601 hydrogen fueling protocol.
Air Products uses the J2601 protocol at its own SmartFuel hydrogen fueling stations, providing 700 bar fuel for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Air Products estimates its SmartFuel technology is used in approximately one million fillings per year around the world.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Nebraska Public Power District Implements Innovative Hydrogen Generation Solution at Sheldon Station Plant
 On May 27, a media outlet provided an update on the status of a collaboration between Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and Monolith Materials, an American natural gas company. In 2015, NPPD announced their plans to replace a coal-powered boiler at Sheldon Station in Hallam, Nebraska, with a hydrogen-powered one. Monolith plans to utilize the low-cost electricity of NPPD and the plentiful reserves of natural gas to separate carbon black, a by-product of petroleum combustion, and hydrogen. NPPD will burn hydrogen instead of coal to generate electricity and reduce their overall emissions. The use of hydrogen as fuel will allow NPPD to produce half of its electricity carbon-free.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
FCH JU Pace Project Will Deploy 2,650 Micro Combined Heat and Power Fuel Cells
 The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen - Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), a European public-private partnership to promote the development of fuel technology, recently signed a €34 million ($38.4 million) grant agreement to deploy 2,650 micro combined heat and power (CHP) fuel cells in Europe.
The grant is part of PACE, a major initiative to promote the commercialization of residential CHP. The project will allow European solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) manufacturers, Bosch, SOLIDpower, Vaillant, and Viessmann, to increase factory automation and production capacity of CHP units.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Air Liquide, Hyundai Sign Hydrogen MOU Following Meeting with Korean President
 On June 5, Air Liquide and Hyundai Motors announced that they had signed a Memorandum of Undestanding (MOU) to boost cooperation on fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and to advance hydrogen fueling infrastructure around the world. The MOU came after a visit by South Korea President Park Geun-hye to Air Liquide's facility in Grenoble, France. Korean President Park Geun-Hye Fuels a Hyundai ix-35 FCEV Using a Air Liquide Hydrogen Fueling Station Source: Air Liquide
Air Liquide and Hyundai have already collaborated on FCEV and infrastructure deployment in Europe, where Air Liquide installed the first hydrogen fueling station in Paris to support the Hype taxi fleet of five Hyundai ix-35 FCEVs.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Hydrogenics Signs $13.5 Million Strategic Development Agreement with Chinese Partner
 On June 8, Hydrogenics Corporation entered into a partnership with SinoHytec, a vehicle propulsion technology company based in Beijing. The partnership, valued at $13.5 million, will facilitate the deployment of fuel cells in China. The agreement calls for co-development of fuel cell power modules and power systems designed specifically for the Chinese consumer in 2016 and 2017.
Hydrogenics has supplied several fuel cell systems to be tested in SinoHytec prototypes, including fuel cell powered buses and trucks.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Air Liquide Sets up a Hydrogen Station in the First All-Hydrogen Warehouse in Europe
 On June 8, Air Liquide installed a hydrogen station in the first all-hydrogen logistics platform to operate inside a European warehouse. The warehouse, operated by Prelocentre, a food logistics company, is located in Saint-Cyr-En-Val, France. The station can refuel a fuel cell-powered forklift in three minutes that will run for eight hours on average.
Fuel cell forklift utilizing Air Liquide hydrogen fueling technology Source: Air Liquide
The factory is equipped with 46 forklifts that can be charged and operated using Air Liquide's hydrogen station. The use of hydrogen will increase flexibility and improve productivity by extending the range of forklifts, reducing charging time and increasing safety for forklift operators.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
U.S. DRIVE Releases Cradle-to-Grave Analysis of Light-Duty Vehicles, Including Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
 On June 9, U.S. DRIVE released a comprehensive cradle-to-grave analysis of light-duty vehicles (LDVs). The study, conducted by Argonne National Laboratory, provides an examination of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a variety of vehicle-fuel pathways.
The various vehicle technologies were evaluated with powertrian configuration, component sizing, cost and fuel efficiency. In addition to LDVs, the portfolio included internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
For a link to the full report, click here.
Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell Vehicles Tour Europe, Stops at Air Liquide's Düsseldorf Hydrogen Station
On June 14, Air Liquide welcomed several Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) at its Dusseldorf, Germany hydrogen refueling station as part of Hyundai's pan-European road trip. Hyundai aims to cross five countries on its 2,500 kilometer (1,553 mile) tour, including Norway, Denmark, Germany, Austria, and Italy, in just five days, with zero emissions.
To coordinate refueling, drivers on this trip are using Hyundai's new Fuel Cell mobile app that has just been launched for iOS and Android. It is the first app to include live information on the availability of all hydrogen filling stations across Europe.
For more information on the Hyundai Hydrogen Tour, click here.
Hyundai ix35 FCV at Air Liquide's Dusseldorf Hydrogen Station Source: Air Liquide
Air Liquide's Düsseldorf hydrogen station opened to the public in 2012, and nine further hydrogen stations are planned by the company in Germany as part of a demonstration project.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
ITM Power Shares Thüga Group Power-To-Gas Technology Performance Update
On June 13, ITM Power highlighted a performance update on the Thüga Group's Power-to-Gas plant purchased two years ago for grid balancing in Germany markets. Two years of testing by the Thüga Group provided valuable insight for the practicality of power-to-gas applications.
ITM Power Thuga Group Power to Gas Plant Source: ITM Power
The plant successfully completed tests for primary grid balancing, and operated as part of a virtual network via a real time control unit. As part of the tests, plant operators were able to verify system efficiency of over 70% for power-to-gas operations.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
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 Federal Program News
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DOE Announces $22 Million in Funding to Accelerate the Development of Sustainable Transportation Technologies, Including FCEVs
On June 6, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced $22 million to accelerate the development of a range of sustainable transportation technologies, including fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
DOE will seek leveraged Alternative Fuel Vehicle Community Partner Projects that will significantly accelerate the use of vehicles operating on alternative fuels, including hydrogen, as well as the infrastructure supporting them. Projects will be led by community-based partnerships between local governments and private sector stakeholders, and will seek to share lessons learned and best practices to catalyze technology deployment.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Senator Dorgan and DOE Acting Assistant Secretary Friedman Deliver Remarks at 2016 Fuel Cell Technologies and Vehicles Technologies Annual Merit Review
On May 31, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) and the Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) announced the appearance of Byron L. Dorgan and David Friedman at their Annual Merit Review (AMR) on June 6, 2016. The AMR takes place from June 6-10, 2016 in Washington, D.C., with more than 1,800 expected attendees, 400 projects, and 300 expert peer reviewers.
Senator Byron L. Dorgan is a strong advocate of energy policy and has worked extensively to fund development of renewable, sustainable energy. During his time as a Senator from North Dakota, he was the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, senior member of the Appropriations, Commerce, and Energy Committees, and founding Co-Chair of the Senate Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus.
Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) David Friedman is an expert on sustainable transportation and clean energy technologies, with two decades of experience. He served on the committee of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine and the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Committee.
For a link to the AMR website, click here.
DOE Makes Slides Available for Webinar on Fuel Cell Powered UAVs
 On May 26, the Department of Energy (DOE) hosted a webinar on the progress and challenges of hydrogen fuel cell-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The webinar's slides are now available to download here.
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 Upcoming Events
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DOE Sustainable Transportation Summit 2016
On July 11 and 12, the Department of Energy (DOE) will hold the 2016 Sustainable Transportation Summit. This year's summit will highlight progress and achievements in sustainable transportation research and development and efforts to bring new technologies to market, including the President's EV Everywhere Grand Challenge and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). It will also serve as a forum to share ideas and perspectives on opportunities to accelerate the commercialization and deployment of advanced transportation technologies and smart mobility systems over the next decade.
Come hear from industry, government, and academic thought leaders on topics including:
- Pathways to Deep Decarbonization in Transportation-meeting the administration's bold targets for reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions 83% by 2050.
- Adoption of New Vehicle Technology-influencing consumer decisions and behavior to support energy efficiency and low-carbon objectives.
- Net-Zero Carbon Fuels-enabling the production of new fuels from sunlight and CO2 via scientific breakthroughs.
- The Future of Mobility-realizing an interconnected and intelligent transportation system for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.
Through parallel tracks on day two, EERE's Vehicle, Bioenergy, and Fuel Cell Technologies Offices will engage with key stakeholders on some of its highest profile, transformative initiatives, including hydrogen fuels and infrastructure.
For a link to the full event, click here.
17th Annual Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Project Review Meeting
On July 19 to 21, the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) will hold the 17th Annual Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Project Review Meeting, held at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriot Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
For a link to the full event, click here.
DSI Announces the 4th Annual Military Mobile Power Summit
On July 12, DSI will hold the 4th Annual Military Mobile Power Summit.
The Summit will focus on the efforts to advance military mobile power and energy capabilities, including fuel cells. This event will highlight the initiatives to reduce the DoD's energy footprint, while maintaining force structure and capability.
Anyone interested in participating in the 4th Annual Military Mobile Power Summit can visit Defense Strategies Institute's website at http://mobilepower.dsigroup.org/ for more information.
For a link to register for the summit, click here.
Electric & Hybrid Industrial Vehicle Technology Symposium Release Call for Speakers
The Electric & Hybrid Industrial Vehicle Technology Symposium, which takes place in Cologne, Germany from November 9-10, will bring together R&D engineers and heads of design and engineering from around the world to discuss, debate and analyze the growing possibilities and future developments for the hybridization and full electrification of construction, industrial and off-highway vehicles, including fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEVs).
Interest in presenting at the conference, as well as attending, is expected to be extremely high, so if you would like to be considered as a speaker please submit your proposal immediately or no later than April 29, 2016.
For a link to submit a proposal, click here. For a link to the full event, click here.
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Automotive News | May 30, 2016
Carscoops | May 30, 2016
Forbes | June 1, 2016
The Detroit News | June 1, 2016
Wal-Mart Blog | June 2, 2016
USA Today | June 6, 2016
Mining Weekly | June 6, 2016
Department of Energy | June 6, 2016
Department of Energy | June 8, 2016
Mining Weekly | June 8, 2016
Denmark Ministry of Foreign Affairs | June 8, 2016
Autocar Professional | June 10, 2016
Hartford Courant | June 10, 2016
The Detroit Bureau | June 14, 2016
The Detroit Bureau | June 15, 2016
DW | June 15, 2016
Financial Times | June 16, 2016
Forbes | June 16, 2016
Autosport | June 16, 2016
Inhabitat | June 17, 2016
Wired | June 17, 2016
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DOE Issues Request for Information on Medium- and Heavy-Duty Fuel Cell Electric Truck Targets
On June 12, the Department of Energy's Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) has issued a request for information (RFI) to obtain feedback and opinions from truck operators, truck and storage tank manufacturers, fuel cell manufacturers, station equipment designers, and other related stakeholders on issues related to fuel cell electric truck targets.
RFI responses are due by close of business on July 11, 2016.
For a link to the full RFI, click here.
DOE Issues Request for Information on Hydrogen Storage for On-board Vehicle Applications
On June 7, the Department of Energy's Fuel Cell Technologies Office (DOE FCTO) issued a Request for Information (RFI) on hydrogen storage for on-board vehicle applications. The RFI seeks to obtain feedback on strategies and potential pathways for cost reduction and performance improvements of composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) systems for compressed hydrogen storage for on-board vehicle applications.
RFI Responses are due by close of business on June 30, 2016.
For a link to the full RFI, click here.
Request for Information - Innovative Electric Mobility (E-Mobility) Services
 On May 10, the California Energy Commission (CEC) released a Request for Information (RFI) for Innovative Electric Mobility Services. The purpose of the RFI is to solicit projects for potential funding through the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP).
RFI responses are due by close of business July 15, 2016.
For a link to the full RFI, click here.
AIChE TEP Division Call for Session Chairs and Keynote Speakers for 2016 Annual Meeting in San Francisco
 The America Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Transport and Energy Processes (TEP) Division invites you to attend their Annual Meeting, which is scheduled for November 13-18th, 2016 in San Francisco, CA.
AIChE is offering many sessions in sustainable energy generation and storage technologies, including fuel cells, hydrogen, and electrochemical technologies.
They're also are recruiting session chairs and keynote speakers, so please feel free to nominate yourself or a colleague for one or more of these roles. Also, if there is a particular session that is not on this list below that you would like to develop and
run (i.e. find speakers for, etc.), please feel free to volunteer as a session chair for a new session that you would like to spearhead.
More information can be found online here.
ARPA-E Announces $30 Million in Funding For New Technologies to Produce Renewable Liquid Fuels
 On April 26, the Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) announced up to $30 million in funding for a new program for technologies that use renewable energy to convert air and water into cost-competitive liquid fuels, including hydrogen.
ARPA-E's Renewable Energy to Fuels through Utilization of Energy-dense Liquids (REFUEL) program seeks to develop technologies that use renewable energy to convert air and water into Carbon Neutral Liquid Fuels, which can be stored, transported, and later converted into hydrogen or electricity to provide power for transportation.
REFUEL will allocate up to $5 million to small business through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR).
For a link to the full press release, click here.
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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.
If your company is interested in joining FCHEA, please visit fchea.org or contact Connor Dolan at cdolan@fchea.org.
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 the DOE's mission to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States.
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