Department of Energy, Industry Representatives Inaugurate D.C. Hydrogen Fueling Station
On July 11, A hydrogen refueling station in Washington D.C. was inaugurated by government officials and industry representatives in an ribbon-cutting event. The station is powered by Proton OnSite electrolyzer technology, in partnership with Air Products and Sun Hydro, and supported by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Several officials gave remarks at the event, including Assistant Secretary of the the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) David Friedman, Director of the National Parks Service (NPS) John Jarvis, former U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan, and representatives from Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai.
Senator Byron Dorgan, Assistant Secretary of EERE David Friedman, Director of the National Park Service John Jarvis and other industry officials cut the ribbon at the new hydrogen fuel station
These automakers each provided fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) on-site for the event. For the station, Proton OnSite supplied fueling equipment, while the DOE gave design advice and the NREL oversaw on-site development. The station will provide approximately 30 kilograms (kg) of hydrogen fuel each day, and will be hosted by the NPS at their Brentwood Avenue maintenance facility for four years.
Hyundai Tucson, Toyota Mirai, and Honda Clarity FCVs present at the station opening ceremony
Assistant Secretary Friedman speaks to crowd at event
For a link to the full article, including a video of the station dedication, click here.
Overflow Audience Attends FCHEA 4th Annual Congressional Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Policy Briefing in Senate
 On Thursday, June 23, more than 100 House and Senate staff members, as well as other policy officials, attended the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association's (FCHEA's) 4th annual Congressional Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Policy Briefing on Capitol Hill, a strong reflection of increased awareness of, and interest in, fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.
Senator Blumenthal and Senator Graham speak at the Summit
Senators Bluemthal (D-CT) and Graham (R-SC) opened the briefing by explaining their support for the fuel cell and hydrogen energy industry, the need for sustained funding for research and development, and calling for renewal and extension of needed tax incentives to provide parity in the market.
 Andy Marsh, Plug Power CEO, speaks during fuel cell panel
Other speakers included:
- Dr. Sunita Satyapal, Director of the Fuel Cell Technologies Office within the Department of Energy;
- Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power;
- Jana Barresi, Director of Federal Relations at Walmart;
- Frank Wolak, Vice President of FuelCell Energy and Chairman of FCHEA
- Jonathan Powers, Managing Director of Public Sector Business Development for Bloom Energy.
The speakers detailed the commercial success of stationary fuel cells and fuel cell-powered material handling equipment, recent commercialization of fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen infrastructure, and explained why continued support of these technologies remains crucial to the nation's energy future.
Attendance at the event was far greater than expected, with a significant overflow crowd listening at the doorway.
The strong interest in fuel cells indicates that the industry enjoys greater recognition of importance on Capitol Hill thanks to the hard work of FCHEA's members and staff, as well as the work of our industry allies in Congress and throughout Washington.
FCHEA Releases Two Publications Showcasing the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry
On July 18, FCHEA released two new resources showcasing the impact of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies on today's energy landscape.
The publications will be vital for journalists, policymakers, energy experts and customers who are interested in learning more about FCHEA members and the industry supply chain.
The first resource is a member product guide, which highlights the range of commercially available products including components, systems, fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen equipment, and more. The second resource is a member media guide that provides a detailed overview of FCHEA's members and their media contact information.
For a link to the full press release, click here. The Media Guide is available here and the Product Guide is available here.
Hyundai and the Department of Energy Extend their Fuel Cell Vehicle Program Through 2017
On July 11, Hyundai and the Department of Energy (DOE) announced an extension of their fuel cell confirmation program from 2016 to 2017. Hyundai provides their Tuscon fuel cell vehicles (FCV) for daily use and the DOE provides confirmation and fueling using existing infrastructure.
Phase one of this program operated from 2013 to 2015 in Southern California. Phase two is set to begin in July, focusing on Northern California, Washington D.C, Denver, and Michigan. The project will also rely on the newly-inaugurated Proton OnSite hydrogen refueling station in Washington D.C.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Hydrogen Stations Open in Lake Forest and San Jose, California
 On July 12, the California Energy Commission (CEC) welcomed a new station in Lake Forrest, California to its statewide network. On July 21, the CEC also announced that a new hydrogen station in San Jose, California had also joined the network.
In California, there are currently 20 open retail hydrogen stations, and 6 open non-retail hydrogen stations. The CEC has funded 49 hydrogen stations to date and has plans to fund up to 100 total stations to support an initial introduction of fuel cell vehicles in the Golden State.
Lake Forrest, California Station (Source: CEC)
The CEC announcement on the Lake Forset station can be found here and the San Jose station can be found here. The latest California Hydrogen Station Map is available on the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) website at http://cafcp.org/stationmap.
Dutch Electricity Company Leasing Two Toyota Mirai FCVs for Employee Use
 On July 7, Toyota announced that Dutch electricity company Stedin will lease two Mirai fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) for a four year period, as part of Stedin's plan to replace a majority of its fleet with zero emission vehicles by 2020.
Toyota and Stedin Officials with Mirai FCV Source: Toyota
Stedin will provide an opportunity to all of its employees to drive the vehicle. The Netherlands marks the sixth European country to begin leasing the Mirai, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, Belgium and Norway.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
ITM Power Announces Sale of Hydrogen Refueling Station to Hydrog�ne de France
On June 29, ITM Power announced the sale of an integrated hydrogen refueling station (HRS) with on-site application to Hydrog�ne de France (HDF) for deployment in France. The station will be used by local captive fleets comprised of 350 bar range-extender fuel cell vans and 700 bar fuel cell vehicles (FCVs).
Toyota Mirai FCV fueling with ITM Power hydrogen technology Source ITM Power
The contract is worth €1.5 million ($1.67 million) and HDF will receive additional funding from the European Union (EU) as part of the EU Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) project. HDF will begin this project in 2017 by executing the purchase, installation, operation and maintenance of the HRS.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Areva H2Gen Inaugurates First Dedicated Electrolyser Manufacturing Plant in France
 On June 28, Areva H2Gen inaugurated the first plant in France dedicated to manufacturing electrolyzers, built to produce hydrogen for France's burgeoning fuel cell vehicle (FCV) market. Areve H2Gen Hydrogen Electrolyzer Systems Source: Areva
The electrolyzers use proton exchange membranes (PEMs) to produce hydrogen fuel from electricity. The facility in France will produce approximately 30 electrolyzers each year and generate a capacity of 5-120 normal cubic meters of hydrogen per hour.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Plug Power Receives Purchase Order from FM Logistics for their GenDrive Fuel Cell
 On July 12, FM Logistics placed a purchase order with Plug Power for the GenDrive fuel cell powered forklifts. The GenDrive will be used in FM Logistic's 90,000 square meter facility in Neuville-aux-Bois, France.
The GenDrive fuel cell solution replaces lead-acid batteries in forklifts and other operation systems. By using the GenDrive, FM Logistic will reduce their overall emissions, and avoid any handling or storage of batteries. The purchase will expand the deployment of Plug Power's fuel cells to smaller distribution centers, as well as European logistic operations.
For a link to the full article, click here.
IKEA Adds Bloom Energy's Fuel Cells to Four Stores in California
On July 13, IKEA announced the planned installation of Bloom Energy fuel cell systems at four of its stores in California. The biogas-powered fuel cell systems are set to be installed and operational by fall of 2016, bringing its total portfolio if 1.3 megawatts (MW) of fuel cell power.
|
Bloom Energy fuel cell stack at IKEA Emeryville Source: Business Wire
|
IKEA completed an installation of a fuel cell system in Emeryville, California in 2015. The success of the Emeryville IKEA installation prompted the company to expand their fuel cell portfolio to its San Francisco, Costa Mesa, Covina, and San Diego stores.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Hydrogenics Awarded Southeast Asia's First Renewable Hydrogen-Based Energy Storage and Power Plant
 On July 21, Hydrogenics announced that it had been awarded the "Lam Takhong Wind Hydrogen Hybrid Project" by the Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand (EGAT), for a projected worth of €4.3 million.
This will be Southeast Asia's first megawatt-scale project for energy storage and will consist of a Hydrogenics 1 MW PEM HyLyzer electrolyzer, hydrogen storage, and a 300 kW HyPM fuel cell plant. Bangkok based Phraram 2 Civil Engineering Co., LTd. will provide services to implement the project.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Colorado Hydrogen Coalition and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Recruit Companies to Join the Fuel Cell Industry
 On July 6, the Colorado Hydrogen Coalition and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Research Group announced a project to introduce new companies into the fuel cell and hydrogen energy industry.
This announcement is part of a larger project sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide a national supply chain resource for the industry, as well as cultivate new relationships and a database of manufacturers and suppliers.
To take the survey or sign up, click here. Daimler and Linde Inaugurate a New Hydrogen Fuel Station in Ulm, Germany
On July 19, Daimler, Linde, Total, and the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research hosted the official opening of a hydrogen station based in Ulm, Germany. The opening is part of a program to expand hydrogen and fuel cell research and development in Germany.
Companies Daimler, Linde, Total, and the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research inaugurate the hydrogen station in Ulm Source: Daimler
The National Innovation Program (NIP) for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology has funded the 21 hydrogen fueling stations in Germany already in existence. Within NIP, Linde and Daimler are planning 20 more stations, for a total investment of €20 million ($22 million USD).
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Hyundai Motor Breaks Records During a European Fuel Cell Rally
On June 27, Hyundai completed a five day road trip that spanned five European countries with the ix35 Fuel Cell. This event marked both a new speed record for fuel cells vehicles (FCVs) on Europe's public roads, traveling at 170 kilometers per hour (~105 miles per hour), as well as the longest FCV road trip in Europe at 2,500 kilometers (~1,550 miles).
Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell on European road trip Source: Hyundai
The Hyundai ix35 FCV drove from Norway, through Denmark, Germany, and Austria, to the destination of Bolzano, Italy, all while using only existing hydrogen refueling stations. For a link to the full article, click here.
Europe Launches €135 Million Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure and FCV Deployment Project
 On July 4, Hydrogen Mobility Europe (H2ME) announced the second pan-European deployment of hydrogen fueling infrastructure in the region. The project, H2ME 2, involves 37 partners with €100 million ($1.11 million) in funding, with a further €35 million ($38.7 million) provided by the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH-JU), a public private partnership supported by the European Union.
The project will install 20 additional hydrogen fueling stations, and deploy 1,230 fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) over six years.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Plug Power Acquires Carrefour Group as a New GenDrive Fuel Cell Customer
On July 19, Plug Power announced an order for its GenDrive products for French retailer Carrefour Group. This order follows a similar deal by another French company FM Logistic announced last week. Carrefour Group plans to purchase 150 GenDrive units, which will be used in electric lift trucks at a distribution center located in Vendin-l�s-B�thune, France and will be commissioned in late 2016.
Carrefour, the world's second largest retailer, selected Plug Power's GenDrive products as part of its commitment to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions significantly by 2025.
This project will receive funding from the European Union's Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH-JU). For a link to the full article, click here.
Toyota Delivers Three Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicles to Australia
On July 10, Toyota delivered three of their Mirai fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) to Australia. The FCVs will be used for promotional purposes, as well as for experimentation conducted by Australian engineers.
Fleet of three Toyota Mirai FCVs Source: Toyota
Australia lacks hydrogen infrastructure to support the mass commercialization of FCVs such as the Mirai. Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Norway, and the UK (where the car is already being sold) have been able to commercialize the Mirai due to wide-spread implementation of hydrogen refueling stations. The three new Toyota FCVs in Australia will be powered by a refueling station planned for October 2016.
For a link to the full article, click here.
ISO Publishes ISO/TS 19880:2016 Technical Document for Hydrogen Fueling Stations
On July 5, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published ISO/TS 19880:2016, Gaseous hydrogen - fueling stations - Part 1: General requirements, a technical document crucial to building hydrogen fueling stations worldwide. This new standard is applicable for the fueling of light-duty hydrogen land vehicles, but it can also be used as guidance for fueling buses, trams, motorcycles, and fork-lift trucks, with hydrogen storage capacities outside of current published fueling protocol standards, such as SAE J2601.
The TS was prepared by ISO/TC 197 WG 24, led by co-conveners Jesse Schneider (BMW) and Guy Dang-Nhu (Air Liquide), along with Nick Hart (ITM Power) as secretary.
The TS addresses numerous topics, including hydrogen production, delivery, compression, storage, and fueling of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). The Technical Specification precedes an International Standard (IS), which the working group has already begun developing.
For a link to the full standard, click here.
Hyundai Provides Updates on Fuel Cell Vehicle Technology
On July 5, Hyundai provided the latest updates on fuel cell technology and their advancements in fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) across Europe. They focused on the HyTEC project in Copenhagen, Denmark, the BeeZero project in Munich, Germany, and the partnership providing the first hydrogen fueling station in Bolzano, Italy.
Hyundai ix35 fuel cell vehicles refueling in Munich; Source Hyundai
These projects have deployed hydrogen refueling stations across Europe, which in turn has expanded the market for the Hyundai ix35 FCV.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Plug Power Closes on $40 Million Loan with Silicon Valley Financier
On June 28, Plug Plower closed a deal with Hercules Capital of Palo Alto, California, for a $40 million loan facility.
Plug Power reports that the loan will be utilized for both general corporate purposes and other working capital goals. Plug Power closed on another multi-million dollar loan with Generate Capital of San Francisco, California earlier this year.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Hyundai Motor receives Technology award at the Auto Express New Car Awards 2016
On July 6, Hyundai received the Technology award at the Auto Express New Car Awards 2016 for its eco-technologies, including the ix35 fuel cell vehicle (FCV).
Hyundai plans to introduce another 28 low-and-zero emission vehicle models by 2020, including FCVs.
For a link to the full article, click here.
California Air Resources Board Releases 2016 Annual AB 8 Report
 On July 15, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) released its 2016 issue of the Annual Evaluation of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Deployment and Hydrogen Fuel Station Network Development report. This is a requirement of the 2013 Assembly Bill 8 which provides state funding to support at least 100 hydrogen stations in the state. This is the third annual publication of this report.
The report details updates on the deployment of fuel cell electric vehicles and development of hydrogen stations in California.
For a link to the report, click here.
|
 Federal Program News
|
2016 Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Annual Merit Review Proceedings Available
On June 28, the Department of Energy made the full recorded proceedings of the Annual Merit Review, held earlier this month in Washington D.C, available for download.
For a link to the full recordings for download, click here.
Energy Department Announces $14 Million to Fund Hydrogen Energy Projects
 On July 12, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $14 million in funds dedicated to advancing hydrogen fuel technology. The selection of projects focus on advanced high-temperature water splitting, advanced compression and thermal insulation technologies.
The DOE's goal is to reduce costs to less than $4 per gallon of gas equivalent (gge) by 2020 (and $7/gge for early markets). The projects selected by the DOE will encourage hydrogen research, development, and manufacturing. Among the projects focusing on high-temperature water splitting is FuelCell Energy's for a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) system.
Sandia National Laboratory will also receive funding for their project on advanced compression, a laboratory scale two-stage metal hydride-based hydrogen gas compressor.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Energy Department Announces $13 Million to Advance Fuel Cell Performance and Durability and Hydrogen Storage Technologies
On July 6, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced $13 million in funding to advanced fuel cell performance and durability, as well as for hydrogen storage technologies. The awards are administered by the Fuel Cell Consortium for Performance and Durability (FC-PAD), and the Hydrogen Materials - Advanced Research Consortium (HyMARC), National Lab-led efforts within the DOE.
The first set of awards under FC-PAD focus on reducing platinum requirements and durability of transportation for fuel cells to improve the life span of the technology. Awardees include 3M, who will integrate novel electrode ionomers with nanostructured thin film low-platinum group metal (PGM) electrocatalysts in powder form to develop an improved cathode-coated membrane and electrode structure in the fuel cell.
General Motors was also awarded, and will focus on studying fuel cell degradation and failure in operating conditions for low PGM electrodes.
HyMARC administred four project awards, including Argonne National Laboratory, who will develop a new class of hydrogen storage materials composed of nano-particles for improved onboard storage.
For a link to the full press release and list of awardees, click here.
|
Upcoming Events
|
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.
|
|
Nuvera Forklifts | June 22, 2016
H2 Logic | June 25, 2016
Ceres Power | June 28, 2016
My Record Journal | June 28, 2016
Department of Energy | June 30, 2016
Gasworld | June 30, 2016
Autoblog | June 30, 2016
FuelCell Energy | July 1, 2016
Fuel Cells Can Help Battle Climate Change
The Hill | July 11, 2016
Hyundai | July 12, 2016
Toshiba | July 14, 2016
Greater New Haven Clean Cities Coalition | July 13, 2016
Bloomberg | July 18, 2016
Public Power Daily | July 19, 2016
Energy.gov | July 19, 2016
|
DOE Announces FY 2017 SBIR Phase I Release 1 Topics - Fuel Cell Catalysts and Hydrogen Delivery
On July 21, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced the 2017 Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Phase I Release 1 topics, including two subtopics focused on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The fuel cell subtopic includes novel, durable supports for low-platinum group metal (PGM) catalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The hydrogen delivery subtopic focuses on metal hydride materials for compression.
Applications are due by Monday, October 17, 2016.
For a link to the full Funding Opportunity Announcement, click here.
|
Administration
Press releases and story ideas may be forwarded to Connor Dolan and Karen Hall for consideration at [email protected] and [email protected] respectively.
If your company is interested in joining FCHEA, please visit fchea.org or contact Connor Dolan at [email protected].
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.
|
|
|
Click here for an archive of previous issues of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Connection.
|
|
