|
Nissan Unveils Prototype Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Powered Vehicle
 On August 4, Nissan unveiled the e-Bio Fuel-Cell, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) powered vehicle that can be fueled with a variety of mixtures, including bio-ethanol and ethanol-blended water. The vehicle was unveiled in Brazil, where it will undergo testing on public roads.
Nissan E-Bio Fuel Cell Vehicle Prototype Source: Nissan
In combination with a 24 kilowatt-hour (kWh) on-board battery, the vehicle's SOFC can power the vehicle to ranges of up to 373 miles.
Nissan also published a promotional video on the e-Bio Fuel Cell, available to watch
For a link to the full press release, click here.
California Energy Commission Announces Mill Valley Hydrogen Fueling Station
 On August 3, the California Energy Commission (CEC) announced the Mill Valley Hydrogen Station as the latest refueling station to open in the state, located at 570 Redwood Highway.
Mill Valley Hydrogen Fueling Station Source: CEC
As of this month, The CEC has funded 49 hydrogen fueling stations in the state, and 20 retail stations are currently in operation. For a link to a full map of stations in California, click here.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
SimpleFuel Team to Demonstrate Hydrogen Fueling Solution in September
The SimpleFuel team, a consortium of two FCHEA members PDC Machines (Warminster, PA) and McPhy Energy NA (Newton, MA), as well as Ivys Energy Solutions (Somerville, MA), has been selected as the finalist in the Department of Energy H-Prize competition and will demonstrate its innovative solution starting in the end of September.
The SimpleFuel team reports that this solution will provide a new fueling option for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and enable a larger, more rapid deployment of these clean, zero emissions vehicles in the current and near future.
|
| |
The SimpleFuel Team (Source: PDC Machines)
|
As part of a partnership with Warwick Township and the local fire departments, Kareem Afzal (PDC) and Darryl Pollica (Ivys Energy) recently conducted a fire safety training for over 50 first responders, fire departments, and hazardous materials officials. Three Pennsylvania townships were represented, including Warwick, Hartsville, and Northampton.
The SimpleFuel team spent time at their first site at PDC Machines Plant 2 location in Warminster reviewing the principles of the system operation, first level fire safety with hydrogen, and emergency procedures for the SimpleFuel system and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The response and support of Warwick Township and the first responder community has been invaluable to this project and the team looks forward to continuing the engagement.
IKEA to Install Bloom Energy Fuel Cell at Store in New Haven, CT
 On August 23, IKEA announced plans to install a biogas-powered fuel cell, manufactured by Bloom Energy, at its store in New Haven, Connecticut. IKEA has previously deployed Bloom Energy fuel cells at several San Francisco, California locations, with plans for additional installations in the future.
Bloom will supply a 250 kilowatt (kW) fuel cell system that will produce over 2,000,000 kilowatt-hours of energy a year, the equivalent of reducing 1,218 tons of CO2 per year. The fuel cell, combined with a rooftop solar array, will generate the majority of the power requirements for the New Haven IKEA.
For more information, click here.
Toyota and Horizon Educational Group Challenge California High School Students to Build Fuel Cell Vehicles
 On August 9, Toyota announced a partnership with the Horizon Educational Group to bring the Hydrogen Horizon Automotive Challenge to 20 California schools in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The challenge will give students the opportunity to build remote-controlled fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), and learn about the future of the technology.
Students with Horizon Hydrogen Education Kits Source: Toyota
Students will explore challenges originally faced by Toyota's engineers in developing FCVs, and interact with Mirai-owners and a NASCAR Pit Crew as part of the course.
The partnership kicks off with a teacher training in Torrance, California, and will culminate with a race of the student-designed FCVs in March 2017. For a link to the full press release, click here.
ITM Power Signs Fueling Contracts with Commercial Group, Arcola Energy
 On August 23, ITM Power announced it signed a contract to supply hydrogen fuel to the Commercial Group, a business services company that operates a fleet of hybrid hydrogen-fueled delivery vans in the London metropolitan area. The fuel will be dispensed across ITM Power's hydrogen infrastructure network, including a recently opened hydrogen fueling station in London.
|
| | Toyota Mirai Fueling with ITM Power (Source: ITM Power) |
In addition to the contract with the Commercial Group, on August 25, ITM Power announced another fueling contract to supply hydrogen with engineering services company, Arcola Energy. As part of this agreement, ITM Power will supply hydrogen from its refueling infrastructure to Arcola fuel cell vehicle fleet operators at a secured price.
For a link to the press release for the Commercial Group, click here. For a link to the press release for Arcola Energy, click here.
Hyundai Delivers First Fuel Cell Vehicle in Canadian Province of Quebec  On August 10, Hyundai delivered its Tucson fuel cell vehicle (FCV) to a customer in Quebec, marking the first FCV delivery in the province, and the third province to receive FCVs in Canada, including Ontario and British Columbia.
Hyundai, CGER, and UQTR Officials with Tucson FCV Source: Hyundai
The Tucson FCV was delivered to Centre de Gestion de l'Equipment Roulant (CGER), which manages vehicle fleets for Quebec provincial ministries.
The lease is in partnership with the Hydrogen Research Institute of Trois-Rivieres at Universit� du Qu�bec � Trois-Rivi�res (UQTR), where the FCV will be refueled.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Plug Power Celebrates 3 Million Hydrogen Refuelings, Rings NASDAQ Closing Bell
 On August 17, Plug Power employees celebrated the company milestone of 3 million hydrogen refuelings by ringing the closing bell at the NASDAQ MarketSite at Times Square, in New York City.
CEO Andy Marsh with Plug Power Employees at NASDAQ Source: NASDAQ
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Bloom Energy Partners with Gail to Power India with Fuel Cell Technology
On August 22, Bloom Energy and state-owned natural gas processing and distribution company Gail India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement to deploy natural gas fuel cell technology in India. The agreement was signed in the presence of Oil Minister Dharmedra Pradhan by Gail Chairman and Managing Director Shri B.C. Tripathi, and Bloom Energy CEO Dr. K.R. Sridhar.
For more information, click here.
CAFCP to Host Webinar on California Hydrogen Fueling Station Progress
 On August 31, the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) will host a public webinar to provide an update on the hydrogen fueling station network in the state of California. The webinar will provide an overview on station location changes, network development status, the latest California Energy Commission (CEC) funding solicitation, and the next retail stations ready to come online.
To register for the webinar, click here.
Japanese Government Targets 40,000 Fuel Cell Vehicles, 160 Hydrogen Stations by 2020
 On August 17, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry released a report outlining future plans for the fuel cell and hydrogen energy industry in the country, including targets of 40,000 fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and 160 hydrogen refueling stations deployed by 2020.
Japan currently has approximately 80 hydrogen refueling stations and 400 FCVs deployed, as well as 150,000 fuel cell units for residential power generation, as part of the Prime Minister's plan to create a hydrogen society.
For a link to the full article, click here.
|
 Federal Program News
|
NASA Announces Program for Two-Year Study on Fuel Cells in the Aviation Industry
On August 5, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that it has selected five green technology concepts that have the potential to transform the aviation industry for two-year studies, including a study on alternative fuel cells.
|
| |
FUELEAP: Fostering Ultra-Efficient Low-Emitting Aviation Power
(Source: NASA)
|
This fuel cell program, known as Fostering Ultra-Efficient Low-Emitting Aviation Power (FUELEAP), is exploring the use of fuel cells to power an electrically-propelled General Aviation-sized aircraft. The system would utilize hydrogen from standard hydrocarbon-aviation gas, and use exhaust products to increase energy output through a turbine. NASA claims that the system would be supported by airports as it would not require any expensive new facilities or equipment to be installed. For more information, click here.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Testing Novel Hydrogen Storage Method
 On August 4, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) announced its scientists were developing a novel hydrogen storage vessel that could make hydrogen storage and dispensing cheaper for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs).
A 90-kilogram 430-bar prototype of the steel-concrete composite vessel has been manufactured, and is undergoing fatigue testing. Source: ORNL
The 90-kilogram, 430 bar storage vessel prevents corrosion by using small vents in the steel-concrete layer, avoiding pressure buildup.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Energy Department Awards 43 New Business-Laboratory Collaborations under Small Business Vouchers Pilot
On August 18, the Department of Energy announced 43 new participants in the Small Business Voucher (SBV) pilot. Ten awardees were fuel cell and hydrogen energy companies, including FCHEA members Altergy Systems, Pajarito Powder, and Proton OnSite. Selected voucher recipients will have the opportunity to leverage national laboratory capabilities to help bring new technologies to market.
Projects in the fuel cells area are aimed at reducing the costs and improving the performance of fuel cells, such as finding ways to lower costs of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs), a critical component of a fuel cell stack.
For a link to the full press release, click here. For a full list of awardees, click here.
Energy Department Invests $28 Million to Advance Cleaner Fossil Fuel-Based Power Generation
 On August 24, the Department of Energy announced 14 research and development project awards, a total of $36 million in funding, to advance clean fossil fuel-based power generation, including solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology. FCHEA members FuelCell Energy and GE Fuel Cells were among those selected as award recipients.
FuelCell Energy received an award of $3 million to focus on developing transformational SOFC technologies. GE, along with SUNY Polytechnic Institute, received $545,000 to develop multivariable gas sensors to improve SOFC reliability and robustness.
For more information, click here.
Port of San Francisco Considers Locating Hydrogen Fueling Station at Pier 54
On August 15, the Port of San Francisco published a letter in support of a hydrogen refueling station located at Pier 54 of the port. The station would be the first of its kind, servicing both fuel cell vehicles, as well as potential hydrogen fuel cell-powered ferry boats.
The Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration previously awarded a $500,000 grant to study the feasibility of fuel cell-powered boats in San Francisco's port, titled San Francisco Bay Renewable Energy Electric Vessel (SF-BREEZE). The project is managed by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), and a full feasibility report is due later this year.
Applications are due by August 19, and are eligible to receive grant money as part of the California Energy Commission's funding for hydrogen fueling stations in the state.
For a link to the full article, click here.
Department of Transportation Awards SunLine $1.5 Million for Zero-Emission Bus Program
On August 5, the Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (DOT FTA) announced a $1.5 million award to SunLine Transit Agency, located in California, to develop and maintain a fleet of 20 zero-emission buses, including fuel cell buses (FCBs). SunLine provides bus service to customers in the Coachella Valley area of California.
The funding comes from the FTA's Low and No Emission Bus Program.
For a link to the full list of awards, click here.
DOE Webinar on International Hydrogen Infrastructure
On August 30 at 12:00 PM Eastern, the Department of Energy will hold a webinar titled "International Hydrogen Infrastructure Update" that will discuss the status of international hydrogen station deployments, including updates on Japan and Germany.
To register for the webinar, click here.
|
Upcoming Events
|
California Air Resources Board Advanced Clean Cars Symposium "The Road Ahead"
From September 27-28, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) will host a clean car symposium titled "The Road Ahead," which will bring together automakers, stakeholders, and suppliers to discuss the recently released Draft Technical Assessment Report.
The event, located at the South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) facilities in Diamond Bar, California, will cover technology developments, infrastructure deployment, emissions, and other topics relevant to zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) such as fuel cell vehicles (FCVs).
More information will be made available soon. For a link to the full event, click here.
U.S. Trade and Development Agency Hosts a South African Gas-to-Power Reverse Trade Mission
The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will host a reverse trade mission (RTM) in Houston, Texas and Washington D.C. from September 12-16 to introduce high-level South African representatives from the natural gas sector to innovative, new American technologies that could support the implementation of more gas-to-power projects in South Africa. The RTM will include meetings and site visits aimed at facilitating collaboration between the U.S. and South Africa in the power-to-gas projects.
For more information on how to participate in the RTM, contact Olympia Brescia at [email protected] or call 781-641-2900.
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 vehicle (FCVs).
For a link to the full event, click here.
|
Wall Street Journal | July 27, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Blog | July 29, 2016
LA Times | July 31, 2016
Hydrocarbon Processing | August 1, 2016
Exxon Mobile | August 2, 2016
Germany NOW | August 3, 2016
Nikkei Asian Review | August 4, 2016
Five New Ideas to be Explored by NASA Aeronautics TeamsNASA | August 5, 2016
Albany Business Review | August 5, 2016
Timesunion | August 5, 2016
Forbes | August 8, 2016
Car and Driver | August 8, 2016
Sun Chronicle | August 8, 2016
BMW 5 Series GT Hydrogen Fuel Cell prototype spotted during testingBMW Blog | August 9, 2016 The Globe and Mail | August 10, 2016
Gasworld | August 11, 2016
Rep. Debbie Dingell | August 11, 2016
Yonhap News Agency | August 12, 2016
VR Focus | August 12, 2016
Yonhap News Agency | August 12, 2016
Geekwire| August 13, 2016
PR Newsire | August 15, 2016
Korea Bizwire | August 16, 2016
Triple Pundit | August 17, 2016
The Energy Collective | August 17, 2016
The Huffington Post | August 17, 2016
Ward's Auto | August 18, 2016
Ballard Power | August 18, 2016
Fuel Cell Companies Win Small Business Aid
Newswise | August 22, 2016
Los Alamos National Laboratory | August 23, 2016
Yonhap News | August 24, 2016
LA Times | August 24, 2016
The Sun Chronicle | August 25, 2016
The Korea Herald | August 25, 2016
|
FY17 SBIR Phase I Release 1 FOA Released: Includes Fuel Cell Catalysts and Hydrogen Delivery
On August 19, the Department of Energy released topics for the Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17) Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program Funding Opportunity Announce (FOA). FOA Topics include the development of novel, platinum group metal (PGM) free fuel cell catalysts, as well as metal hydrides for high pressure hydrogen compression.
Letters of intent are due September 6, 2016, by 5 PM EDT and full applications are due October 17, 2016, by 11:59 PM EDT.
For a link to the full FOA, click here.
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.
|
|
