CURRENTS

December 13, 2024

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Headlines

2025 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Seminar – Special FCHEA Offer Ends at Midnight! 

January 14-16, 2025

Long Beach, California


At the Annual Meeting, FCHEA announced a special offer to members. Prices increased December 1 but if you register with code EARLY to receive the early bird Seminar registration rate until midnight tonight (December 13).  


The Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Seminar is taking place January 14-16, 2025, in Long Beach, California. This non-profit industry event is the longest-running, most comprehensive conference, and value-added in the U.S. With policy changes, tax credits and major investments on the line, The Seminar will focus on what the U.S. hydrogen landscape looks like in 2025 and beyond, and how to prepare your business for success.


If you miss this special deal, FCHEA members do receive a $150 discount so please contact Jennifer Gangi at jgangi@fchea.org to receive your discount code.

Bloom Energy Announces Project Funding Partnership

On December 11, Bloom Energy announced it has formed a project financing partnership with certain funds managed by HPS Investment Partners (HPS) and Industrial Development Funding (IDF), two leading global providers of infrastructure capital. As part of the agreement, HPS and IDF will acquire 19 MW of Bloom’s Energy Servers, including several advanced on-site microgrid solutions. The approximately $125 million in funding will support the installation of Bloom equipment contracted under PPA structures.


Click here for the full press release from Bloom Energy.

Ballard Powered Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Launches in Australia

On December 11, Ballard Power Systems announced that Australian bus manufacture Volgren has collaborated with Wrightbus to roll out a fuel cell bus. The bus is powered by Ballard's 70 kW fuel cell engine and is slated for imminent delivery to the Australian transit operator Translink.



Click here for the full press release from Ballard.

Air Liquide Receives EU Support to Develop Ammonia Project

On December 10, Air Liquide announced it has been awarded a grant of €110 million ($115 million) from the European Innovation Fund for its ENHANCE project in the port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium. The project aims to produce and distribute low-carbon and renewable hydrogen derived from ammonia. ENHANCE is the first European industrial-scale project for the production and distribution of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen using ammonia as a feedstock. As part of the project, Air Liquide intends to build, own and operate a large-scale renewable ammonia cracking plant and a hydrogen liquefier. 


Click here for the full press release from Air Liquide.

Ballard to Supply 8 MW of Fuel Cell Engines to Stadler for Californian Passenger Rail

On December 9, Ballard Power Systems announced the signing of a multi-year supply agreement with Stadler US to supply 8 megawatts of its fuel cell engines to power trains for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The supply of the engines will be integrated into Stadler’s line of zero-emission passenger trains, the FLIRT H2.


The order builds on over three years of joint collaboration, including the successful integration of Ballard fuel cell engines into the FLIRT H2, which became the first Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) compliant hydrogen fuel cell powered passenger train demonstrated in the United States. The order supports Caltrans’ purchase of 10 FLIRT H2 trains, with an option for an additional 19 trains.


Click here for the full press release from Ballard.

Southwest Research Institute Launches Project to Advance Heavy-duty Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure

On December 10, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) announced a joint industry project (JIP) to help spur the growth and innovation of fueling technologies and infrastructure for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles.


SwRI’s H2HD REFUEL (Hydrogen Heavy Duty Refueling Equipment and Facilities Utilization Evaluation Laboratory) JIP aims to strengthen the acceptance of hydrogen fuel use by heavy-duty vehicles to help the mobility industry meet its decarbonization and zero-emissions goals by advancing hydrogen refueling station (HRS) technologies. Over the next four years, SwRI researchers will use hands-on experiments, system modeling and theoretical studies to strengthen existing HRS equipment and procedures and explore potential alternatives.


Click here for the full press release from SwRI.

Additional Links

Hydrogen Has Entered the Clean Energy Economy. Why and Where it’s Happening in Georgia

Columbus Ledger/Inquirer | 9 December 2024


The Aviation Sector’s Trip May Land At Hydrogen-Fueled Planes

Forbes | 9 December 2024


Start 2025 Off Right at the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Seminar

Energy Tech Review | 9 December 2024

Ecopetrol Plans to Build Latin America's Largest Green Hydrogen Plant

Energy Tech Review | 9 December


Launch of the Innovation Fund Call for Proposals

European Commission | 9 December 2024


President Boric Boards First Chile-Made Hydrogen bus, hails country’s energy transition

AP News | 11 December 2024


Treasury Finalizes ITC rules, Providing Clarity to Solar, Storage, Other Clean Energy Sectors

Utility Dive | 11 December 2024


Cement and Steel Can’t Go Electric – Here’s How Hydrogen Is Changing That

Hydrogen Fuel Cell News | 12 December 2024


2025 Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Seminar to Showcase Logistics and Mobility

Forklift Action | 12 December 2024


Hydrogen: 5 Things to Look for in 2025

Wood Mackenzie | 12 December 2024


The World’s First Hydrogen Combustion Outboard Motor!

Engineering Explained | 13 December 2024


The Incredible £10m Hydrogen Train Set to Transform Travel in Europe's Richest Country

Daily Express | 13 December 2024

Resources

Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Reports


Hydrogen Energy Development in Texas

Texas Hydrogen Production Policy Council


Roadmap for Hydrogen Technology Development Report

China Hydrogen Alliance


Ceres SOE Technology Readiness

AtkinsRéalis


Past Webinars/Podcasts


e-Fuels - Opportunities and Challenges for e-SAF

Argus Media |12 December 2024


Hydrogen Europe, H2 Talk: Elections Aftermath (featuring Frank Wolak, FCHEA)

Hydrogen Europe | 4 December 2024


Hydrogen Use Cases for the Power Industry

The POWER Podcast | 4 December 2024

Be sure to stay on top of state and DC-based events through FCHEA's This Week in Hydrogen and Fuel Cells email newsletter. If you are not already subscribed, please contact Connor Dolan at cdolan@fchea.org.

They Said It Best


“There are lots of benefits for electric and hydrogen at the same time. Hydrogen is vitally important. I’m most excited for hydrogen to help make an energy independent transit system.”


  • Jannine Miller, Director, Georgia Department of Transporation


Source: Hydrogen Has Entered the Clean Energy Economy. Why and Where it’s Happening in Georgia

Have Open Job Positions? Feature Opportunities Through FCHEA's Job Board
The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association Job Board is available here. If you would like a posting featured on our site, please contact Connor Dolan at cdolan@fchea.org.
Upcoming Events

2025 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Seminar – Special FCHEA Offer Ends at Midnight! 

January 14-16, 2025

Long Beach, California


At the Annual Meeting, FCHEA announced a special offer to members. Prices increased December 1 but if you register with code EARLY to receive the early bird Seminar registration rate until midnight tonight (December 13).  


The Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Seminar is taking place January 14-16, 2025, in Long Beach, California. This non-profit industry event is the longest-running, most comprehensive conference, and value-added in the U.S. With policy changes, tax credits and major investments on the line, The Seminar will focus on what the U.S. hydrogen landscape looks like in 2025 and beyond, and how to prepare your business for success.


If you miss this special deal, FCHEA members do receive a $150 discount so please contact Jennifer Gangi at jgangi@fchea.org to receive your discount code.

Requests for Papers, Proposals, & Information

Intercity Transit Announces RFP

Intercity Transit, the public transportation provider in Thurston County, Washington, anticipates that it will soon seek proposals from qualified firms interested in providing a Hydrogen Refueling Station at its location in Olympia, Washington.


The solicitation documents for this project will be available online through Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS). If your firm may be interested in this opportunity, please register in WEBS so that you may download the solicitation documents once they have been posted.  


The WEBS registration process can be started by visiting the website provided above and clicking “register now”. If you require assistance with the WEBS registration process, please contact WEBS customer service at (360) 902-7400.

Redding Area Bus Authority Hydrogen RFI

The Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA) is seeking information to inform a potential transaction with a private sector entity(ies) to design, build, own, operate, and maintain a hydrogen refueling station that can provide hydrogen fuel to RABA’s transit fleet and, potentially, other public and private users in the Shasta County area. This hydrogen refueling station would ultimately help to advance the Shasta region and California’s vision for clean transportation corridors and meet relevant state requirements for the transition to zero-emission vehicles.


The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to (1) collect information from market participants and stakeholders about the business case of private hydrogen refueling station development in this area, combined with long-term contracted but non-exclusive use by a transit agency (i.e. a “fueling as a service” contract), (2) understand the market’s preferences and parameters around the key business terms of such a transaction, and (3) share information about expected demand and supply for hydrogen fueling services in the region. RABA is seeking input from potential hydrogen station developers, potential site hosts in the Redding area, other potential hydrogen station users, and other interested parties. 


Responses must be received via electronic format to RABAStaff@RABAride.com by Friday, December 13, 2024.


Click here for more information.

Independence Hydrogen Announces Open Season for Hydrogen Gas Supply to Serve the Eastern United States

On October 23, Independence Hydrogen announced that it is holding an open season for 7 metric tons a day of clean, fuel cell grade, high-pressure gaseous hydrogen, available by a proposed in-service date of October 1, 2026. The hydrogen will have a carbon intensity score of approximately 1.1 kg CO2e/kg H2 and will be available at a production facility near Valdosta, Georgia, or delivered from such facility to customer locations in the Eastern United States.


The Project Open Season started at 11:00 a.m. CST on October 28, 2024, and will end at 5:00 p.m. CST on December 20, 2024. All submissions for this Project Open Season should be emailed to Ben Taylor at btaylor@ih2.us and Scott Brooks at sbrooks@ih2.us.


Click here for more information.

DOE Issues Notice of Intent for Funding to Advance Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies to Drive National Decarbonization

On September 10, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a notice of intent for potential funding to accelerate the research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) of affordable clean-hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to drive national decarbonization. The potential funding will focus on advancing technologies for hydrogen production, hydrogen infrastructure, and fuel cells, as well as demonstrating hydrogen and fuel cells in new, high-impact applications. 


Potential topic areas include:

 

  • Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Water Splitting Device Scale Up will develop and demonstrate PEC water splitting devices using low-cost, scalable synthesis and fabrication techniques.
  • High-Performance Materials for Hydrogen Service, Including Cryogenic and/or High-Pressure Conditions will develop advanced materials for use in high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks, cryogenic service conditions, and fiber reinforced polymer hydrogen pipelines.
  • Sustainable High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membranes and Ionomers for Heavy-Duty Transportation Applications will develop membranes and ionomers (key components of fuel cells) suitable for high temperature operation (up to 120°C) in heavy-duty fuel cell applications, without the use of perfluorosulfonic acid.
  • Domestic Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Motorcoach Bus Development and Demonstration will develop and demonstrate domestically produced fuel cell electric motorcoach buses suitable for long-haul service.


For all topic areas, HFTO envisions awarding financial assistance awards in the form of cooperative agreements with periods of performance ranging from approximately two to four years. 


Click here for more information from DOE.

OCED Announces Plans to Fund up to $400 Million for Clean Energy Projects in Rural and Remote Areas

On August 22, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) today issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for up to $400 million to spur innovative, community-focused clean energy solutions in rural and remote areas across the United States. This funding will support the deployment of a variety of commercially available, clean energy technologies, demonstrating their viability and benefits to rural and remote residents, and ultimately encouraging widespread adoption. 


The anticipated new funding plans to support the demonstration of energy technologies that provide clean, resilient, reliable, affordable power, while also aiming to increase local energy independence and economic development. Eligible projects must address at least one of the following: improving overall cost-effectiveness of energy generation, transmission, or distribution systems; siting or upgrading transmission and distribution lines; reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation in rural or remote areas; providing or modernizing electric generation facilities; developing microgrids; or increasing energy efficiency. 


Click here for more information.

Namibia Hydrogen Fund

The Namibian green hydrogen initiative is centered around three key hydrogen valleys: the Southern Region, the Central Region, and the Northern Region. These valleys are designed with integrated infrastructure and production on facilities es powered by abundant solar and wind energy resources. The comprehensive plan includes the development of necessary transportation on infrastructure to facilitate efficient distribution on and export. The objective of this initiative is to achieve an output of 10-12 million metric tons per annum by 2050. This ambitious target underscores Namibia’s commitment to becoming a leading producer and exporter of green hydrogen and its derivatives. 


The Namibian government, via the Namibian Hydrogen Fund are conducting a market sounding process to identify interested promoters for the Southern Corridor Green Valorisation and the Central Valley Common User Infrastructure (CUI) Development projects. RfPs will be shared with those participants that have indicated their interest at this stage. 


For more information, contact CTEN@CrossBoundary.com. 

Projects for the Manufacture and/or Assembly of Electrolyzers and their Components in Chile

This program aims to contribute to sustainable productive development and to enable the green hydrogen industry in the country by facilitating the creation of industrial and commercial partnerships between domestic and foreign companies along the green hydrogen value chain, and contributing to the local and international supply of electrolyzers to reduce delivery times within Chile and the region, ensuring qualified personnel for electrolyzer maintenance services in the national territory, while contributing to the economic development of the country.

 

Benefits include:

 

  • Up to 60.00% of the total cost of each selected project will be co-financed, with a maximum benefit of $10,000,000 per project, to be provided by SQM Salar S.A. in installments as determined by Corfo and signed in agreement with the Recipient Entity. Installments will be paid in advance. 
  • Co-financing: participants must provide the remaining co-financing of at least 40.00% of the total project cost through monetary and/or “in-kind” contributions.


Click here for more information.

ARPA-E Announces $150 Million in Vision Open 2024

ARPA-E announced up to $150 million in funding to develop technologies to realize ARPA-E’s vision of the energy future.


The three goals set forth by Vision OPEN 2024 require disruptive and ambitious technologies:


GHG-Free Abundant Primary Energy:

This first goal seeks to provide a path to a complete transition of global primary energy supply to GHG-free forms by 2050, while increasing the primary energy supply. This will be realized through innovations that accelerate deployment of GHG-free primary energy and advance both new and nascent technologies.


Intermodal Energy Superhighway:

The goal is to develop an intermodal energy superhighway to transfer energy through several modalities—not just electrical power. A wide range of primary energy will be transferred through various networks (e.g., electrical, chemical, and thermal) designed to support its efficient, reliable, and inexpensive distribution.


Carbon as a Sustainable Building Block of the Future:

ARPA-E envisions a path to a transition from carbon as a source of unsustainable energy to a source of valuable materials. This will be realized through innovations, including engineering plants and algae into “living refineries” of atmospheric carbon; transforming fossil refineries into low-GHG materials factories; applying advanced carbon allotropes to energy technologies and sequestration; and scaling up new polymers that are recyclable by design.


You can access more information about Vision OPEN 2024 on ARPA-E eXCHANGE here.

U.S. Department of Energy Announces $20 Million to Develop Hydrogen Detection and Quantification Technologies

On April 25, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $20 million in funding to support the development of innovative approaches for hydrogen gas emissions detection and quantification. The focus of this new ARPA-E effort is on detecting emissions throughout the full hydrogen supply chain, from production to end use. Cost-effective, accurate measurements of hydrogen gas will facilitate detection and mitigation of direct emissions. ARPA-E—through the H2SENSE Exploratory Topic—is seeking technologies with a:


  • Minimum detection and quantification threshold of 10 kg/hr across a 100 meters (m) x 100 m area; and
  • Cost of no more than $10,000 for the detection area.


Click here for more information from DOE.

U.S. Department of Energy Announces Up To $100 Million for Pilot-Scale Testing of Advanced Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies

On February 15, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) announced up to $100 million to help develop a commercially viable carbon dioxide removal industry in the United States. The funding will support pilot projects and testing facilities to demonstrate and scale carbon dioxide removal technologies that reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution by removing it directly from the atmosphere and then storing the CO2 in geological, biobased, and ocean reservoirs or converting it into value-added products.


Projects selected under this FOA will focus on three areas of interest:


  • Small Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage Pilots — will support integrated pilot-scale testing of biomass carbon removal—including carbon-negative hydrogen production—and storage or conversion with appropriate monitoring, reporting, and verification.


  • Small Mineralization Pilots — will support integrated pilot-scale testing of enhanced mineralization technologies with appropriate monitoring, reporting, and verification.


  • Multi-Pathways Carbon Dioxide Removal Testbed Facilities — will support testbed facilities suitable for evaluating, developing, and integrating multiple carbon dioxide removal pathways across different ecosystems, climates, and communities.


Click here for more information from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Drayage Truck Funding from Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach Available to Stack with HVIP

Starting Tuesday, November 14, 2023, the Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) will make $60 million provided by the Ports available for voucher requests for zero-emission Class 8 tractors performing drayage operations at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.


Voucher enhancements funded by the Ports are $100,000 per truck for fleets size 10 and smaller and $75,000 for fleets larger than 10, additional to the HVIP drayage voucher amount of $150,000 per truck and any other applicable HVIP voucher enhancements listed on www.californiahvip.org/funding. Purchaser qualifications are as defined in the HVIP Implementation Manual.


Funding is made available through the Ports’ Clean Truck Funds and administered by CALSTART on a first-come, first-served basis through the existing HVIP voucher request process and online Voucher Processing Center. Voucher requests will follow HVIP requirements, including the eligible trucks and dealers listed at www.californiahvip.org.


Additionally, all existing eligible unredeemed HVIP drayage truck vouchers that meet the Ports’ requirements will receive the same additional funds of $75,000 or $100,000 added to their HVIP voucher. Outreach to individual dealers and purchasers is already underway regarding this increase as additional actions are required to apply Port Clean Truck Funds to existing vouchers.


Click here for more information.

Zero-Emission Freight and Marine Statewide Grant Funding in California 

On August 22, the California Air Resources Board announced up to $20 million in funding is now available Statewide through the VW Zero-Emission Freight and Marine (ZEFM) program. This VW ZEFM solicitation incorporates the modifications to California's Beneficiary Mitigation Plan that were recently approved by the California Air Resources Board and has the following new features: 


  • Allows stacking with Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) and other state programs that don’t claim NOx emissions reductions 
  • Removed static funding caps for all project categories, including the funding cap for Airport Ground Support Equipment 
  • Includes a higher cost-effectiveness threshold (increased from $280,000 to $466,000 per ton of NOx reduced) that will be used as the primary factor in determining maximum funding 
  • Requires CARB’s pre-approval for projects with proposed award over $1 million 

 

Funding is available for the following project categories: 


  • Heavy-lift forklifts (8,000 lb. lift capacity or greater) scrap and replace
  • Airport ground support equipment scrap and replace
  • Port cargo handling equipment (including terminal tractors) scrap and replace
  • Ferries, tugboats, towboats repower, and
  • Shore power system installation for ocean-going vessels not required or not yet required to use shore power while at berth. 


Applications are being accepted and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. 



Click here for more information.

Statewide Funding for California Zero-Emission Class 8 Freight and Port Drayage Trucks
Funding is now available from the California Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust for the Zero-Emission Class 8 Freight and Port Drayage Trucks category. This program will provide incentive funds on a first-come, first-served basis to truck owners operating in the state of California to replace Class 8 freight trucks, including drayage trucks, waste haulers, dump trucks, and concrete mixers, with zero-emission technologies approved by the California Air Resources Board and available for commercial use.

Click here for more information on the program.
Incentives for Off-Road Zero-Emission Equipment

The California Air Resources Board announced $125 million in funding incentives for its Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE). CORE helps offset the higher cost of zero-emission technology with a point-of-sale discount. There is no scrappage requirement, and additional funding is available for charging and fueling infrastructure and for equipment deployed in disadvantaged communities.


Click here for more information on the program.

Upcoming FCHEA Meeting Calendar

 

For more information on any of FCHEA's working groups, committees, or to be added to any working group rosters, please contact Connor Dolan at cdolan@fchea.org.

FCHEA Communications and Marketing Committee

A virtual meeting will take place on December 18, 2024.


FCHEA Tax Working Group

A virtual meeting will take place on December 19, 2024.


Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association

cdolan@fchea.org

(202) 355-9463

fchea.org

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