Missed the last issue of Currents? Click here to view it in your web browser! | | FCHEA Hosts Packed Senate Briefing | | |
This week, the Senate Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Caucus hosted FCHEA’s latest annual U.S. Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Industry Forum in the Senate Budget Committee Hearing Room. We had a packed, standing room only audience of Hill staffers and stakeholders sharing how federal hydrogen policies are critical to onshoring manufacturing, creating jobs, and ensuring American technology leadership and energy security.
| | Thank you to Mark W. Menezes of the United States Energy Association, who joined FCHEA President Frank Wolak in a fireside chat. Thanks also to key leaders from FCHEA member companies including Bree Raum of Air Products, Traci Kraus of Cummins, Joe Fawell of Air Liquide, and Cristina Krasow of American Honda Motor Company, Inc., who participated in a panel highlighting U.S. projects and industry updates moderated by Kendall Stephenson with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. | | FCHEA Industry Communications Update – Q1 2025 | | |
FCHEA and our members have been active on several advocacy fronts, with primary focus on defending the hydrogen tax credits and elevating the importance of the Hydrogen Hubs.
Our actions have been coordinated with other industry stakeholders to ensure there is a unified message, including regular calls among association advocates based in Washington, as well as global, state and regional hydrogen organizations, and leaders of the Hydrogen Hubs.
We have engaged in a wide range of direct advocacy efforts here in D.C., developed key messaging materials, and engaging extensively with the media to share our views and raise awareness of the importance of our sector and need for policy certainty.
For a full breakdown of our first quarter 2025 communications activities, please click here.
| | Bloom Energy to Supply 6 MW of Fuel Cells to Two Conagra Foods Facilities | | |
On April 1, Bloom Energy and Conagra Brand announced they will collaborate to utilize Bloom’s fuel cell technology at Conagra’s Troy and Archbold, Ohio production facilities. The 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) will deploy approximately six megawatts (MW) and supply approximately 70% to 75% of the electricity needs at the Troy and Archbold facilities, while also projecting a 19% decrease in their greenhouse gas emissions.
Click here for the full press release from Bloom Energy.
| | Honda R&D to Conduct Testing with Sierra Space and Tec-Masters on the International Space Station | | |
On April 4, Honda announced plans to test its high-differential pressure water electrolysis system at the International Space Station (ISS) in collaboration with space and technology companies Sierra Space and Tec-Masters. The project is part of Honda’s vision for a regenerative fuel cell system that could provide advanced energy storage capable of supporting human life on the lunar surface.
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Source: Honda
Click here for the full press release from Honda.
| | Toyota Material Handling Europe and Plug Power Partner on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Solutions for Cold Storage Distribution Centers | | |
On April 3, STEF Group, a European transport and logistics services provider for temperature-controlled food products, announced it has launched two hydrogen projects with Toyota Material Handling Europe and Plug Power.
STEF is incorporating green hydrogen to power its forklift at two of its sites: a transport platform in Athis-Mons close to Paris, France, and a logistics warehouse in Torrejón de Ardoz, near Madrid, Spain.
The project in France uses green hydrogen produced with renewable energy and delivered on site. In Spain, the hydrogen is produced on site using an electrolyzer. The electricity to power the electrolyzer is generated by a 2.9 MWp photovoltaic rooftop plant, enabling consumption of green and locally produced hydrogen.
Click here for the full press release from Plug.
| | Hyundai Motor Group Unveils New NEXO Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle | | |
On April 3, Hyundai Motor Group introduced the all-new NEXO fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), a mid-size SUV, at its global launch event at the Seoul Mobility Show in Korea. Hyundai is targeting more than 700 km of range from a five-minute charge.
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Source: Hyundai
Click here for the full press release from Hyundai.
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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.
| | Advanced Clean Transportation Expo | | |
Conference: April 28-May 1, 2025
Expo: April 28-30, 2025
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA
ACT Expo is the largest conference and trade show highlighting the most advanced transportation technologies and renewable fuels available in the marketplace today. The show serves as the official annual meeting place for 12,000+ transportation leaders looking to gain insight and hands-on access to the fuels, technologies, and vehicles driving the future of transportation. ACT Expo features dozens of product debuts and major announcements from leading OEMs and suppliers, unparalleled networking opportunities with the most influential and progressive leaders in the industry, peer-to-peer learning for progressive fleet operators, and access to the most extensive assembly of advanced commercial vehicles anywhere.
FCHEA Members get a $100 discount with promo code 25AE-FCHEA100.
Click here for more information.
| | Hydrogen Technology Expo North America 2025 | | |
Taking place at the NRG Center in Houston, Texas, on June 25-26, 2025, this premier event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to drive the future of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
- 550+ Exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge solutions
- 10,000+ Attendees from across the global hydrogen value chain
- 250+ Expert Speakers delivering insights on policy, technology, and market trends
- Unlimited Networking with key stakeholders and industry pioneers
FCHEA members receive 15% off registration with code FCHEA.
Click here for more information.
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They Said It Best
"This is an essential moment for American technology leadership, and the Pacific Northwest hydrogen economy will be a critical factor in its success. We encourage you to support the continuation of all the H2 Hubs, but especially the PNWH2 hub, to help America retain its energy dominance."
- Group of 16 Republican State Legislators in Washington
Source: State Republicans Join Democrats in Pushing Back on Planned DOE Cuts
| | Requests for Papers, Proposals, & Information | | *NEW* Depot Charging and Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure for Zero-Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty On-Road, Off-Road, and Specialty Vehicles | | |
The California Energy Commission’s (CEC’s) Clean Transportation Program announces the availability of up to $20 million in grant funds for projects that will fund the deployment of depot charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty (MDHD) on-road, off-road, and specialty vehicles.
Submission Deadline: July 11, 2025, 11:59 pm.
Click here for more information.
| | Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Port Infrastructure | | |
The California Energy Commission’s (CEC’s) Clean Transportation Program announces the availability of up to $40 million in grant funds for projects that will deploy medium- and heavy-duty (MDHD) zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) charging or hydrogen refueling infrastructure for California seaports and land ports of entry. Funding will support new installation of in-ground fueling infrastructure for battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell MDHD vehicles and/or port equipment and/or off-road equipment (e.g. gantries, cargo handling equipment, etc.)
Submission Deadline: June 13, 2025, 11:59 pm
Click here for more information.
| | MACH2 - RFI for Hydrogen Producers and Hydrogen End Users | | |
The Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) is seeking to identify end-use and off-take projects (i.e. customers / consumers of hydrogen) in the region. This Request for Information (RFI) is an opportunity for new and existing partners to showcase transformative hydrogen projects aligned with the Department of Energy’s goals for a clean hydrogen economy and indicate their interest in partnering with the Hub.
Additionally, MACH2 is seeking to add production projects to its current portfolio that demonstrate alignment with the vision, values, and goals outlined above. This RFI is an opportunity for new and existing partners to showcase transformative hydrogen projects aligned with the Department of Energy’s goals for a clean hydrogen economy and indicate their interest in partnering with the Hub. In the coming months, this RFI will be followed by a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) for projects wishing to seek federal funding to offset the cost of becoming a hydrogen producer with federal DOE funding.
Click here for more information.
| | Canada's Energy Innovation Program Clean Fuels Call for Proposals | | |
The Clean Fuels Call for Proposals under Canada's Energy Innovation Program is currently accepting applications to fund research, development, and demonstration projects that advance sustainable and cost-effective clean fuel technologies.
The initiative focuses on two key areas: Clean Fuels Production, which aims to develop innovative technologies, reduce carbon intensity, and improve feedstock availability; and Clean Fuels Transport and Storage, which seeks to enhance safety, efficiency, and integration into existing infrastructure. The application process consists of an Expression of Interest (EOI) phase open to all eligible applicants, followed by a Full Project Proposal (FPP) phase for invited participants. EOIs must be submitted by April 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Click here for more 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.
| | 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.
| | 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.
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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.
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FCHEA Tax Working Group
A virtual meeting will be held on Thursday, April 10 at 2:00 PM.
| | 1025 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 1000, Washington D.C. 20036 | 202-355-9463 | | | | |
