Missed the last issue of Currents? Click here to view it in your web browser! | |
Plug's Louisiana Plant Scheduled to Begin Operations | |
|
On February 25, Plug announced its new 15-ton-per-day (TPD) hydrogen plant in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, is on schedule as previously announced for operations in the first quarter, now entering the final commissioning phase. Operated by Hidrogenii—a 50/50 joint venture between Plug Power and Olin Corporation—the facility utilizes Olin’s by-product hydrogen from chlorine production. Upon completion, the Louisiana plant will add an additional 15 TPD of liquid hydrogen, increasing Plug’s total production capacity to 39 TPD.
| |
|
Source: Plug
Click here for the full press release from Plug.
| |
HyAxiom Fuel Cells to Power Kern Energy’s First-of-Its-Kind Hydrogen Project | |
|
On February 25, Kern Energy announced it is investing in a project to reclaim, store and utilize co-produced hydrogen. The system will integrate seven HyAxiom, Inc. hydrogen-powered fuel cells and Claire Technologies' hydrogen storage and release system to generate up to 3 MW of zero-emission electricity for the refinery in Bakersfield, California.
| |
|
Source: HyAxiom
Click here for the full press release from PR Newswire.
| |
Electric Hydrogen Selects Ingeteam for Clean Hydrogen Projects in Europe | |
|
On February 27, Electric Hydrogen announced a partnership with Ingeteam to improve its power conversion technology in Europe. Previously, Ingeteam’s power systems have been successfully commissioned at Electric Hydrogen’s plants in San Jose, California and Devens, Massachusetts. Now, Ingeteam will supply rectifier systems to Electric Hydrogen for integration into its full-scope solution 100 megawatt (MW) electrolyzer plants in Europe.
Click here for the full press release from Electric Hydrogen.
| HDF Energy's Renewstable Barbados Project Endorsed by EU | |
|
On February 28, HDF Energy announced the European Investment Bank's (EIB) support for its Renewstable Barbados (RSB) project with a combination of guarantees and investment grants. The project will increase the existing renewable energy penetration on the national grid by close to 50% by integrating large-scale solar power generation with on-site long-term green hydrogen storage. Situated at Harrow Plantation in St. Philip, in the Southeast of Barbados, this new power plant will replace 13 MW of imported fossil-fuel generation.
Click here for the full press release from HDF Energy.
| |
Taylor-Wharton and GenH2 Partner to Deliver Zero-Loss Liquid Hydrogen Storage Systems | |
|
On February 27, Taylor Wharton announced it has partnered with GenH2 to introduce a zero-loss hydrogen storage solution. Under this partnership, Taylor-Wharton will incorporate GenH2’s Controlled Storage technology into its liquid Hydrogen (LH2) bulk storage tanks.
Click here for the full press release from Taylor Wharton.
| |
Parker Hannifan Collaborates on Hydrogen-Argon Power Cycle Initiative for Sustainable Energy | |
|
On February 26, Parker Hannifan announced its involvement in the Integrated Hydrogen-Argon Power Cycle (iHAPC) project, a collaborative research initiative to advance cleaner and more energy-efficient engine technologies.
Led by the University of Vaasa in Finland and supported by Wärtsilä under the WISE (Wide and Intelligent Sustainable Energy) program, the project will develop and test a prototype engine that uses hydrogen and argon to achieve a significant efficiency boost.
Click here for the full press release from Parker Hannifan.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
Requests for Papers, Proposals, & Information | |
DOE/EIS-0570: California Hydrogen Hub | |
|
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess the potential environmental impacts for the proposed action of providing financial assistance to the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (also referred to as ARCHES) to facilitate the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the California Hydrogen Hub in the state of California.
The California Hydrogen Hub is proposed to consist of a suite of demonstration projects involving clean hydrogen production, transportation, and end uses located within California. ARCHES is the primary funding recipient and lead California Hydrogen Hub manager. As currently structured, the California Hydrogen Hub encompasses approximately 35 projects including clean hydrogen production facilities that could produce 450-500 metric tonnes per day of clean hydrogen from renewable electricity and biogenic sources, connective infrastructure including refueling stations and pipelines, and a range of end uses including fuel-cell electric trucks, fuel-cell electric buses, a marine vessel, cargo handling equipment, power generation via turbines, and stationary fuel cells.
DOE welcomes written comments on the scope of the EIS until March 3, 2025. Comments will be accepted and considered at any time during the EIS process. However, commenters should be aware that their comments should be timely for them to be fully considered.
To provide written comments through the www.regulations.gov web portal:
Navigate to www.regulations.gov, search for Docket No. DOE-HQ-2024-0087, and follow the instructions for submitting comments.
| |
DOE/EIS-0571: Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub | |
|
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (DOE/EIS-0571) to assess the potential impacts to the human environment for the proposed action of providing financial assistance to the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association (also referred to as the PNWH2 Association). This action would facilitate the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the Pacific Northwest Regional Hydrogen Hub (Pacific Northwest Hub) including in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Montana. The Pacific Northwest Hub would demonstrate the production of clean hydrogen from renewable energy resources and would consist of a suite of demonstration projects involving clean hydrogen production, transportation, and end uses located within the Pacific Northwest.
As currently proposed, the Hub would encompass approximately 10 projects, including clean hydrogen production facilities that could produce 300-400 metric tons per day of clean hydrogen, hydrogen liquefiers, connective infrastructure including refueling stations and pipelines, and a range of end uses including fuel cell electric trucks, fuel cell electric buses, cargo handling equipment, and stationary fuel cells.
DOE welcomes written comments on the scope of the EIS until March 3, 2025. Comments will be accepted and considered at any time during the EIS process. However, commenters should be aware that their comments should be timely for them to be fully considered.
To provide written comments through the www.regulations.gov web portal:
Navigate to www.regulations.gov, search for Docket No. DOE-HQ-2024-0094, and follow the instructions for submitting comments.
| |
DOE/EIS-0569: Appalachian Hydrogen Hub | |
|
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) to assess the potential environmental impacts for the proposed action of providing financial assistance to the Battelle Memorial Institute (Battelle) to facilitate the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub (also referred to as the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub or ARCH2) in the Appalachian Region including Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The Appalachian Hydrogen Hub is proposed to consist of a suite of demonstration projects involving clean hydrogen production, transportation, and end uses located within the Appalachian Region that includes Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Battelle is the primary funding recipient and lead Appalachian Hydrogen Hub manager.
As currently proposed, the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub would encompass 12 proposed projects, including hydrogen production facilities that could produce at least 1,700 metric tons per day of clean hydrogen (autothermal reformation facilities with carbon capture, biomass pyrolysis facilities, electrolysis facilities, and facilities for recovering hydrogen from waste gases), hydrogen liquefiers, and a range of end uses including residential fuel cells, materials handling equipment, mobility, and industrial uses, including production of ammonia, urea, and low-carbon aviation fuel.
DOE welcomes written comments on the scope of the EIS until March 3, 2025. Comments will be accepted and considered to the extent practicable throughout the EIS process. However, commenters should be aware that their comments should be timely for them to be fully considered.
To provide written comments through the www.regulations.gov web portal:
Navigate to www.regulations.gov, search for Docket No. DOE-HQ-2024-0082, and follow the instructions for submitting comments.
| |
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.
| |
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) 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.
| |
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 Government Affairs Committee
A virtual meeting will be held Thursday, March 6 at 2:00 PM EST.
| |
1025 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 1000, Washington D.C. 20036 | 202-355-9463 | | | | |
