FCHEA Welcomes New Member: ClearPath
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The Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association welcomes its newest Tier 3 member: ClearPath! ClearPath’s mission is to develop and advance conservative policies that accelerate clean energy innovation. To advance that mission, they develop cutting-edge policy and collaborate with academics and industry. Their experts focus on nuclear, carbon capture, hydropower, natural gas, geothermal, energy storage, and energy innovation.
Click here to visit ClearPath's website.
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Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Industry Headlines
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Plug Power to Build Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Rochester, New York
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On January 19, FCHEA member Plug Power announced its plans to build its Innovation Center, an advanced manufacturing facility, in the Rochester area. This project is part of a larger strategy intended to accelerate the growth of the hydrogen energy market. Plug Power states the Innovation Center will have over a gigawatt (GW) of output potential and will be equipped with advanced manufacturing techniques to meet the yearly production goals of 7 million membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs)/plates, 60,000 stacks, and 500 MWs of electrolyzers per year.
According to Plug Power, through the Innovation Center, the company will invest $125 million into the local economy and create 375 jobs. Plug expects to bring material and component suppliers into the region as well. The Center is expected online in mid-2021.
Click here for the full press release from Plug Power.
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Nel Launches Containerized Large-Scale PEM Electrolyzers
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On January 19, FCHEA member Nel launched its MC250 and MC500 containerized large-scale proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. The MC250 and MC500 electrolyzers utilize 1.25-megawatt (MW) PEM cell-stacks, and will be delivered as 1.25 and 2.5 MW configurations, respectively. The platforms are designed with cost and high capacity per unit in mind.
Click here for the full press release from Nel.
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Chart Industries Partners with Matrix Service Company to Expand Hydrogen Technologies in North America
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On January 12, FCHEA member Chart Industries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with energy contractor Matrix Service Company to create hydrogen liquefaction plants, marine bunkering, fueling stations, plant expansions, storage expansion, spaceship fueling and other hydrogen related facilities across North America. Chart and Matrix are working to provide cost competitive and scalable opportunities for industry members to take in a clean energy transition.
Click here for the full press release from Chart Industries.
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BayoTech Receives Equity Investment to Accelerate Growth
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On January 5, FCHEA member BayoTech announced it has received an equity investment of $157 million from Newlight Partners, a growth equity investor, along with Cottonwood Technology Funds, Sun Mountain Capital, and Fortistar. The new investment will be used for product development, project development, and infrastructure development, as part of BayoTech's strategic growth.
Click here for the full press release from BayoTech.
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Plug Power Signs MoU with Groupe Renault to Launch Fuel Cell Vehicle Joint-Venture
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On January 12, Plug Power signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French auto company Groupe Renault, to support the expansion of fuel cell vehicles in Europe. The partners plan to proffer turn-key fuel cell vehicle and hydrogen solutions that are based on three pillars: research and development, manufacturing, and sales. The venture is planned to launch by the end of the second quarter of 2021.
Click here for the full press release from Plug Power.
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Nel Outlines $1.5 per Kilogram Target for Renewable Hydrogen
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On January 21, Nel announced its target of renewable hydrogen production at a price of $1.5/kilogram by 2025. Nel intends to achieve this goal by expanding electrolyzer production to the gigawatt-scale, growing the company, and investing into technology. With these plans in place, Nel expects renewable hydrogen production will be able to compete with fossil alternatives.
Click here for the full press release from Nel.
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Hydrogen Station Opens in San Francisco Bay Area
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On January 12, Shell opened a new hydrogen refueling station in Berkeley, California. The station is able to serve two cars at a time with a capacity of 560 kilograms. The station offers 100% renewable hydrogen generated from biogas.
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New hydrogen station opens in Berkeley, California. Source: California Fuel Cell Partnership
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Click here for the full press release from the California Fuel Cell Partnership.
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California Governor Announces Recovery Plan as Part of 2021 Budget, Includes Hydrogen Station Construction Provisions
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On January 5, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a $4.5 billion recovery plan for California's businesses as part of the state's 2021 budget. As part of a commitment to zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure, the plan supports the construction of hydrogen fueling stations.
Click here for the full press release from the California Governor's Office.
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International Industry Headlines
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Air Liquide Opens New Hydrogen Station in Japan
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On December 24, FCHEA member Air Liquide and Japan H2 Mobility opened a hydrogen station in Nagoya Odaka, Japan. The station is part of a governmental plan to have 200,000 fuel cell vehicles on the roads and 320 stations by 2025. The station utilizes Air Liquide's standard-type package, combining compressors and pressure accumulators into one unit. It is the seventh station to be jointly opened by the two companies.
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Air Liquide hydrogen stationed opened in Nagoya Odaka, Japan. Source: Air Liquide
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Click here for the full press release from Air Liquide.
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Johnson Matthey Scales Up Hydrogen Production Capacity
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On January 20, FCHEA member Johnson Matthey announced new manufacturing capacity at its Swindon, United Kingdom facility, for catalyst coated membranes. According to Johnson Matthey, this expanded component production capacity will enable tens of megawatts of hydrogen production. Johnson Matthey announced this development as part of the company’s roadmap to scale up to multi-GW manufacturing capacity in the future given anticipate market growth.
Click here for the full press release from Johnson Matthey.
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Cummins Hydrogen Production Facility to Continue Operations After Successful Pilot Project
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On January 6, FCHEA member Cummins announced that HyBalance, a hydrogen production facility located in Europe, will continue to produce hydrogen for European customers. The facility was established in 2018 as a pilot project and the pilot was completed in September 2020. The facility consists of a 1.2 megawatt proton exchange membrane electrolyzer and sources its electricity from wind turbines. It has produced 120 tons of hydrogen since 2018. The facility supplies hydrogen to customers of Air Liquide.
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HyBalance hydrogen production facility. Source: Cummins
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Click here for the full press release from Cummins.
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PowerCell Receives Fuel Cell Order from Construction Equipment Manufacturer
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On January 13, FCHEA member PowerCell received an order for an MS-100 fuel cell from a European construction equipment manufacturer. The buyer will use the system to explore the possibility of powering construction equipment with renewable hydrogen. The order should be fulfilled halfway through 2021.
Click here for the full press release from PowerCell.
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Hyundai Receives Approval to Manufacture Fuel Cells in China
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On January 5, Aju Business Daily reported that FCHEA member Hyundai Motor has received approval from China's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to produce fuel cells within the country. According to Aju Business Daily, Hyundai had submitted an application to build a fuel cell system in Guangzhou, a port city northwest of Hong Kong. Hyundai intends to manufacture fuel cells in South Korea and assemble them in China.
Click here for the full article from Aju Business Daily.
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Plug Power Forms Strategic Partnership with SK Group to Increase Hydrogen Technology Presence in Asia
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On January 6, Plug Power announced a strategic partnership with SK Group, a South Korean business group, to accelerate hydrogen energy in Asian markets. The partners intend to provide fuel cells, hydrogen fueling stations, and electrolyzers to Korea and the Asian market as a whole. The agreement also includes a $1.5 billion investment from SK Group into Plug Power, in addition to a plan to form a joint venture in Korea.
Click here for the full press release from Plug Power.
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Nel to Awarded 20 MW Electrolyzer Contract from Everfuel
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On December 30, Nel announced it has been awarded a 20 megawatt electrolyzer contract from Everfuel, a Danish hydrogen company, for renewable hydrogen production at a facility next to a refinery in Fredericia, Denmark. The electrolyzer will source its energy from wind power, and it will have a production capacity of 8 tons of hydrogen per day along with 10 tons of storage capacity. The contract is still subject to approval by the Board of Directors. It has a value of €7.2 million (~$8.81 million) and will be delivered in 2021, with operations beginning in mid-2022.
Click here for the full press release from Nel.
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Air Liquide Invests in France’s Decarbonization Plans
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On January 20, Air Liquide announced an investment into H2V Normandy, a French hydrogen company, to build a large-scale electrolyzer complex of up to 200 megawatts (MW) for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production. The electricity generated will be used to power the French industrial sector and eventually the heavy mobility sector. According to Air Liquide, the project, located on the Seine Valley axis in Normandy, France, will enable the curtailment of 250,000 tonnes (~275,600 tons) of carbon dioxide per year.
Click here for the full press release from Air Liquide.
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Nel Hydrogen Finalizes Contract for PEM Electrolyser to Iberdrola
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On January 14, Nel Hydrogen settled a €13.5 million (~$16.3 million) contract with electricity utility company Iberdola. The contract will provide Iberdola a 20 megawatt (MW) polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, which is intended for a green fertilizer project in Spain with fertilizer company Fertiberia. The PEM electrolyzer will be delivered to Iberdrola by the end of 2021.
Click here for the full press release from Nel.
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Johnson Matthey Signs Three-year Agreement with SFC Energy AG to Supply MEAs
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On January 11, Johnson Matthey signed a multi-million pound agreement with SFC Energy AG, a hydrogen and direct methanol fuel cell producer, to provide SFC Energy AG with 400,000 direct methanol Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) over three years. In addition, the companies will combine their experiences to standardize processes and increase efficiency while reducing resource consumption. The agreement will begin in February 2021.
Click here for the full press release from Johnson Matthey.
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Advanced Clean Transportation Expo 2021
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May 3 - 6, 2021
Long Beach Convention Center | Long Beach, CA
ACT Expo, the advanced transportation technology and clean fleet event in North America, serves as a meeting place for transportation executives 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 comprehensive assembly of advanced commercial vehicles anywhere.
Click here for more information.
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Additional Links
World Economic Forum | 24 December 2020
The Maritime Executive | 24 December 2020
New Atlas | 27 December 2020
Coloradoan | 27 December 2020
The Korea Times | 27 December 2020
The New York Times | 28 December 2020
BOE Report | 29 December 2020
Microgrid Knowledge | 30 December 2020
FleetOwner | 30 December 2020
WHAM | 31 December 2020
Energy Global | 31 December 2020
Green Car Congress | 3 January 2021
E&E News | 4 January 2021
Business Korea | 4 January 2021
Fleet Europe | 4 January 2021
CNBC | 6 January 2021
H2 View | 6 January 2021
Euractiv | 6 January 2021
IHS Markit | 6 January 2021
S&P Global Platts | 7 January 2021
CNBC | 7 January 2021
MotorTrend | 8 January 2021
S&P Global | 8 January 2021
Bloomberg | 8 January 2021
Nikkei Asia | 11 January 2021
PV Magazine | 11 January 2021
S&P Global | 14 January 2021
S&P Global | 14 January 2021
Green Car Congress | 14 January 2021
NRDC | 14 January 2021
PV Magazine | 15 January 2021
Reuters | 17 January 2021
Forbes| 18 January 2021
Mondaq | 18 January 2021
Utility Drive | 19 January 2021
New York State | 19 January 2021
CNBC | 19 January 2021
Bloomberg | 19 January 2021
Bloomberg | 19 January 2021
CNBC | 20 January 2021
CNBC | 22 January 2021
Microgrid Knowledge | 22 January 2021
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Requests for Papers, Proposals, & Information
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EERE Launches New Portal for Applying to Funding Opportunities
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The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is excited to introduce the EERE Program Information Center—EERE’s new portal for funding opportunities.
Organizations interested in working with EERE can use the EERE Program Information Center to identify and respond to open opportunities—including Funding Opportunity Announcements, Requests for Information, Notices of Intent, Notices of Technical Assistance, and Lab Calls. Watch the EERE YouTube video to learn more! (Note: you must use the Google Chrome web browser to access the EERE Program Information Center)
Click here for more information on the portal.
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EERE Announces New FY21 Topics for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer
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The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program is announcing the release of its FY 2021 SBIR/STTR Phase I topics. Covering the research and development priorities of all EERE’s Technology Offices, these 12 topics comprised of 49 subtopics solicit innovative research across all three EERE Technology Sectors: Transportation, Renewable Energy, and Energy Efficiency.
Click here for more information.
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RFM: Special Issue "Clean and Renewable Hydrogen Fuel" Request for Manuscripts
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This Special Issue of a new journal called Fuels will feature several new peer-reviewed articles on the topic of “Clean and Renewable Hydrogen Fuel”. Articles will be solicited in June 2020 with expected submissions in February 2021 and publication of the Special Issue later in 2021. Key topics include biological production methods including fermentation and algae, gasification/pyrolysis, electrolysis, and other emerging methods for clean hydrogen production.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Biomass/waste to hydrogen with gasification or pyrolysis
- Fermentation methods
- Electrolysis
- Algae-based production
- Photo-electrochemical methods
- Nuclear-power-assisted hydrogen production
- Advanced hydrogen purification strategies
- Renewable hydrogen at scale
Deadline for manuscript submissions: January 31, 2021
Click here for more information.
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[NEW] U.S. Department of Energy to Invest $6.4 Million to Develop Hydrogen-Fueled Turbines
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Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0002397
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) has announced $6.4 million in federal funding for cost-shared research and development projects under the funding opportunity announcement (FOA) FE-FOA 0002397, University Turbines Systems Research (UTSR) — Focus on Hydrogen Fuels.
The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) will manage the projects. The FOA will seek to fund laboratory/bench-scale R&D in three areas of interest (AOIs):
- AOI 1: Hydrogen Combustion Fundamentals for Gas Turbines. Research undertaken in this AOI will study the fundamental combustion phenomena of hydrogen-containing fuels, over a broad range of fuel compositions and combustion conditions.
- AOI 2: Hydrogen Combustion Applications for Gas Turbines. The goal of this AOI is to study hydrogen-containing fuel combustion phenomena under various gas turbine conditions. The research could be used to design stable, high-temperature, and low-emission gas turbine combustors for hydrogen-containing fuels.
- AOI 3: Hydrogen-Air Rotating Detonation Engines. This AOI aims to replace the existing deflagration combustion process with detonation, utilizing rotating detonation engines (RDEs) to increase the total pressure at the exit of the combustor and boost thermodynamic efficiency. Applications in AOI 3 must address issues related to RDE combustion and ultimate integration with turbomachinery for power generation.
Applications Deadline: February 1, 2021, 8:00 PM EST
Click here for more information.
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Zero-Emission Drayage Truck and Infrastructure Pilot Project
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The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) have announced the application period is now open for the “Zero-Emission Drayage Truck and Infrastructure Pilot Project.” Eligible applicants to this competitive solicitation include local air districts, California-based public entities, and California-based non-profit organizations. CARB funding will be allocated towards the purchase of on-road zero-emission Class 8 trucks. CEC funding will support zero-emission vehicle infrastructure and installation, and workforce training and development. Other costs associated with administrative and data collection tasks will be supported by either CARB or CEC.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2021, 5:00 PM PST.
Click here for more information.
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[NEW] Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant
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The Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant helps Colorado-based advanced industries technology businesses develop and commercialize advanced technologies that will be created or manufactured in Colorado. Projects can receive up to $250,000.
The market typically under-invests in early-stage technologies. The grant’s goal is to fill the gap left by the market. The grant is not meant to compete with existing funding.
The Global Business Development (GBD) division administers this grant in partnership with Colorado’s advanced industry trade associations and receives final approval from the Economic Development Commission.
Applications Deadline: March 1, 2021
Click here for more information.
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GFO: Energy Department Announces $33 Million to Advance Hydrogen and Fuel Cell R&D and the H2@Scale Vision
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Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0002446
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $33 million in funding to support innovative hydrogen and fuel cell research & development (R&D), infrastructure supply chain development and validation, and cost analysis activities.
Activities that result from this FOA will support the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE’s) H2@Scale vision and leverage capabilities at DOE National Labs through close collaboration with the Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck (M2FCT) and H2NEW consortia.
FOA topics include R&D in:
- Fuel cells for heavy-duty trucks in coordination with the M2FCT consortium
- Hydrogen production through high-temperature (high-T) water splitting (electrolysis) in coordination with the H2NEW consortium, as well as biological processes that use waste
- Domestic manufacturing of high-T electrolyzers and related components.
Additional topics include infrastructure R&D to validate hydrogen refueling models, and to develop supply chain components to enable high throughput fueling for hydrogen stations that serve heavy-duty applications. The FOA also seeks projects conducting independent cost analyses of hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cell technologies.
Full Papers Due: March 8, 2021
Click here for more information.
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RFI: Seeking Input on Medium and Heavy-Duty Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Funding Needs
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The West Coast Collaborative’s Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Corridor Coalition (WCC AFICC) seeks input on funding needs for plug-in electric, hydrogen, propane, compressed and/or liquefied natural gas fueling stations that are accessible to Class 5+ on-highway vehicles (>16,001 lbs), locomotives, marine vessels, and/or other heavy-duty nonroad equipment.
The WCC AFICC has developed a survey to collect information that will help evaluate funding needs for medium and heavy-duty (MHD) accessible alternative fuel stations along the West Coast. Feedback from this survey will also help to evaluate awareness of and satisfaction with the EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant programs.
Submit survey responses regarding needed MHD accessible plug-in electric, hydrogen, propane, compressed and/or liquefied natural gas fueling stations in the WCC states and territories, including: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Tribal Lands, and the U.S. Pacific Island Territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. This survey seeks to build upon the findings presented in the CALSTART Medium and Heavy-Duty Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Strategic Development Plan (March 2020).
Deadline: March 31, 2021
Click here to take the survey, and click here for more information.
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Maryland Clean Fuels Incentive Program
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The primary goal of the State Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) Clean Fuels Incentive Program (CFIP) is to reduce consumption of imported petroleum through the use of homegrown alternative fuels that will result in a cleaner and greener transportation sector within Maryland, improving the state's economy and environment in the process. With a program budget of $1.3M, there are 2 areas of interest (AOI) under the FY21 CFIP.
Click here for more information.
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GFO: California VW Mitigation Trust Zero-Emission Class 8 Freight and Port Drayage Trucks Category
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There are $90 million in funds allocated to this category, for which the first installment was allotted $27 million. The first solicitation is scheduled for release pending approval by the South Coast AQMD Board on Friday, August 7, 2020. If approved, applications will be accepted online beginning Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. (PST) and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Both public and private entities that own and operate eligible vehicles may apply. Funding is available to replace the following vehicles with zero emission technologies:
Class 8 only:
- Freight Trucks (including Drayage Trucks)
- Waste Haulers
- Dump Trucks
- Concrete Mixers
Click here for more information.
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Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE)
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CORE is designed to accelerate deployment of cleaner off-road technologies by providing a streamlined way for fleets ready to purchase specific zero-emission equipment to receive funding to offset the higher cost of such technologies. This project is analogous to the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), but will specifically target zero-emission off-road freight equipment that is currently in the early stages of commercial deployment.
Click here for more information.
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New York State Retail Energy Storage Incentives Program
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The New York State Energy Research and Development Agency provides funding to reduce costs of adding new energy storage technologies through the Retail Energy Storage Incentives Program. This program focuses on commercial energy storage through on-site technologies like fuel cells and solar generation.
To qualify for the program, energy storage systems must:
- Be sized up to 5 megawatts (MW) of alternating current (AC) power
- Be new, permanent, and stationary
- Be located in New York State
- Use thermal, chemical, or mechanical commercially-available technology primarily operated for electric load management or shifting on-site renewable generation to more beneficial time periods
- Provide value to a customer under an investor-owned utility rate, including delivery charges or New York State’s value of distributed energy resources (VDER)
- Interconnect either behind a customer’s electric meter or directly into the distribution system
Click here for complete details about the program and how to apply.
Applications accepted until the funding amounts have been met.
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New York State Retail Energy Storage Incentives Program
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O*NET Description of Fuel Cell Engineers: Design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications.
Experts who are selected and agree to participate will receive $40.00 in cash and a certificate of appreciation from the U.S. Department of Labor.
You are considered an Occupation Expert if you meet the following criteria:
- You have at least 5 years of experience with the occupation. This time can include supervising, teaching, or training, if you have at least one year working as a Fuel Cell Engineers during your career.
- You are currently active in the occupation (practicing, supervising, teaching and/or training) and based in the U.S.
If you meet these criteria and are interested in participating, please contact Jim Rose at RTI International, the O*NET data collection contractor ( [email protected] or 877-233-7348 ext. 121).
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Solicitation for Volkswagen Mitigation Zero Emission Transit, School, and Shuttle Bus Funding
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The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is pleased to announce that the application period for the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust Zero Emission Transit, School, and Shuttle Bus program is open. This solicitation is open to eligible bus owners throughout California, and funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is administering $130 million statewide in two equal installments of $65 million each for replacing internal combustion engine buses with zero emission buses.
Click here for more information on the funding.
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About the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Connection
Administration
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.
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Previous Issue Archive
Click here for an archive of previous issues of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Connection.
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