On May 7, FCHEA member Plug Power announced its pursuit to acquire FCHEA member United Hydrogen Group Inc., as well as an unnamed electrolyzer technology platform company. According to Plug Power, these decisions are part of the company's goals to have more than 50 percent of hydrogen be renewable by 2024, and the company expects that the acquisitions will enhance Plug Power's hydrogen generation, liquefaction, and logistics business areas.

The announced intentions are in line with Plug Power's hydrogen vertical integration strategy. Currently, United Hydrogen produces 6.4 tons of hydrogen daily, with plans to increase to 10 tons in the near future, and the electrolyzer company would provide access to electrolyzer products ranging from 100 kilowatts to over one megawatt.

Plug Power is currently in negotiations and the company expects any deals to be finalized by the end of the second quarter of 2020.

Click  here for the full press release from Plug Power.

On May 4, FCHEA member FuelCell Energy announced the beginning of site construction for a 1.4 megawatt SureSource 1500 biogas fuel cell project at the Municipal Water Department San Bernadino, California. According to FuelCell Energy, the project will be commercially operational in December 2020.

The SureSource 1500 will be fueled by San Bernadino's anaerobic digester gas, which will be treated on-site. FuelCell Energy states this biogas would have otherwise been flared, a greenhouse gas mitigation method that wastes useful energy.

Click  here for the full press release from FuelCell Energy.

On April 28, FCHEA member BayoTech announced it has enter into a partnership with H2Gen Technical Services for customized services and consultation of hydrogen systems.

Click  here for the announcement from BayoTech.

On May 7,  Green Car Reports reported that FCHEA member BMW has reaffirmed the company's commitment to fuel cell vehicles with a plan to increase investment into the technology. According to  Green Car Reports, BMW plans to invest €30 billion (~$32 billion) into research and development by 2025, with a portion of that money earmarked for fuel cell development. In addition, BMW's i Hydrogen Next fuel cell SUV is planned to enter limited production in 2022.

Click  here for the full article from  Green Car Reports.

On May 15, Seifi Ghasemi, chairman, president and CEO of FCHEA member Air Products and Chemicals, outlined the company's commitment to hydrogen in a call hosted by Goldman Sachs. Mr. Ghasemi states that companies investing in hydrogen now will benefit down the road, and he expects Air Products' portfolio to be about 80% hydrogen by 2035.

Click  here for the full article from S&P Global Platts.

On April 30, Plug Power outlined the increase in productivity it had provided its customer ARYZTA, an international food business, by providing fuel cell technology to ARZTA's logistics since 2016.

Plug Power states ARYZTA's freezer conditions were creating difficulty for previous battery-powered lift trucks, while the fuel cell versions operate at full power regardless of the conditions. According to Plug Power, the company's fuel cells have increased ARYZTA's average picks-per-hour by 100 percent in 2018, and 133 percent in 2020. ARYTZA has set a goal to reach a 188 percent increase in picks-per-hour from the 2016 baseline. Plug Power also states that the quick fueling of a GenDrive fuel cell helped reduce recharge idle time by 13 minutes, saving 234 hours of productivity per forklift over a year.

Click  here for the full press release from Plug Power.

On May 8, FuelCell Energy announced it has delivered more than 10 million megawatt hours of energy from its SureSource fuel cells since the first installation. The fuel cells have been deployed on three continents, including nine US states and Puerto Rico. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency greenhouse gas equivalency calculations, the 10 million megawatt hours of operation has saved more than 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide and five thousand tons of nitrogen oxides compared to grid operations.

Click  here for the full press release from FuelCell Energy.

On April 7, the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) to advance energy storage technologies that improve the performance of fossil fuel assets. FE pointed to hydrogen as an essential feedstock that unites fossil fuels and renewable energies, and specified that the office was looking to leverage low-cost hydrogen production from fossil fuels for energy storage.

Click  here for the full NOI.

On May 21, the U.S. Department of Energy Office (DOE) of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) announced the selection of 106 new projects for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer research and development grants, totaling around $21.3 million in funding. There are 12 topics total, one for each EERE Technology Office, including the Fuel Cells Technology Office, and three joint technology awards. The selected businesses receiving Phase 1 grants must demonstrate technical feasibility for innovations. Most initial awards are $200,000 for a period of less than a year.

Click  here for the full press release from DOE EERE.

On April 29, FCHEA member Cummins announced that ASKO, a Norwegian wholesale grocer, began operating four trucks using Cummins' fuel cell modules. According to Cummins, ASKO moved to fuel cell trucks in an effort to focus on resource efficiency, low emissions, and sustainable development for its distribution network.

The trucks, built by Swedish manufacturer Scania, integrate one of Cummins’ new 90 kW HyPM HD Fuel Cell Power Modules into each powertrain and are capable of traveling 400 - 500 kilometers (~249 - 311 miles).

On May 11, Glomfjord Hydrogen, a hydrogen company owned in part by FCHEA member Nel, signed a letter of intent with Air Liquide to develop a large-scale green hydrogen production and liquefaction center at the Glomfjord Industrial Park in Glomfjord, Norway. According to Glomfjord Hydrogen, the project will offer hydrogen to fuel ferries expected to deploy in 2024 in the Vestfjorden connection, a Norwegian fjord. The company states that the site may scale up production to accommodate other maritime and land transport consumers, as well as industry.

Click  here for the full press release from Glomfjord Hydrogen, and click  here for the article from  H2 View.

On May 5, FCHEA member Intelligent Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Robotic Skies, an American Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) maintenance, repair, and overhaul services provider, to expand post-sale support for Intelligent Energy's UAV Fuel Cell Power Modules. Robotic Skies has 200 Service Centers across 40 countries that will be able to support Intelligent Energy products. The MOU will initially focus on the North American UAV market, with the potential to support other Intelligent Energy products.

Click  here for the full press release from Intelligent Energy.

On May 11, FCHEA member Hyundai Motor Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Air Liquide Korea, Hydrogen Energy Network (HyNet), a United Kingdom-based hydrogen company, and the Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), to transform the airport in Incheon, South Korea, into a low-carbon and eco-friendly airport. The partnership includes the establishment of a hydrogen refueling station for fuel cell buses at Incheon Airport's Terminal 2. The project, expected by March 2021, is part of the South Korean Ministry of Environment's plan to increase hydrogen availability and subsidize private infrastructure.

Hyundai states it will support the construction costs and provide fuel cell buses to the airport, along with maintenance and service. Air Liquide Korea will provide two high-capacity hydrogen stations and will supply hydrogen fuel to the station. IIAC will provide the site and oversee construction and operation.

According to Hyundai, the company's fuel cell buses will gradually replace the airport's current internal combustion buses that operate between terminals, parking lots, and logistics complexes. Seven fuel cell buses will begin operation in the second half of 2020, followed by three to five buses entering service each subsequent year.

On May 12, FCHEA member Hexagon Composites signed a term sheet with CIMC ENRIC, a Chinese energy equipment manufacturer, for a strategic and joint venture agreement. The partnership is aiming to provide safe, lightweight, and cost-efficient compressed hydrogen storage to the Chinese market by jointly establishing manufacturing facilities for the production and assembly of cylinders and hydrogen systems. Hexagon states the companies intend to sign the Joint Venture Agreement in the third quarter of 2020, pending board approval. Production will commence as early as 2021.

Click  here for the full press release from Hexagon.

On May 7, H2Mobility, along with shareholders Air Liquide and Shell, opened a new hydrogen refueling station in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany. This is the 18  ^th station to open in NRW, and the 83  ^rd in Germany. The station features filling technology provided by Air Liquide, and it has a capacity of around 200 kilograms of hydrogen.

Click  here for the full press release from H2MOBILITY.

On April 27, the Zero Emission Fleet Vehicles for Europe Roll-out (ZEFER) reported that a Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle fleet operated by Green Tomato Cars, a London-based zero-emission ride-sharing service, is seeing increased demand due to concerns over public transportation. According to Peter Jones, a Mirai driver with Green Tomato Cars, there has been an increase in United Kingdom National Health Service workers and other key workers using the fleet to avoid contamination and to maintain social distancing guidelines.

On April 24, FCHEA member Air Liquide Japan announced it has opened a new hydrogen station in Kita-Nagoya Yamanokoshi, Japan, to help initiatives in the Chubu region create a hydrogen society.

On April 30, Air Liquide announced it has signed a contract with Zhangjiakou Jiaotou Hydrogen and New Energy Technology Co., Ltd, to supply hydrogen equipment and build a new hydrogen refueling station in Zhangjiakou City, China. According to Air Liquide, the station is intended to support fuel cell vehicles during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The station, expected to complete installation at the end of August 2020, will have a hydrogen capacity of 1000 kilograms per day.

Click  here for the full press release from Air Liquide.

On May 4, the Australian Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction and the Minister for Finance issued a joint statement announcing the establishment of the Advancing Hydrogen Fund. The new, AU $300 million (~US $196 million) fund will finance projects focused on growing the hydrogen industry in Australia.

According to the Ministers, the Fund backs priorities under Australia's National Hydrogen Strategy, including areas such as advancing hydrogen production, developing export and domestic supply chains, establishing hydrogen hubs, and building domestic demand.

Click  here for the full press release from the Australian Ministers.

June 1 - 3

Microgrid Knowledge will be hosting the first-ever Microgrid Virtual Conference on June 1-3, 2020. This is an excellent opportunity to get the latest information and hear from leading thinkers in the microgrid industry, learn more about the widespread impact the current crisis will have on industry growth, and engage with decision makers who are charting a course forward through these uncertain waters.

While everyone awaits a return to a sense of normalcy across the country, critical infrastructure is once again being tested. With hospitals already stretched to their limits, the looming wildfire and hurricane seasons are right around the corner and could quickly compound the disaster faced by many communities. Resilient infrastructure is once again at the forefront of companies and customers’ minds — driving new interest around the globe in microgrid energy systems.

Click   here for more information and click  here to register for the online conference.

June 3 - 4 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM EDT

FCHEA is pleased to announce its participation as supporting organization of the online conference RENPOWER H2 LATAM 2020. More than 20 experts will share their knowledge and discuss the way ahead, challenges and significant benefits associated with the use of green hydrogen (H2) in LATAM.

Hydrogen technology is available and can contribute to the green electrification of Latin America. It can provide municipalities, businesses and industries with a sustainable mobility and energy solution. Hydrogen will further realize its promise in unlocking the large potential of untapped renewable energy and thus support the clean energy in the whole region. It is one of the leading options for storing renewable energy and can be used as a flexible transmission system of renewable energy, in wind, solar and biomass power generation as well as for mini-grid.

Click  here to register for the online conference.

July 28 - 29

Mary M. Gates Learning Center | Alexandria, VA

In the evolving threat landscape, the United States military has recognized a need to reduce its dependence on established logistical networks for power generation and refueling. The current system leaves warfighters vulnerable to attack and is financially and environmentally unsustainable. In an effort to effectively compete against great power competitors, the United States military is shifting towards a more resilient energy strategy that will increase operational flexibility and success. The Defense Strategies Institute's Department of Defense Energy and Power Summit will focus on the current and future policies, programs, and R&D aimed at creating a more energy-resilient force both overseas and at home.

Click  here  for more information and to register.

October 27 - 28

Stark State College | North Canton, Ohio

Join the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition and our industry stakeholders as OFCC celebrate 20 years of hosting the Ohio Fuel Cell Symposium! Join OFCC this year as the industry comes together to network, discover opportunities, and create solutions to advance your organization and our industry. OFCC invite you to listen and learn from fuel cell industry leaders who will share their expertise, knowledge and vision.

Click   here to visit the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition's website.

Solicitation Type: Grant Funding Opportunity

Solicitation Number: GFO-19-602

The California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program (formerly known as the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program) announces the availability of up to $115.7 million in grant funds, subject to future appropriations and Clean Transportation Program Investment Plan funding allocations, for hydrogen refueling infrastructure projects that will expand California’s early commercial light duty hydrogen refueling and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) markets and to accommodate the projected FCEV roll-out in 2021-2024. Of the up-to amount, $45.7 million is currently available.

Submission Deadline: May 22, 2020, 5:00 PM PDT

Click  here for more information.

Funding for the Tribal Government Challenge Planning Grant Program will help tribes conduct planning to identify Solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve clean energy access, and advance climate adaptation and resiliency on tribal lands and in tribal communities.

The final draft of the  Tribal Government Challenge solicitation is available. The only method of delivery for submitting a proposal in response to this solicitation is the  Energy Commission’s Grant Solicitation System. This online tool allows applicants to submit their electronic documents to the Energy Commission prior to the date and time specified in this solicitation.

Deadline to Submit Proposals: May 22, 2020 5:00 PM PDT

Award Determination Posted: June 22, 2020

Click  here for more information.

Last year the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced a  funding round of up to $70 million to help fast track the development of renewable hydrogen in Australia. The Renewable Hydrogen Deployment Funding Round – Funding Announcement details the process that will be used by ARENA under the Advancing Renewables Program (ARP). The Renewable Hydrogen Deployment Funding Round is a Competitive Process as defined in the ARP Guidelines, and clauses 4.27 to 4.32 apply. The Funding Announcement should be read in conjunction with the ARP Guidelines (which apply to the Funding Round).

Deadline: May 26, 2020

Click  here for more information.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is seeking information to increase private investment in clean transportation fuel, infrastructure and vehicle projects in California supported by incentive funds, mandates, and regulations to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements. Responses received from the RFI as well as staff research and follow up meetings will guide actions, which may include re-configuration of existing incentive programs, new pilot programs to explore financing mechanisms, establishment of new initiatives, and ongoing dialogue to share information with interested parties.

Information may be submitted by  5:00 p.m. on June 1, 2020. Please submit information to the CEC using the e-commenting feature  here.

Click  here for more information.

The purpose of the CMP is to obtain emission reductions of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Particulate Matter (PM10) and Reactive Organic Gases (ROG) from heavy-duty vehicles and other equipment operating in California as early and as cost-effectively as possible. The CMP provides financial incentives to assist in the purchase of cleaner-than-required engine and equipment technologies to achieve emission reductions that are real, surplus, quantifiable and enforceable.

Applications are currently being accepted under Carl Moyer Program Announcement  #PA2020-04 and SOON Program Announcement  #PA2020-03. At least $34 million is available.

Funding categories include:

Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 2, 1:00 PM PDT

Click  here to apply, and click  here for the brochure.

FOA Number: DE-FOA-0001817

This FOA provides opportunities to support innovation and competitiveness of the U.S. nuclear industry through cost-shared basic/fundamental, applied R&D, and demonstration/commercial applications R&D activities for all aspects of existing and advanced reactor development. The FOA is divided into three pathways, each with specific objectives. The FOA will be open for a 5-year period.

Question Deadline: June 15, 2020

Applications Due: June 30, 2020, 5:00 PM EDT

Click  here for the full FOA, and click  here for the hydrogen Area of Interest announcement.

FOA Number: DE-FOA-0002250

The objective of the Systems for Monitoring and Analytics for Renewable Transportation Fuels from Agricultural Resources and Management (SMARTFARM) program is to bridge the data gap in the biofuel supply chain by funding the development of technologies that can replace national averages and emissions factors for feedstock-related emissions with field-level estimates. The value of such technologies will be evaluated by their ability to reliably, accurately (i.e. low uncertainty), and cost-effectively quantify feedstock production lifecycle emissions (in g CO2e/acre) at the field level (i.e. scalable to >80 acres).

If successful, the technologies funded by this phase of the SMARTFARM program will catalyze new market incentives for efficiency in feedstock production and carbon management, reducing annual U.S. emissions by ~1%, and with substantially greater potential emissions reductions implications if expanded to other agricultu ral products beyond biofuels.

Full Application Submission Deadline: June 23, 2020, 9:30 AM EDT

View Full Application Reviewer Comments Period: July 28, 2020, 5:00 PM EDT – July 31, 2020, 5:00 PM EDT

Click here to apply for this funding opportunity.

FOA Number: DE-FOA-0002252

This FOA integrates identified research opportunities across Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) into a single funding opportunity. AMO intends to fund high-impact, early- to mid-stage applied research through this FOA. Topics are organized in 3 main topic areas, as described below, with subtopics in each area.

Topic 1: Efficiency Improvements in Advanced Manufacturing Processes

Topic 2: Efficiency Improvements in Chemical Manufacturing

Topic 3: Connected, Flexible, and Efficient Manufacturing Facilities, Products, and Energy Systems

Concept Paper Submission Deadline: June 25, 2020, 5:00 PM EDT

Full Application Submission Deadline: August 26, 2020, 5:00 PM EDT

View Full Application Reviewer Comments Period: September 23, 2020 5:00 PM ET – 9/28/2020 5:00 PM EDT

Click  here for the full Funding Opportunity Announcement.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Israel Ministry of Energy, jointly with the Israel Innovation Authority and the BIRD Foundation invite you to apply for grant funding through "BIRD Energy." This program develops innovation through U.S.-Israel cooperation on a range of clean energy technologies, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, natural gas, and energy-water technologies.

Executive Summary Due Date: June 30, 2020

Full Proposal Due Date: August 13, 2020

Click   here for more information.

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.