FCHEA Members Join Hydrogen Council, Council Holds Major Investor Day Event
On September 7, the Hydrogen Council, a global group of businesses dedicated to advancing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies as a sustainable energy solution, announced that eleven new companies have joined. Among the new additions to the Council are FCHEA members Plug Power, W.L Gore, and Toyota Tsusho (a subsidiary of Toyota), who have all joined in the newly created category of Supporting level members.
On September 18, the Council announced an additional three new corporate members. FCHEA member General Motors joined the Council's Steering Committee, while FCHEA member Hydrogenics joined the recently created tier of Supporting Members along with Ballard Power.
The announcement on the 18th came during the Hydrogen Council's Investor Day Event in New York City. Part of Climate Week NYC, this invitation-only event brought together c-suite industry leaders, investors, and other stakeholders to discuss the important contribution of hydrogen to the energy transition, and work to create an effective implementation plan.
Several FCHEA members spoke at the event including Benoit Potier, CEO of Air Liquide and Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council, as well as Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power.
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Air Liquide CEO and Hydrogen Council Co-Chair Benoit Potier announces the newest Hydrogen Council members at the Investor Day Event. Source: The Hydrogen Council
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Launched earlier this year at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Hydrogen Council also has several FCHEA members on its Steering Committee, such as Air Liquide, Anglo American, Daimler, Honda, Hyundai, Shell, the Linde Group, and Toyota.
The Hydrogen Council's next meeting will take place in November, during the Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany.
For a link to the full press release from the Hydrogen Council about the members who joined on September 7, click here.
For a link to the full press release from Air Liquide about the Hydrogen Council Investor Day, click
here.
California's 31st Hydrogen Fueling Station Now Open in Fremont
On September 8, the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) announced the opening of the state's newest retail hydrogen fueling station in Fremont. The station, operated by True Zero, brings the total number of public hydrogen fueling stations in California to 31.
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The new hydrogen fueling station in Fremont, CA. Source: California Fuel Cell Partnership
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For a link to the full CaFCP blog post, click
here.
Mercedes-Benz Officially Announces GLC F-CELL SUV
On September 12, Mercedes-Benz officially announced the GLC F-CELL SUV, which they describe as the world's first fuel cell/battery hybrid vehicle. The announcement took place at the 2017 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany.
The GLC F-CELL will be able to travel about 272 miles using two tanks of hydrogen fuel, and an additional 30 miles on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. To conserve energy, the heat given off by the SUV's fuel cell will be used to help keep the car warm in cooler temperatures.
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Click the image to see the Mercedes-Benz announcement video for the GLC F-CELL. Source: Mercedes-Benz via YouTube. |
The GLC F-CELL is now in pre-production, and according to Mercedes-Benz, will be available for sale in the United States in late 2019.
For a link to the full announcement page from Mercedes-Benz, click
here.
California Governor Signs $900 Million Clean Transportation Bill, Will Benefit Fuel Cell Vehicles
On September 16, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 134, which earmarks $900 million in funding to support a variety of statewide and regional clean transportation initiatives. Deemed the "California Clean Air Initiative," the funding derives from the state selling carbon allowances to the private sector.
The bill allocates $140 million for the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which offers rebates for the purchase or lease of zero-emission cars,
including $5,000 for the Hyundai Tucson, Honda Clarity, and Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicles. Another $180 million will fund the
Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), which provides incentives for the purchase of zero-emission truck and bus fleet vehicles. Fuel cell powered trucks and buses are eligible under the project.
For a link to the full bill as signed by Governor Brown, click
here.
NETL Supporting FuelCell Energy SOFC Power Plant in Pittsburgh
On September 12, the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) announced that it is supporting the installation and testing of a prototype solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system in Pittsburgh. As
reported last month, FuelCell Energy will will install the prototype fuel cell system for testing at the Pittsburgh NRG YIELD facility.
The installation is being funded under a cooperative agreement with NETL, which has been working with the City of Pittsburgh to advance clean energy initiatives for over two years.
An SOFC Power Generation Unit, similar to what will be installed in Pittsburgh. Source: NETL
For a link to the full press release from NETL, click here.
Shell Collaborating with Honda, Toyota on Seven New Hydrogen Stations in Northern California
On September 13, Shell announced that Honda and Toyota will collaborate with the company on the construction of seven new hydrogen fueling stations in Northern California. As reported last month, the California Energy Commission awarded Equilon Enterprises, a subsidiary of Shell, a grant of over $16.3 million to build three stations in San Francisco, and one in each of Berkeley, Sacramento, Citrus Heights and Walnut Creek.
For a link to the full press release from Shell, Honda, and Toyota, click here.
Nel Receives Additional Purchase Orders from Shell for California Hydrogen Stations
On September 11, Nel ASA announced additional purchase orders from Equilon Enterprises (a subsidiary of Shell) for its hydrogen fueling station equipment and services in California.
The purchase orders are valued at NOK 50 million (approximately $6.3 million), with delivery and installation expected in 2018.
For a link to the full press release from Nel, click here.
LG Awarded $5.7 Million from DOE for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Project
On September 6, the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy announced the selection of 16 projects to receive $10.2 million in funding to advance solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology.
Among the recipients are FCHEA member LG Fuel Cell Systems, which was awarded $5.7 million to deploy a 250-kilowatt integrated fuel cell system on a site provided by Stark State College in North Canton, Ohio. The system will operate on natural gas and connect directly to the electric grid.
For a link to the full press release from the Office of Fossil Energy, click here.
CCAT Hosts Two International Events on Advancing Hydrogen Fueling Equipment
From September 18 to the 25, the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) hosted two international events on the advancement of refueling equipment for hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles. Work groups from the International Standards Organization and International Technical Committee on Hydrogen Technologies met to make recommendations on hoses and general requirements for hydrogen refueling. The standards determined at these meetings are now being used to set minimum design characteristics for safety and performance of public and private hydrogen refueling stations.
Representatives from five continents are attending the meetings, with the United States represented by scientists from National Laboratories and private businesses.
For a link to the full press release from CCAT, click here.
CA Air Resources Board Releases California Hydrogen Infrastructure Tool Resources
On September 21, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced two new resources to help navigate its California Hydrogen Infrastructure Tool (CHIT). The CHIT 2017 Release Download Package is now available for public use, which includes all input data and results from the June 2017 analysis.
In addition, the CHIT 2017 Results Web Map now includes view output results from CARB's implementation of CHIT 2017 Release in support of its June 2017 Annual Evaluation of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Deployment and Hydrogen Fuel Station Network Development.
For a link to the new resources, click here.
FuelCell Energy to Build 20 MW Installation for South Korean Power Company
On September 5, FuelCell Energy announced a 20 megawatt fuel cell power plant project with Korea Southern Power Company (KOSPO). FuelCell Energy's SureSource 3000 power plants will supply power for a district heating system in Incheon, South Korea.
According to FuelCell Energy, the company expects to operate and maintain the KOSPO installation under a 20 year service agreement. Construction on the installation, which is KOSPO's first fuel cell project, will begin this year, with the facility expected to be operational in 2018. Hanyang Industrial Development Company will provide the engineering, procurement and construction services for the project.
For a link to the full press release from FuelCell Energy, click
here.
Shell to Build 10 MW Hydrogen Electrolysis Plant for German Oil Refinery
On September 1, Shell's German affiliate announced plans to build a ten megawatt hydrogen electrolysis plant, to provide power to its crude oil refinery in Wesseling, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. According to Shell, the electrolysis plant would be the largest in Germany, as well as the largest Polymer Electrolyte Membrane electrolyzer in the world.
Shell, along with ITM Power, SINTEF, thinkstep, and Element Energy, have been invited by the European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (FCH 2 JU) to prepare a contract for the electrolysis plant project.
For a link to the full press release from Shell Deutschland Oil (in German), click here.
Toyota Canada, Quebec Government to Study Market Requirements for Hydrogen Infrastructure
On September 21, Toyota Canada and the government of Quebec announced their intention to enter into an Memorandum of Understanding to study the market requirements for hydrogen infrastructure to support the introduction of fuel cell vehicles. Toyota will collaborate on the study with
Transition Énergétique Quebec (TEQ), a new public body established by the Ministry of Energy to support, encourage, and promote energy transition, innovation, and efficiency in the province.
In addition, Toyota Canada says the company will be investing in initiatives that are part of Quebec's 2030 Energy Policy, including a pilot network of multi-fuel service stations which include hydrogen fuel.
For a link to the full press release from Toyota Canada, click here.
Intelligent Energy Announces Fuel Cell Partnership with British Construction Company
On September 19, Intelligent Energy announced a partnership with Taylor Construction Plant (TCP) in the UK to supply its air cooled fuel cell modules for integration, testing, and evaluation into power products for the construction industry.
According to Intelligent Energy, the fuel cell powered products will initially be targeted at the UK construction industry, with the intention to expand into other TCP markets.
For a link to the full press release from Intelligent Energy, click here.
Shell's Japan Subsidiary Joins Saudi Hydrogen Production Project
On August 27,
Nikkei Technology reported that Showa Shell Sekiyu, Shell's Japanese subsidiary, will participate in a renewable energy-based hydrogen production project of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia and the
Japan Cooperation Center Petroleum (JCCP).
The project will use solar power to decompose hydrogen sulfide - a toxic gas found in high concentrations around Saudi oil and gas fields - into sulfur and useable hydrogen for industrial and energy applications.
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Representatives from JCCP and KAUST at a signing ceremony for the hydrogen production project in June 2017. Source: JCCP via Nikkei Technology |
For a link to the full article from
Nikkei Technology, click
here.
Toyota Supports World's First Hydrogen Powered Boat on Maiden Global Voyage
In a blog post on August 24, Toyota's United Kingdom branch highlighted its support of advancing renewable hydrogen fuel through the
Energy Observer, the world's first hydrogen powered boat. The
Energy Observer - powered by two Toyota Mirai fuel cells - sources its hydrogen from solar, wind, and wave energy.
The vessel started its maiden voyage over the summer, with plans to visit 101 ports in fifty countries over six years. The fuel cells, along with six Toyota hybrid cars to support the project team, were provided by Toyota France.
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YouTube video discussing the Energy Observer and its global voyage. Click the image to open the video in YouTube. Source: NDT Television |
The Energy Observer is currently docked in Cherbourg, France, and will head to Nantes, France later in September. Following that, the boat will travel across the Mediterranean before heading to Northern Europe.
For a link to the full blog post from Toyota UK, click
here.
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National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day Update
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The Third National Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Day is just one week away! Here's what you can do to help celebrate.
Looking to get involved in the third annual National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day on October 8th? Last year's national event was a big success and we welcome your help in expanding the reach of this year's event.
FCHEA is working with its members, industry supporters, and champions in Congress and statehouses to celebrate the third annual National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day on October 8. This activity will provide FCHEA and its members a strong platform for raising broader awareness of fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies.
Here are ways you and your organization can spread the word about the benefits of fuel cells and hydrogen.
1. Visit our new Thunderclap and sign up.
We just launched our Thunderclap campaign for 2017 and you can now sign up your organization's Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr account to support our campaign! Don't forget to also sign up on your personal Facebook and Twitter accounts, and have your colleagues sign up too!
2. Plan Company Announcements / Events around the National Day for Extra Exposure.
If your organization is considering an announcement at the end of September or early October, consider timing the announcement in the days leading up to National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day as a way of boosting exposure and joining with the campaign. Alternatively, you can host an open house, press briefing, or other event with your organization and invite the media and government officials to you.
3. Encourage Mayors/Governors to
Officially Proclaim
October 8 as Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.
In both 2015 and 2016, we have had official resolutions passed in the U.S. Senate recognizing October 8th as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day. In addition, last year Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper did so, and we expect at least one other Governor to follow suit this year as well. To help grow support for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, reach out and encourage your mayors and governors to pass their own official proclamations - sample text is provided
here
.
4. Publish a Press Release or Blog Post.
We have a sample press release and blog post available for you to customize with information about your company and share with your followers online and engage with your community. If you need a copy provided to you, please contact me by email at [email protected].
5
. Create and Share your own Social Content. You can share the news about National H2 & FC Day and the benefits of the technology through social media. Tell your own success story with videos, photos, graphics, or other content. Feel free to use our National H2 & FC Day logos, as well as "I Support Fuel Cells and Hydrogen" sheets. On Facebook and Twitter, use our official hashtags - #FuelCellsNow and #HydrogenNow.
We were blown away by the support and activity in 2016,
with FCHEA members, and industry supporters issuing dozens of industry announcements and press releases, hosting several events and ride & drives, generating hundreds of social media posts, and reaching hundreds of thousands around the world.
We will be updating and tracking our events in 2017 online at www.hydrogenandfuelcellday.org
and can't wait to see what everyone comes up with next month. We believe we can make an even bigger impact this year with your help. If you plan on participating in any way, or if you have any questions, please send them to [email protected].
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Upcoming Events
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Register Today for Fuel Cell Seminar - 2 Weeks Left for Early Bird Rate!
Don't miss out on the 2017 Fuel Cell Seminar & Energy Exposition (FCS&EE), being held at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California, November 7-9, 2017.
Register today! The official conference hotel is the Renaissance Long Beach, directly across the street from the FCS&EE area of the Convention Center. Be sure to secure your discounted room rate at
https://www.fuelcellseminar.com/hotel/. Sponsor and exhibit spots are still available - if interested, please email
[email protected].
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Additional Links
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Methanol Fuel Cell Powered Passenger Ferry Sets Sail
The Maritime Executive | 28 August 2017
Clean Technica | 30 August 2017
The August Chronicle | 2 September 2017
CNBC | 4 September 2017
RoadShow by CNET | 5 September 2017
Bloomberg | 5 September 2017
Fleet World | 5 September 2017
Daimler | 5 September 2017
Financial Times (letter to the editor) | 8 September 2017
Road Show by CNET | 12 September 2017
Business Insider | 12 September 2017
Car and Driver | 12 September 2017
Motor Trend | 12 September 2017
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. DOE | 13 September 2017
BBC News | 14 September 2017
Phys.org | 14 September 2017
IndeOnline | 15 September 2017
TexasMonthly | 15 September 2017
Government of Ontario | 15 September 2017
Decentralized Energy | 19 September 2017
Bloomberg | 19 September 2017
BusinessCar| 19 September 2017
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | 21 September 2017
Shanghai Daily | 21 September 2017
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Request for Papers, Proposals, and Information
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