Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Industry Headlines
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Plug Power Holds Firsts Annual Plug Symposium at Headquarters; Announces Five-Year Revenue Plan; Announces Agreements with ENGIE and United Hydrogen
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On September 17, Plug Power held its first annual Plug Symposium at its Latham, New York, headquarters, bringing hydrogen and fuel cell leaders together to discuss the growth of the industry. The two-day event focused on fuel cells within vehicle electrification, featuring speakers from McKinsey, Walmart, DHL subsidiary StreetScooter, United Hydrogen, Washington Tax and Public Policy Group, Morgan Stanley, and Generate Capital.
Additionally, Plug Power
announced a partnership agreement with French electric utility company ENGIE to expand the use of fuel cells and hydrogen globally. The partnership seeks to identify mutually beneficial markets and provide customers with both Plug Power's fuel cell technology and ENGIE's renewable hydrogen infrastructure. According to Plug Power, this integration will be aimed at distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and logistic equipment in more than fifty countries.
On the second and final day of the symposium, Plug Power
announced a new hydrogen supply agreement with United Hydrogen. Under the three-year reserved product supply agreement, United Hydrogen will supplement Plug Power's hydrogen delivery operations with a dedicated supply of liquid hydrogen using a low-carbon production process. In announcing the agreement, Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh stated the partnership with United Hydrogen will allow the company to diversify its supply chain partners, continue to seamlessly meet customer demand while maintaining competitive pricing, and increase the amount of 'green' hydrogen in its supply network.
Plug Power concluded the Symposium by unveiling its five-year plan to reach a goal of $1 billion in annual revenue. The company expects its position in material handling industry to drive this revenue goal via continued growth from anchor customers and the addition of new customers.
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Plug Symposium Hydrogen Panel discussing infrastructure, scale, technology, distribution, and use cases. Panel includes representatives from Air Liquide, SoCalGas, United Hydrogen, NEL and Sun Power. (Source: Plug Power)
Senator Chuck Schumer expressed his appreciation for Plug Power to the policy panel, submitting a clip about jobs, economic growth and federal policy support:
ow.ly/aRat50wdPOI
Click
here for the full press release on Plug Symposium and
here for the full press release on the five-year plan from Plug Power.
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Nuvera to Produce and Sell 45-Kilowatt Fuel Cell Vehicle Engine
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On August 28, Nuvera Fuel Cells announced the completion of alpha testing for its 45-kilowatt Fuel Cell Engine. The company recently shipped multiple engines to partners in Europe and China for integration into commercial medium and heavy-duty vehicle applications.
The engine includes its own fully integrated compressor and patented controls for ease of integration and operation. Nuvera states that its fuel cell stack technology incorporates uncoated metal plates to provide resistance to shock and vibration, and open flow field architecture for high power density and efficiency.
Click
here for the full press release from Nuvera.
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Plug Power Expands Membrane Electrode Assembly Manufacturing Facility in Rochester, New York
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On September 4, Plug Power announced the expansion of its recently opened Rochester, New York, membrane electrode assembly (MEA) manufacturing facility. The expansion includes new administrative, research and development (R&D), and warehouse facilities.
According to Plug Power, the facilities feature technology aimed to reduce costs, improve durability, and develop new materials for its proprietary MEA. As part of the expansion, Plug Power intends to hire local professionals to fill R&D, chemical engineering, and manufacturing roles.
In addition, the expansion will allow Plug Power to continue its collaborations with the Rochester Institute of Technology and Alfred State College. The company has previously partnered with both schools to provide students with testing and summer internship opportunities, along with joint R&D funding applications.
Click
here for the full press release from Plug Power.
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International Industry Headlines
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Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell Vehicle Orders Exceed Expectations, Production Capacity to be Increased
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On September 17, Hyundai revealed it will increase the production capacity for its Nexo fuel cell vehicle in response to sales figures vastly exceeding the automaker's expectations. In an interview with Autocar, Dr. Sae-Hoon Kim, Hyundai's FCV business head, said the company had planned to sell around 1,500 Nexo units worldwide in 2019, but 5,500 of the cars have been ordered in South Korea alone since January.
In order to fill the backlog of South Korean sales, Hyundai is cutting its Nexo supply to European and American markets for the time being. Dr. Kim says that going forward, Nexo production capacity will be increased to 40,000 units per year. According to Dr. Kim, Hyundai expects demand for the Nexo to continue increasing, and hopes to scale up its production capacity to 200,000 within five years. At that volume, Dr. Kim estimates that FCV production costs would be on par with current battery electric vehicle costs.
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Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell Vehicle. (Source: Autocar)
Click
here for the full article by
Autocar.
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BMW Unveils New Concept Fuel Cell Vehicle at Frankfurt Auto Show
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On September 10, at the IAA Cars 2019 show in Frankfurt, Germany, BMW revealed the i Hydrogen NEXT, the company's latest concept fuel cell vehicle (FCV). The automaker states that by showcasing the i Hydrogen NEXT, it is highlighting its commitment to a diversity of electric drive technologies, including hydrogen FCVs.
BMW plans to launch a small-series next generation FCV in 2022 based on the current BMW X5. According to the BMW, the company will start offering a commercial series FCV for customers in 2025 at the earliest.
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The BWI i Hydrogen NEXT displayed at the IAA Cars 2019 Auto Show. (Source: BMW)
Click
here for the full press release from BMW.
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Nel to Expand Electrolyzer Manufacturing Capacity in Norway
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On August 28, Nel ASA announced that it has secured a new location at the Herøya Industrial Park (Herøya) in Porsgrunn, Norway, to expand the manufacturing capacity of the company's alkaline electrolyzers.
According to Nel, the initial target production capacity at Herøya will be 360 megawatts per year. However, the new location will allow for an eventual annual capacity of more than one gigawatt (GW).
Nel states that the company is also examining opportunities to develop a more advanced production line and manufacturing process, which will have the potential to increase capacity significantly beyond 1 GW.
Click
here for the full press release from Nel.
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Bloom Energy Fuel Cells to Power Indian Commercial Real Estate Development
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On August 29, Bloom Energy, real estate developer Atelier Global, Indian natural gas companies GAIL and Indian Oil Corporation, and the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum announced a commercial real estate development in Bengaluru, India, that will be powered by Bloom Energy Servers.
The 87,000 square foot Whitefield Tower will feature premium office spaces along with boutique hotel rooms and retail locations. Bloom Energy Servers running on GAIL natural gas will provide one megawatt of fuel cell power for the development. According to Bloom Energy, the Whitefield Tower development's use of the use of fuel cells is indicative of India's effort to transition to natural gas power.
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Rendering of the Whitefield Tower business-hospitality development in Bengaluru, India. (Source: Bloom Energy)
Click
here for the full press release from Bloom Energy.
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Toyota Utilizes Mirai Fuel Cell System to Power Japanese Production Plant
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On September 18, Toyota announced that it had installed a 100 kilowatt stationary fuel cell generator at its Honsha manufacturing plant in Toyota City, Japan. The generator uses the same fuel cell system as the company's Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.
Once verification tests are complete, the generator will be deployed at other Toyota manufacturing plants. According to Toyota, the company's continued development of hydrogen technology will help complete its Plant Zero CO2 Emissions Challenge, part of the previously announced Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050.
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Exterior of Toyota stationary fuel cell generator. (Source: Toyota)
Click
here for the full press release from Toyota.
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ZeroAvia Receives $3.3 Million Grant for Development of Zero Emission Aviation in Collaboration with Intelligent Energy
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On September 18, British aviation company ZeroAvia announced it had received a £2.7 million (~$3.3 million) grant from the United Kingdom Government to develop zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell-powered aviation. The grant will aid in funding ZeroAvia's HyFlyer project, which aims to supply a viable fuel cell aircraft to commercial operators and manufacturers by 2022 with up to 500-mile regional flights in ten to twenty-seat fixed-wing planes.
Among the project partners for HyFlyer is Intelligent Energy, which will collaborate with ZeroAvia on the optimization of its evaporative cooling fuel cell technology for aviation use cases.
Click
here for the full press release from ZeroAvia.
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Air Liquide to Supply Hydrogen to Shell Under New Contract in the Philippines
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On September 12, Air Liquide Philippines and Pilipinas Shell signed a long-term contract that would supply hydrogen to Shell's Tabangao petroleum refinery in Batangas, Philippines, for processing needs. As part of the contract, Air Liquide will invest €30 million (~$33.2 million) to construct a hydrogen manufacturing unit (HMU) on the Tabangao refinery.
Click
here for the full article by
Business Wire.
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Hyundai Opens Two Hydrogen Refueling Stations: Busan and South Korea's National Assembly Building
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On August 23, Hyundai opened the second hydrogen refueling station in Busan, South Korea. The country's second-largest city plans to operate a total of 19 hydrogen stations, including four stations dedicated to refueling fuel cell buses, by 2022.
According to Hyundai, the new station has the capacity to refuel approximately five fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) per hour. It will operate daily from 8:00 AM through 10:00 PM, allowing about 70 FCVs to refuel per day.
To coincide with the station opening, Hyundai also delivered one hydrogen fuel cell transit bus to Busan for its regular intra-city bus service. Hyundai plans to supply five fuel cell buses to Busan by October of this year, and by 2022, the city expects to operate around 100 fuel cell buses with expanded hydrogen refueling infrastructure.
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Busan's new hydrogen fuel cell bus from Hyundai refuels at the city's second hydrogen station.
(Source: Hyundai Motor Co.)
Click
here for the full article from
Korea Joongang Daily.
On September 10, Hyundai opened a commercial hydrogen storage and refueling facility at South Korea's national legislature building after seven months of construction. The station will operate from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, with a capability of refueling 70 fuel cell vehicles a day.
The new station is accompanied by the introduction of fuel cell taxis supplied by Hyundai. The opening ceremony was attended by South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang, Industry Minister Sung Yun-mo, and Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups Minister Park Young-sun. The City of Seoul plans to build 11 hydrogen stations by 2022.
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Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon (center) and National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang (right) pose with Hyundai's NEXO fuel cell taxi at the new hydrogen refilling station in Seoul, South Korea. (Source: Hyundai Motor)
Click
here for the full article by
The Korea Herald.
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Nel Invests in South Korean Hydrogen Refueling Joint Venture and Receives Purchase Order for Two Hydrogen Stations
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On August 28, Nel ASA announced that its South Korean subsidiary has invested approximately €800,000 (~$884,000) in Hydrogen Energy Network (HyNet), a joint venture established by the country's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy earlier this year. HyNet's goal is to construct 100 hydrogen refueling stations nationwide by 2022, and its other participants include Hyundai and Air Liquide.
In addition, Nel received purchase orders for two of its H2Station hydrogen fueling stations in South Korea. According to Nel, the value of the purchase orders is about €2.7 million (~2.98 million).
Click
here for the full press release from Nel ASA.
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Nel Announces Contract for 3.5 Megawatt Alkaline Electrolyzer
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On August 30, Nel Hydrogen announced a contract to deliver a 3.5 megawatt alkaline electrolyzer to a large, international energy company.
According to Nel, the contract value is approximately $4,000,000, and installation is scheduled for 2020. Further project details will be released at a later point in time.
Click
here for the full press release from Nel.
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Hyundai Announces Successful NEXO FCV Deployment with Canadian Car-Sharing Co-Op
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On August 27, Hyundai's Canadian subsidiary provided an update on the success of its NEXO fuel cell vehicle (FCV) in the fleet of the Vancouver-based carsharing co-operative, Modo. Two NEXO units were added to Modo's Vancouver fleet when the FCV made its Canadian launch in March of 2019.
According to Hyundai, since being placed in service, the two NEXO FCVs have been booked 260 times by 196 members and driven a total of 10,328 kilometers (~6,418 miles). Modo also reported month-over-month increases in bookings of the NEXO cars.
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One of two NEXO FCVs in Modo's Vancouver fleet. (Source: Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.)
Click
here for the full press release from Hyundai Auto Canada.
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Toyota Mirai Fleet Travels over One Million Miles Using Fuel Cells
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On September 9, the ride-sharing company, CleverShuttle, reached 2 million kilometers (1.24 million miles) driven by their fleet of 45 Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicles. According to Toyota, over 525,000 passengers were carried over the course of the period. CleverShuttle operates in the German cities of Hamburg, Munich, and Stuttgart.
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CleverShuttle-Operated Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicle. (Source: Toyota)
Click
here for the press release from Toyota (in German).
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Hyundai Fuel Cell Generator Used to Recharge New Racing Cars
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On September 11, Hyundai revealed a portable generator powered by two fuel cells to recharge the company's first electric racing car, the Veloster N ETCR. The generator uses the same fuel cell stack which is found in Hyundai's NEXO fuel cell vehicle. The electric racing car will use the fuel cell generator during the 2020 European Touring Car Racing Championship.
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Hyundai fuel cell generator. (Source: Pocket-lint)
Click
here for the full article by
Pocket-lint.
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Toyota Explores Hydrogen Opportunities with Eni and the City of Venice
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On September 9, Toyota, Eni, an Italian oil and gas company, and the City of Venice, Italy, signed an agreement to evaluate the construction of a hydrogen refueling station. If it is found to be feasible, Eni will construct a refueling station in the Municipality of Venice.
As part of the agreement, Toyota will provide ten Mirai fuel cell vehicles to the refueling station. As reported by Bioenergy International, the project will promote sustainable and low-emission mobility in the Venetian Region. Eni's Chief Refining and Marketing Officer states that Eni has started researching technology to produce hydrogen from urban waste and non-recyclable plastics, and notes that hydrogen is important to Eni's decarbonization process.
Click
here for the full article from
Bioenergy International.
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Europe's Largest Green Hydrogen Plant Planned for the Port of Rotterdam
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On September 14, the Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands, in partnership with BP and chemical company Nouryon, announced it had begun planning for the largest decarbonized hydrogen production plant in Europe to date. Corné Boot, Head of Government Affairs of BP Nederland, stated that the proposed plant would use 250 megawatts of electricity from renewable sources to produce 45,000 metric tons of green hydrogen annually, which in turn would save 350,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The project partners have allocated three years to create the proper electrolysis infrastructure for the hydrogen plant, setting 2022 as the construction decision date.
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Video outlines the role of hydrogen production at the Port of Rotterdam plant. (Source: Port of Rotterdam)
Click
here for the full press release from the Port of Rotterdam.
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Senate's Department of Energy Funding Bill Includes $160 Million for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies, $30 Million for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Program
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On September 12, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee
unanimously passed its version of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Energy & Water Development Appropriations bill. The legislation now moves to the full Senate chamber for consideration.
Within the $2.8 billion appropriations to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), the
Committee report recommends
$160 million for the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Program run by the Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO). This is an increase of $40 million over enacted appropriations for FY 2019 and $116 million more than the FY 2020 Trump Administration request. The Committee directs EERE to maintain a diverse Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies program that focuses on early, medium, and late-stage research, development and technology acceleration.
Of the $160 million, the Committee report directs:
- $49 million for Hydrogen Fuel Research and Development activities;
- $3 million for Systems Analysis activities;
- $26 million for Hydrogen Infrastructure Research and Development with emphasis on large-scale hydrogen production;
- $35 million for Technology Acceleration activities, including funding to support fuel cell and hydrogen technical and workforce development and training programs; and
- $10 million for Safety, Codes, and Standards activities.
In addition, the Committee encourages the Secretary of Energy to work with the Secretary of Transportation and industry on coordinating efforts to deploy hydrogen fueling infrastructure.
Finally, the Committee report recommends continued funding of
$30 million for the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Program within DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy. This is in line with the past five years of appropriations, and the Committee encourages DOE to work with industry in developing a "rational approach to advancing SOFC research and development."
We want to emphasize just how phenomenal this report language is for the industry. The top-line funding amount for FCTO is the highest in more than a decade, and the line item breakdown matches or exceeds what we asked for this year. Most of the report language is incorporated verbatim from our request – this is by far the most detailed language and funding allocation we've seen from a Committee report in a long time.
We expect that the House and Senate will try to get a final FY 2020 Energy & Water bill passed later in the Fall, but the top-level FCTO funding may not be as high as the Senate version. Regardless, we are very excited to have bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress for increased and sustained funding of our programs.
FCHEA will continue to engage Congress and advocate for the funding and program direction our industry requires for FY 2020. We greatly appreciate the FCHEA member input that went into forming our request this year, and the work done since then to educate Members of Congress on why we need these appropriations.
Should you have any questions or comments about this year’s appropriations process, feel free to contact
Justin Lewis or
Erin Lane.
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Plug Power Vice President Testifies on Sustainable Transportation at House Science Committee Hearing
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On September 18, Plug Power's Vice President of Hydrogen Energy Systems, Tim Cortes, testified before the House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Subcommittee on Energy. The hearing focused on innovations in sustainable transportation that can contribute to reducing carbon emissions, and the role that federal research and development activities play in this work.
Cortes highlighted the environmental and electrical efficiency benefits of Plug Power's hydrogen fuel cell systems for material handling equipment and medium-duty vehicles. Other witnesses discussed hydrogen as well, pointing to its versatile uses and potential to decarbonize heavy machinery processes. Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), whose district includes Plug Power, praised Cortes and the company for advancing zero-emission technologies and the clean energy economy of Upstate New York.
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Congressman Paul Tonko introduces Plug Power Vice President Tim Cortez. (Source: House Committee on Science, Space and Technology)
Click
here to watch a recording of the hearing.
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DOE Funds Electrolysis Project at Ohio Nuclear Power Plant to Produce Renewable Hydrogen, Earns Praise from Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur
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On September 11, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $9,184,229 federal investment to install an electrolysis unit at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station in Oak Harbor, Ohio, to produce hydrogen. Private sector partners will contribute $2,299,391, for a total of $11,483,620.
The pilot program tasks FirstEnergy Solutions Corporation with the development of a light-water reactor hybrid energy system for installation at Davis-Besse. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, praised the DOE project, stating that it will allow Davis-Besse to produce clean energy while ensuring the economic viability of the power plant in the long term.
Click
here for the funding announcement from DOE, and click
here for the full press release from Rep. Marcy Kaptur.
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Hawaii Air National Guard Demonstrates Fuel Cell-Powered Aircraft Tow Tractor
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Earlier this month, the Hawaii Air National Guard (HIANG) announced the successful test of a U-30 Aircraft Tow Tractor retrofitted with hydrogen fuel cells to tow a 186,000 pound United States Air Force (USAF) KC-135 Stratotanker on the flightline of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. HIANG demonstrated the efficacy of the technology, showing one way the USAF could incorporate the use of renewable energy in conducting operational missions while lessening its dependency on fossil fuels.
Working closely with the original manufacturer, U.S. Hybrid Corporation modified the diesel-based drive train with a 30 kilowatt (kW) kW fuel cell, two 5 kilogram hydrogen storage tanks, a 28 kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery configuration, and a 240 kW AC induction motor linked to the transmission. Hydrogen for the fuel cell drive train is produced renewably using the Hawaii Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies (HCATT) electrolyzer. HIANG praised the tug’s relative quietness, smooth operation, and the lack of diesel fuel smell.
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Fuel Cell powered U-30 Aircraft Tow Tractor hooked up to KC-135 Stratotanker. (Source: Hawaii Air National Guard)
According to HIANG, the tug will continue working for another two to three years while HCATT continues to collect data in an operational environment.
Click
here for the full press release from HIANG.
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International Government News
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South Korea's President Debuts Official Presidential Fuel Cell Vehicle
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On August 27, South Korea's President Moon Jae-In debuted his new official car, Hyundai's NEXO hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV). According to the Blue House, the President's official residence and executive office, Moon chose the NEXO as his presidential car to demonstrate his resolve to grow South Korea's hydrogen economy and combat air pollution.
Moon plans to initially use the NEXO FCV to commute between his official residence and other buildings inside the Blue House compound, and will later expand its usage in stages. According to the Blue House, Moon's office purchased a total of seven NEXO FCVs last year, including five for use by the presidential security service.
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President Moon Jae-in steps out of his official Hyundai NEXO FCV at the Blue House in Seoul.
(Source: Yonhap News Agency)
Click
here for the full article from
Yonhap News Agency.
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UK Announces $8.5 Million in Hydrogen Energy Project Awards
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On August 29, the United Kingdom's Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy announced £7 million (~$8.5 million) in funding for twenty projects in its £40 million (~48.7 million) Hydrogen Supply and Fuel Switching Innovation Fund.
The funding awards are part of a larger £390 million (~$475 million) government investment to reduce carbon emissions in industrial processes. This investment includes a £100 million (~$121.8 million) competition to enable greater supply of low-carbon hydrogen for use across the economy, and a £250 million (~$304.6 million) Clean Steel Fund to transition the iron and steel industry to a low carbon future, including through the use of hydrogen.
Among the announced Hydrogen Supply program winners is the HySpirits project, which will explore the possibility of converting a craft gin distillery in Orkney, Scotland from using liquid petroleum gas to hydrogen. The HySpirits project will use renewable hydrogen via wind and tidal power from the local European Marine Energy Centre to supply zero-carbon heat for the gin distillation process.
Click
here for the full press release from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.
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Queensland, Australia Government to Add Fuel Cell Vehicles to its Fleet with Renewable Hydrogen
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On August 27, Queensland, Australia Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that her government will add fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) to its fleet (QFleet) as a trial to promote the growth of the state's hydrogen economy. Premier Palaszczuk stated that the FCVs from Hyundai and Toyota will be integrated into QFleet as part of the 19 million AUD (~$12.8 million) Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy 2019-2024.
Queensland's Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick added that the government's FCVs will refuel at a hydrogen station to be located at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane. The renewable hydrogen for the refueling station will be produced by BOC using a 220 kilowatt (kW) electrolyser and a 100 kW solar array at its Bulwer Island gas facility. Funding support for the renewable hydrogen project
will come from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announces the QFleet trial at the government's Hydrogen Forum on August 27. (Source: Office of the Premier)
The Premier also announced the appointment of a strategic hydrogen adviser, QUT’s Professor Ian Mackinnon, at the Government’s Hydrogen Forum in Brisbane on August 27, attended by over 100 industry representatives from around Australia.
Click
here for the full joint statement from the Queensland Government.
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South Korea to Offer over $300 Million in Subsidies For Fuel Cell Vehicle Consumers
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On September 1, the South Korean Ministry of Economy and Finance announced it will offer over one trillion won (~$839 million) in subsidies for electric vehicle purchases, including 359.3 billion won (~$301 million) for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), starting in 2020.
According to
Yonhap News Agency, individuals who buy an FCV will be eligible to receive an incentive of 22.5 million won (~$18,400) to help defray costs. The subsidies will also help expand charging stations and hydrogen refueling stations, per the government.
The South Korean government estimates that the subsidies will increase the number of FCVs deployed in the country by 10,000 throughout 2020. According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, this will help reach the government's goal of 80,000 FCVs by 2022. The Ministry reports that 4,000 FCVs have already been deployed in the country this year.
Click
here for the full article from
Yonhap News Agency.
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New Zealand Releases Plans to Increase Hydrogen Utilization
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On September 2, New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) released a plan detailing the potential of hydrogen in achieving the country's clean energy goals. According to Energy Minister Megan Woods, New Zealand expects increased renewable hydrogen production to create new jobs, move heavy transport away from fossil fuels, and generate significant export revenue.
The discussion paper outlines New Zealand's vision for utilizing its abundant renewable resources for producing green hydrogen. Greenpeace welcomed the plan, stating that green hydrogen would play an important role in helping New Zealand achieve its goal of 100 percent renewable energy.
Click
here for the full article from
The New Zealand Herald.
Click
here for the full discussion paper from MBIE.
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Australian Renewable Energy Agency Prioritizes Hydrogen in Investment Plan
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On September 11, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) launched an investment plan which includes hydrogen among three priority areas in its effort to improve the competitiveness of renewable energy. ARENA CEO Darren Miller stated the priorities were finalized following consultation with industry and public sector partners. Miller also expressed his desire for the hydrogen industry to help Australia create further economic opportunities and export revenue. ARENA currently oversees 478 renewable energy projects.
Click
here for the full ARENA press release.
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Winners of HyStarter Competition Announced, Marking Nine German Regions for Hydrogen Development
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On September 9, the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure announced the winning regions of its HyStarter competition. The competition is part of the ministry's funding measure "HyLand - Hydrogen regions in Germany." The nine winning regions are tasked with individual challenges in developing hydrogen concepts. Several private companies and the federally owned NOW organization are responsible for the project.
The HyLand measure has designed two further competitions
— HyExperts and HyPerformer
— geared towards regions experienced with hydrogen or ones looking to implement existing concepts. The competition is open until September 30, 2019.
Click
here for the full press release from NOW.
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European Energy Research Alliance Extends Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Implementation Plan to 2030
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On September 4, the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) updated its long-term fuel cell and hydrogen implementation plan through 2030. The Joint Research Programme on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen technologies Implementation Plan 2018 - 2030 (JP FCH) aims to align research priorities to accelerate the advancement of fuel cell technologies. The JP FCH framework includes specific goals and action plans to guide technological development alongside the market. EERA states this will help researchers achieve effective and large-scale fuel cell implementation.
Click
here for the full EERA plan.
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2019 Fuel Cell Seminar and Energy Exposition
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November 5 - 7, 2019
Long Beach Convention Center | Long Beach, California
The Fuel Cell Seminar & Energy Exposition (FCS&EE) is less than two months away, but prices go up after October 11th. Don’t miss out on the largest and most comprehensive industry conference this year! Connect with hundreds of leading companies, industry and supply chain professionals, policy makers, allied industries, investors, potential customers, and more!
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The official conference hotel is the Renaissance Long Beach. Book your hotel room today to secure a room at the reduced rate
-
www.fuelcellseminar.com/hotel.
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2019 Southeast Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Symposium
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October 10, 2019 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EDT
BMW Zentrum | 1400 SC-101 | Greer, SC 29651
Join Palmetto Clean Fuels and the South Carolina Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance for an all-encompassing discussion about hydrogen and its capabilities. This event will bring together members of industry, utilities, academic and government researchers, and policymakers to discuss the future of hydrogen and its multifaceted uses.
Panels include:
·
Hydrogen Production, Delivery, and the Grid
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Hydrogen to Support Digital Infrastructure and Manufacturing
·
Growing and Emerging Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Markets in the Southeast
·
Regional Consortia and Hydrogen Demand Assessment
This event is free of charge. Morning break with refreshments will be provided by BMW Manufacturing. Lunch will be provided and is being sponsored by South Carolina Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance.
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2019 Philomathia Forum: Port and Freight Decarbonization
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October 28, 2019 | 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM PDT
Goldman School Center for Environmental Policy | Berkeley, California
Changes in transport technology, evolving shipping practices, and policy developments on climate and environmental justice create an urgent need for market-relevant research to accelerate goods-movement and maritime port decarbonization. This conference will forge new collaboration among freight industries, equipment manufacturers, government, university centers and community leaders on efforts to achieve zero emission port and freight operations.
This two-day conference is designed to identify a research agenda and roadmap on freight decarbonization. The first day of panels and presentations is open to the public. The second-day will be devoted to work group meetings and is by invite only.
Click
here
to register for the event.
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Commercial UAV Expo Americas 2019
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October 28 - 30, 2019
Westgate Resort and Casino | Las Vegas, NV
Commercial UAV Expo Americas is North America’s leading trade show and conference focusing on the integration and operation of commercial UAS with more exhibitors than any other commercial drone event.
Industries covered include Construction; Energy & Utilities; Forestry & Agriculture; Infrastructure & Transportation; Mining & Aggregates; Public Safety & Emergency Services; Security; and Surveying & Mapping. It is presented by Commercial UAV News and organized by Diversified Communications, a global event producer that also organizes Commercial UAV Expo Europe, GeoBusiness Show, International LiDAR Mapping Forum. Free expo.
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Additional Links
Xinhua Net | 25 August 2019
Bloomberg | 25 August 2019
Xinhua Net | 25 August 2019
Forester Media | 26 August 2019
The Korea Times | 26 August 2019
Reuters | 27 August 2019
CNET | 27 August 2019
The Scotsman | 27 August 2019
Luxivair SBD | 27 August 2019
France 24 | 28 August 2019
Reuters | 29 August 2019
ITM Power | 29 August 2019
PowerCell Sweden AB | 29 August 2019
Gasworld | 29 August 2019
University of Toledo | 29 August 2019
Transport Topics | 29 August 2019
POWER Magazine | 29 August 2019
Air Liquide | 29 August 2019
Voxy | 29 August 2019
Nextgov | 30 August 2019
Green Car Congress | 30 August 2019
GreenBiz | 30 August 2019
FCHEA "In Transitions" Blog | 2 September 2019
Bloomberg | 2 September 2019
Robb Report | 2 September 2019
Nikola Corp | 3 September 2019
POWER Magazine | 3 September 2019
Ecns | 3 September 2019
Financial Review | 3 September 2019
Robb Report | 4 September 2019
South China Morning Post | 4 September 2019
Riviera | 4 September 2019
Hamburg News | 5 September 2019
Cell - Joule | July 31
TheMayor | September 8
Open Access Government [Op-Ed by FCHEA President Morry Markowitz] | September 9
Newsweek | September 9
ACT News [Op-Ed by FCHEA President Morry Markowitz] | September 10
Tampa Bay Times | September 10
gasworld | September 11
US News - AP | September 11
H2 View | September 11
Glasgow City Council | September 12
ScienceDaily | September 12
Motoring | September 13
Forbes | September 9
Centre on Regulation in Europe | September 12
Recharge | September 13
Motoring | September 13
Jalopnik | September 14
Insider | September 15
Government Europa | September 16
Insider | September 16
Reuters | September 17
Reuters | September 17
Newswire | September 18
The Times | September 18
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Requests for Papers, Proposals, & Information
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Western Australia Renewable Hydrogen Energy Fund
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The McGowan Government has opened a $10 million Renewable Hydrogen Fund to drive a new job-creating industry harnessing the State's renewable resources. The fund will assist projects to develop Western Australia's renewable hydrogen industry and attract investment in hydrogen infrastructure, with grants from $300,000 to $3 million available for feasibility studies, demonstration or capital works projects.
The fund forms part of the McGowan Government's newly released WA Renewable Hydrogen Strategy which will drive WA's position as a major producer and exporter of renewable hydrogen. The Strategy aims to harness WA's comparative advantages which include world-class renewable energy resources, vast land mass and proud history of exporting energy to international markets.
The proposal submission deadline is 5 PM AWST on Wednesday, October 30, 2019.
Click
here
for more information regarding the Fund.
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Pennsylvania ZEV Infrastructure Grant Program
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The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched a new grant program for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) charging and fueling stations to increase options for ZEV owners and encourage more people to consider these clean vehicles for their next car. The funding comes from Pennsylvania’s $118 million settlement with Volkswagen Group of America for cheating on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions tests.
The grants are available through Governor Tom Wolf’s Driving PA Forward initiative. The goal of the initiative is to permanently reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution from vehicles.
Up to $3 million in grants is available for acquisition, installation, operation, and maintenance of ZEV fast-charging equipment and hydrogen fuel cell equipment through 2019. Grants are awarded as reimbursements after completed projects, with a maximum amount of $500,000. The amount awarded depends on the charging or fueling capacity of the proposed equipment.
Application deadlines are 4:00 PM on October 11, 2019.
For more information and to apply, click
here for the Driving PA Forward website.
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NYSERDA Stationary Fuel Cell Program
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NYSERDA’s Stationary Fuel Cell Program aims to quickly increase the amount of electricity produced by fuel cell systems in New York State. By providing $15 million over two years, NYSERDA will help facilities to reduce the upfront costs of installing and operating fuel cells and support commercially viable fuel cell systems that help lower greenhouse gas emissions.
NYSERDA will provide $7.5 million a year for two years for a total of $15 million to support new installations of stationary fuel cell systems at eligible sites. No system can receive more than $1 million from NYSERDA.
Incentives are divided into two main categories:
- Total Base Incentives, which include base incentives determined by installed capacity, and grid independent incentives based on the capability for operating when there are outages
- Bonus Incentives which are based on location of the site and whether the site is deemed to be critical infrastructure
Apply online using NYSERDA’s application portal.
Applications close at 5 PM Eastern Time on December 31, 2019.
Click
here for the full solicitation from NYSERDA.
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Maryland Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program Accepting Applications
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The Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program (AFIP) is intended to aid in the development of alternative fuel refilling/charging infrastructure in the state of Maryland. As such, Maryland Energy Administration anticipates issuing one or more grants to applicants for installation of alternative fuel refilling/charging stations in Maryland.
The total amount of funding currently available for this grant program in FY20 is up to $500,000. The grant will cover 50% of the project cost with a hydrogen refueling station maximum grant being $300,000 per station.
Click
here for the 2019 program announcement and application forms. To review the full program guidelines, click
here.
Application Deadline: December 31, 2019
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South Coast AQMD Hydrogen Infrastructure Partnership Program
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This Program Opportunity Notice (PON) seeks to expand the availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure in the South Coast AQMD region by making available a source of co-funding that can be accessed by the
Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC’s) strategic partners. The intent is to provide funding that can be used to improve the financial viability of a candidate hydrogen refueling station that has already undergone vetting by the Energy Commission or South Coast AQMD, or is being proposed by a public agency or industry stakeholder that will undergo evaluation by the MSRC, Energy Commission, or South Coast AQMD. The goal is to have this funding source readily available so it can be tapped by our strategic partners during and within the course of their regular procurement processes.
To this end, the MSRC has allocated $3,000,000 in Clean Transportation Funding from its FY 2016-’18 Work Program for the MSRC’s Hydrogen Infrastructure Partnership Program. This is an
initial funding allocation; the MSRC reserves the right to increase the funding available under this PON by allocating additional funds from either the FY 2016-’18 Discretionary Fund or a future Work Program.
The period of submittal under this PON closes on April 10, 2020, unless extended by the MSRC.
Click
here for the full Program Opportunity Notice from the South Coast AQMD.
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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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About the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Connection
Administration
Press releases and story ideas may be forwarded to Connor Dolan and Karen Quackenbush for consideration at
cdolan@fchea.org
and
khall@fchea.org
respectively.
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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