CURRENTS

January 31, 2025

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Headlines

GM to Support California Wildfire Relief Efforts with Hydrogen Mobile Charging Units

On January 22, General Motors (GM) announced it is taking steps to help employees, customers, and others recover from the Los Angeles wildfires. Among other steps, GM will provide mobile charging stations in targeted areas for people who no longer have access to their regular charging locations. From February 1 through April, GM will deploy three different mobile EV charging solutions across the L.A. metro region, including three GM HYDROTEC fuel cell mobile charging units, each capable of DC fast charging two EVs at once. 

A GM HYDROTEC hydrogen-powered mobile charger, plugged into a Cadillac LYRIQ. (Source: GM)


Click here for the full press release from GM.

Plug Power Boosts Liquidity with $30 Million Federal Investment Tax Credit Transfer

On January 27, Plug announced it has boosted its liquidity by approximately $30 million through the transfer of the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) under rules established in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022.

 

Under the IRA, facilities that produce, liquify, and store green hydrogen can claim the Section 45V Production Tax Credit (PTC) for green hydrogen produced as well as the ITC on the hydrogen storage and liquefaction assets at the facility. Plug secured the ITC through its investment in liquefaction and storage technologies at its green hydrogen plant in Woodbine, Georgia, which began production in early 2024. This development builds on Plug’s announcement in June 2024 of utilizing the PTC at its Woodbine, Georgia facility.


Click here for the full press release from Plug.

Toyota Motor Europe Partners with Hydrogen Refueling Solutions and ENGIE on Hydrogen Refueling Systems

On January 28, Toyota Motor Europe announced it has signed an agreement with Hydrogen Refueling Solutions (HRS) and ENGIE with the aim of developing next-generation hydrogen refueling systems.


The new solution, called Twin Mid Flow Technology, incorporates a higher-flow dual nozzle, allowing one hydrogen dispenser to quicky refuel both heavy-duty and light-duty vehicles, eliminate the need for two different types of dispensers at each refueling station.


Click here for the full press release from Toyota.

Heraeus Precious Metals and Mattiq Partner to Advance Electrocatalyst Innovation

On January 30, Heraues Precious Metals and Mattiq announced a strategic partnership to develop and commercialize advanced electrocatalyst materials for green hydrogen production. The companies will engineer low-iridium catalysts to significantly reduce the amount of this rare and critical raw material for proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzer manufacturing before expanding into other innovative electrochemical solutions.

(Source: Heraeus Precious Metals)


Click here for the full press release from Heraeus Precious Metals.

Nel Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power

On January 28, Nel announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) to collaborate on clean hydrogen production technology.


This partnership combines Nel's expertise in alkaline electrolysis with KHNP's experience in nuclear power. KHNP is South Korea's largest power generation company, specializing in nuclear and hydroelectric energy to support the country's electricity needs and carbon neutrality goals.

(Source: Nel)


Click here for the full press release from Hydrogen Wire.

Additional Links

Discover How a Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Electric Bus Works

New Flyer | 27 January 2025


Lithuania’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Vessel Launched

Riviera | 27 January 2025


GM Rolls Out Hydrogen-Powered Chargers for EVs in California Wildfire Response

Driving Hydrogen | 27 January 2025


Researchers Discover Way to Store Hydrogen Using Lignin Jet Fuel

Washington State University | 27 January 2025


Exploring Hydrogen

Houston Public Media | 27 January 2025


At $17,000, Few New Car Prices Are Lower Than A Toyota Mirai

Forbes | 28 January 2025


Public Weighs in on Massive Hydrogen Hub Planned in Appalachia

WXVU | 28 January 2025


Research Suggests Michigan May Have Underground Reserves of Hydrogen

WCMU | 29 January 2025


Build on 20 Years of Hydrogen Policy and Assert US Dominance: FCHEA Boss Tells Trump Administration

H2 View | 30 January 2025


2024 – Challenges, Silver Linings and the Road Ahead for the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Industry

Ballard | 30 January 2025

Resources

Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Reports


Johnson Matthey Circularity Whitepaper

Johnson Matthey


State Environmental Policy Act Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement For Green Hydrogen Energy Facilities in Washington State

Washington State Department of Ecology


Leveraging De-Risking Instruments and International Co-ordination to Catalyze Investment in Clean Hydrogen

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development


Past Webinars/Podcasts


State of the Energy Industry Forum 2025: Innovating for Tomorrow

United States Energy Association | 29 January 2025


Strategies and Technologies for Transporting and Storing Clean Hydrogen for Export from Brazil to Europe

ATA Insights | 28 January 2025


US and Japan Collaborating on Energy Security and Infrastructure

Wilson Center |27 January 2025


Lets Talk Hydrogen: Insight into Hydrogen Fuel System on Trucks and Buses

Parker | 26 January 2025



Be sure to stay on top of state and DC-based events through FCHEA's This Week in Hydrogen and Fuel Cells email newsletter. If you are not already subscribed, please contact Connor Dolan at cdolan@fchea.org.

They Said It Best


"The Trump Administration has a chance to build on two decades of US hydrogen policy to cement its dominance."


  • Frank Wolak, President and CEO, FCHEA


Source: Build on 20 Years of Hydrogen Policy and Assert US Dominance: FCHEA Boss Tells Trump Administration

Link to full video: State of the Energy Industry Forum 2025: Innovating for Tomorrow

Have Open Job Positions? Feature Opportunities Through FCHEA's Job Board
The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association Job Board is available here. If you would like a posting featured on our site, please contact Connor Dolan at cdolan@fchea.org.
Requests for Papers, Proposals, & Information

Funding Available to Small Businesses for Clean Energy Research and Development

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) opened new funding to small businesses for innovative clean energy technologies as part of its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs. SBIR and STTR are competitive funding opportunities that encourage U.S.-based small businesses to engage in research and development to accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies. 


Through SBIR and STTR, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has enabled thousands of small businesses and entrepreneurs to develop cutting-edge technologies required to accelerate our transition to a clean energy future.


SBIR/STTR provides funding in two phases: Small businesses can receive up to $200,000 in Phase I to prove the feasibility of an idea; successful awardees can then receive up to $1 million in Phase II for further development including prototyping, validation, and testing.


The funding opportunity covers all EERE technology areas, including:


  • Advanced materials and manufacturing
  • Bioenergy
  • Buildings
  • Geothermal energy
  • Hydrogen
  • Industrial decarbonization
  • Solar energy
  • Vehicles
  • Water power
  • Wind energy


Mandatory letters of intent for this funding opportunity are due Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 by 11:59 p.m. ET.

Click here for more information.

DOE/EIS-0570: California Hydrogen Hub

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess the potential environmental impacts for the proposed action of providing financial assistance to the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (also referred to as ARCHES) to facilitate the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the California Hydrogen Hub in the state of California.


The California Hydrogen Hub is proposed to consist of a suite of demonstration projects involving clean hydrogen production, transportation, and end uses located within California. ARCHES is the primary funding recipient and lead California Hydrogen Hub manager. As currently structured, the California Hydrogen Hub encompasses approximately 35 projects including clean hydrogen production facilities that could produce 450-500 metric tonnes per day of clean hydrogen from renewable electricity and biogenic sources, connective infrastructure including refueling stations and pipelines, and a range of end uses including fuel-cell electric trucks, fuel-cell electric buses, a marine vessel, cargo handling equipment, power generation via turbines, and stationary fuel cells.


DOE welcomes written comments on the scope of the EIS until March 3, 2025. Comments will be accepted and considered at any time during the EIS process. However, commenters should be aware that their comments should be timely for them to be fully considered.


To provide written comments through the www.regulations.gov web portal: 


Navigate to www.regulations.gov, search for Docket No. DOE-HQ-2024-0087, and follow the instructions for submitting comments.

DOE/EIS-0571: Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (DOE/EIS-0571) to assess the potential impacts to the human environment for the proposed action of providing financial assistance to the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association (also referred to as the PNWH2 Association). This action would facilitate the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the Pacific Northwest Regional Hydrogen Hub (Pacific Northwest Hub) including in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Montana. The Pacific Northwest Hub would demonstrate the production of clean hydrogen from renewable energy resources and would consist of a suite of demonstration projects involving clean hydrogen production, transportation, and end uses located within the Pacific Northwest.  


As currently proposed, the Hub would encompass approximately 10 projects, including clean hydrogen production facilities that could produce 300-400 metric tons per day of clean hydrogen, hydrogen liquefiers, connective infrastructure including refueling stations and pipelines, and a range of end uses including fuel cell electric trucks, fuel cell electric buses, cargo handling equipment, and stationary fuel cells. 


DOE welcomes written comments on the scope of the EIS until March 3, 2025. Comments will be accepted and considered at any time during the EIS process. However, commenters should be aware that their comments should be timely for them to be fully considered. 


To provide written comments through the www.regulations.gov web portal: 


Navigate to www.regulations.gov, search for Docket No. DOE-HQ-2024-0094, and follow the instructions for submitting comments. 

DOE/EIS-0569: Appalachian Hydrogen Hub

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) to assess the potential environmental impacts for the proposed action of providing financial assistance to the Battelle Memorial Institute (Battelle) to facilitate the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub (also referred to as the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub or ARCH2) in the Appalachian Region including Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The Appalachian Hydrogen Hub is proposed to consist of a suite of demonstration projects involving clean hydrogen production, transportation, and end uses located within the Appalachian Region that includes Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Battelle is the primary funding recipient and lead Appalachian Hydrogen Hub manager. 


As currently proposed, the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub would encompass 12 proposed projects, including hydrogen production facilities that could produce at least 1,700 metric tons per day of clean hydrogen (autothermal reformation facilities with carbon capture, biomass pyrolysis facilities, electrolysis facilities, and facilities for recovering hydrogen from waste gases), hydrogen liquefiers, and a range of end uses including residential fuel cells, materials handling equipment, mobility, and industrial uses, including production of ammonia, urea, and low-carbon aviation fuel.


DOE welcomes written comments on the scope of the EIS until March 3, 2025. Comments will be accepted and considered to the extent practicable throughout the EIS process. However, commenters should be aware that their comments should be timely for them to be fully considered.


To provide written comments through the www.regulations.gov web portal: 


Navigate to www.regulations.gov, search for Docket No. DOE-HQ-2024-0082, and follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Intercity Transit Announces RFP

Intercity Transit, the public transportation provider in Thurston County, Washington, anticipates that it will soon seek proposals from qualified firms interested in providing a Hydrogen Refueling Station at its location in Olympia, Washington.


The solicitation documents for this project will be available online through Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS). If your firm may be interested in this opportunity, please register in WEBS so that you may download the solicitation documents once they have been posted.  


The WEBS registration process can be started by visiting the website provided above and clicking “register now”. If you require assistance with the WEBS registration process, please contact WEBS customer service at (360) 902-7400.

DOE Issues Notice of Intent for Funding to Advance Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies to Drive National Decarbonization

On September 10, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a notice of intent for potential funding to accelerate the research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) of affordable clean-hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to drive national decarbonization. The potential funding will focus on advancing technologies for hydrogen production, hydrogen infrastructure, and fuel cells, as well as demonstrating hydrogen and fuel cells in new, high-impact applications. 


Potential topic areas include:

 

  • Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Water Splitting Device Scale Up will develop and demonstrate PEC water splitting devices using low-cost, scalable synthesis and fabrication techniques.
  • High-Performance Materials for Hydrogen Service, Including Cryogenic and/or High-Pressure Conditions will develop advanced materials for use in high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks, cryogenic service conditions, and fiber reinforced polymer hydrogen pipelines.
  • Sustainable High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membranes and Ionomers for Heavy-Duty Transportation Applications will develop membranes and ionomers (key components of fuel cells) suitable for high temperature operation (up to 120°C) in heavy-duty fuel cell applications, without the use of perfluorosulfonic acid.
  • Domestic Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Motorcoach Bus Development and Demonstration will develop and demonstrate domestically produced fuel cell electric motorcoach buses suitable for long-haul service.


For all topic areas, HFTO envisions awarding financial assistance awards in the form of cooperative agreements with periods of performance ranging from approximately two to four years. 


Click here for more information from DOE.

OCED Announces Plans to Fund up to $400 Million for Clean Energy Projects in Rural and Remote Areas

On August 22, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for up to $400 million to spur innovative, community-focused clean energy solutions in rural and remote areas across the United States. This funding will support the deployment of a variety of commercially available, clean energy technologies, demonstrating their viability and benefits to rural and remote residents, and ultimately encouraging widespread adoption. 


The anticipated new funding plans to support the demonstration of energy technologies that provide clean, resilient, reliable, affordable power, while also aiming to increase local energy independence and economic development. Eligible projects must address at least one of the following: improving overall cost-effectiveness of energy generation, transmission, or distribution systems; siting or upgrading transmission and distribution lines; reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation in rural or remote areas; providing or modernizing electric generation facilities; developing microgrids; or increasing energy efficiency. 


Click here for more information.

Namibia Hydrogen Fund

The Namibian green hydrogen initiative is centered around three key hydrogen valleys: the Southern Region, the Central Region, and the Northern Region. These valleys are designed with integrated infrastructure and production on facilities es powered by abundant solar and wind energy resources. The comprehensive plan includes the development of necessary transportation on infrastructure to facilitate efficient distribution on and export. The objective of this initiative is to achieve an output of 10-12 million metric tons per annum by 2050. This ambitious target underscores Namibia’s commitment to becoming a leading producer and exporter of green hydrogen and its derivatives. 


The Namibian government, via the Namibian Hydrogen Fund are conducting a market sounding process to identify interested promoters for the Southern Corridor Green Valorisation and the Central Valley Common User Infrastructure (CUI) Development projects. RfPs will be shared with those participants that have indicated their interest at this stage. 


For more information, contact CTEN@CrossBoundary.com. 

Drayage Truck Funding from Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach Available to Stack with HVIP

Starting Tuesday, November 14, 2023, the Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) will make $60 million provided by the Ports available for voucher requests for zero-emission Class 8 tractors performing drayage operations at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.


Voucher enhancements funded by the Ports are $100,000 per truck for fleets size 10 and smaller and $75,000 for fleets larger than 10, additional to the HVIP drayage voucher amount of $150,000 per truck and any other applicable HVIP voucher enhancements listed on www.californiahvip.org/funding. Purchaser qualifications are as defined in the HVIP Implementation Manual.


Funding is made available through the Ports’ Clean Truck Funds and administered by CALSTART on a first-come, first-served basis through the existing HVIP voucher request process and online Voucher Processing Center. Voucher requests will follow HVIP requirements, including the eligible trucks and dealers listed at www.californiahvip.org.


Additionally, all existing eligible unredeemed HVIP drayage truck vouchers that meet the Ports’ requirements will receive the same additional funds of $75,000 or $100,000 added to their HVIP voucher. Outreach to individual dealers and purchasers is already underway regarding this increase as additional actions are required to apply Port Clean Truck Funds to existing vouchers.


Click here for more information.

Zero-Emission Freight and Marine Statewide Grant Funding in California 

On August 22, the California Air Resources Board announced up to $20 million in funding is now available Statewide through the VW Zero-Emission Freight and Marine (ZEFM) program. This VW ZEFM solicitation incorporates the modifications to California's Beneficiary Mitigation Plan that were recently approved by the California Air Resources Board and has the following new features: 


  • Allows stacking with Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) and other state programs that don’t claim NOx emissions reductions 
  • Removed static funding caps for all project categories, including the funding cap for Airport Ground Support Equipment 
  • Includes a higher cost-effectiveness threshold (increased from $280,000 to $466,000 per ton of NOx reduced) that will be used as the primary factor in determining maximum funding 
  • Requires CARB’s pre-approval for projects with proposed award over $1 million 

 

Funding is available for the following project categories: 


  • Heavy-lift forklifts (8,000 lb. lift capacity or greater) scrap and replace
  • Airport ground support equipment scrap and replace
  • Port cargo handling equipment (including terminal tractors) scrap and replace
  • Ferries, tugboats, towboats repower, and
  • Shore power system installation for ocean-going vessels not required or not yet required to use shore power while at berth. 


Applications are being accepted and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. 



Click here for more information.

Statewide Funding for California Zero-Emission Class 8 Freight and Port Drayage Trucks
Funding is now available from the California Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust for the Zero-Emission Class 8 Freight and Port Drayage Trucks category. This program will provide incentive funds on a first-come, first-served basis to truck owners operating in the state of California to replace Class 8 freight trucks, including drayage trucks, waste haulers, dump trucks, and concrete mixers, with zero-emission technologies approved by the California Air Resources Board and available for commercial use.

Click here for more information on the program.
Incentives for Off-Road Zero-Emission Equipment

The California Air Resources Board announced $125 million in funding incentives for its Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE). CORE helps offset the higher cost of zero-emission technology with a point-of-sale discount. There is no scrappage requirement, and additional funding is available for charging and fueling infrastructure and for equipment deployed in disadvantaged communities.


Click here for more information on the program.

Upcoming FCHEA Meeting Calendar

 

For more information on any of FCHEA's working groups, committees, or to be added to any working group rosters, please contact Connor Dolan at cdolan@fchea.org.

National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Codes and Standards Coordinating Committee

A virtual meeting will be held Wednesday, February 5 at 2:00 PM EST.


FCHEA Government Affairs Committee

A virtual meeting will be held Thursday, February 6 at 2:00 PM EST.


Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association

cdolan@fchea.org

(202) 355-9463

fchea.org

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