FuelCell Energy Officially Unveils Fuel Cell Power Plant at Pfizer Campus
On November 3, Pfizer and FuelCell Energy unveiled a 5.6 megawatt (MW) fuel cell power plant at Pfizer's 160-acre campus in Groton, Connecticut. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the fuel cell power plant was attended by
Connecticut Governor Daniel P. Malloy, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Groton Mayor Marian Galbraith, along with executives from both companies.
Governor Malloy, along with other state officials and company executives cut the ribbon on the fuel cell power plant Source: The Day
Pfizer is purchasing power and heat directly from FuelCell Energy's plant as part of a 20 year power purchase agreement (PPA). The fuel cells will supply 25 to 50 percent of Pfizer's power needs onsite, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 28,000 tons annually.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
Honda Announces 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell Lease Pricing
 On November 18, Honda announced lease pricing details for the 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell, Honda's next-generation fuel cell vehicle (FCV) set to launch in California later this year. The Clarity will lease for $369 a month after a down payment of $2,499.
Honda 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell Source: Honda
Included in the lease is $15,000 worth of hydrogen fuel over the course of the three year lease, as well as 24/7 roadside assistance. Leasing will be available to residents who live or work near Honda's network of 12 approved fuel cell vehicle dealerships, located in Southern California, the Bay area, and Sacramento.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
IKEA Adds Bloom Energy Fuel Cells at Two Southern California Stores
On November 17, IKEA announced that it installed biogas-powered fuel cells from Bloom Energy at two southern
California stores, located in Costa Mesa and Covina.
Bloom Energy Fuel Cells at Southern California IKEA Source: IKEA
The fuel cell systems generate a combined 500 kilowatts (kW) of power, and will reduce 2,192 tons of CO2 each year in operation. IKEA plans future fuel cell installations at stores in San Francisco and San Diego, California, and New Haven, Connecticut, for a total of 1.5 megawatts (MW) of fuel cell power.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
PDC Machines, McPhy Energy hold SimpleFuel Hydrogen Fueling Demonstration in Warminster, PA
On November 9, PDC Machines and McPhy Energy held a demonstration of the SimpleFuel hydrogen fueling solution at PDC's Warminster, Pennsylvania headquarters. SimpleFuel was developed as part of the Department of Energy's H2 Refuel H-Prize Competition for a small-scale, innovative hydrogen fueling technology.
Sunita Satyapal, Director of U.S. DOE Fuel Cell Technologies Office at SimpleFuel Opening
(Source: Bucks County Courier Times)
SimpleFuel, developed by PDC Machines, McPhy Energy, and Ivys Energy Solutions, produces hydrogen through electrolysis of water. The system is currently undergoing a three-month testing phase by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to determine whether it meets key safety and technical criteria.
For a link to the full article, click
here
.
Plug Power Introduces ProGen Line for Mobility and Stationary Power Fuel Cell Systems
On November 16, Plug Power announced that its ProGen line of modular fuel cell engines would be available to customers globally in stationary and mobility fuel cell applications.
Plug Power beginning shipping its ProGen fuel cell engines in 2015, using proton exchange membrane (PEM)-based technology to incorporate it into the company's GenDrive and GenSure products. ProGen will now also be sold independent of Plug Power's other products.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Toyota to Explore Heavy-Duty Hydrogen Fuel Cell Applications in California
 On November 17, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota announced it would explore heavy-duty applications of its automotive fuel cell technology for potential zero-emissions freight transportation solutions.
Toyota's Mock-up of a fuel cell-powered semi-trailer truck Source: Toyota
Toyota will conduct a California-based feasibility study to determine the viability of hydrogen fueled semi-trailer truck application.
For a link to the full press release, click
here
.
Hydrogenics Enters into Strategic Collaboration with StratosFuel for 2.5 MW Power-to-Gas Project in California, Largest of its Kind in North America.
 On November 1, Hydrogenics announced a strategic partnership with StratosFuel for a 2.5-megawatt (MW) zero-emissions hydrogen plant. The 'Zero Impact Production' hydrogen facility in Palm Springs, California, will be North America's largest power-to-gas facility, and will use Hydrogenics' proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers to convert wind and solar energy into 1,000 kilograms (kg) of renewable hydrogen per day.
With the abundance of solar and wind power in the Palm Springs region, Hydrogenics reports that it will be able to provide renewable hydrogen fuel to hundreds of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) in the area every day.
Phase one of the project, which involves permitting the construction of the 2.5 MW electrolyzer, is currently under way.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
Hyundai Motor Signs MOU with STEP Taxi Service in Paris - Delivers 60 ix35 Fuel Cell Vehicles, Opens Public Hydrogen Station at German Headquarters
 On November 10, Hyundai Motor signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with
Paris-based electric taxi start-up
STEP (Societe du Taxi Electrique Parisien)
and Air Liquide. As part of the MOU Hyundai will deliver 60 ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles to STEP. These vehicles will expand on the fuel cell taxi fleet HYPE (Hydrogen Powered Electric) which currently serves the Greater Paris Area currently with five ix35 fuel cell vehicles, which is planned to increase up to several hundred vehicles within the next five years.
Also announced as part of the MOU was the opening of a public hydrogen fueling station operated by Air Liquide at Hyundai Motor's European Headquarters in Offenbach, Germany. The station's daily capacity is 200 kilograms of hydrogen, enough to fuel over 30 vehicles a day.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
General Motors Provides Further Details, Announces New Testing-Grounds for Colorado ZH2 Fuel Cell Vehicle
 On November 1, General Motors provided additional details on the recently unveiled Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 fuel cell vehicle (FCV), including the announcement of new testing grounds for the FCV. General Motors recently finished the construction of off-road test areas at its Yuma, Arizona, proving grounds, that the U.S. Army will use to test the FCV in 2017.
Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 FCV Source: GM
The ZH2 will feature an Exportable Power Take-off (EPTO) electric power conditioning unit, which will allow operators to power onsite electronics and equipment outside the vehicle using the onboard fuel cell.
For a link to the full press release, including technical specifications on the ZH2, click
here
.
ITM Power Signs Hydrogen Fuel Contract with Hyundai in the UK
 On November 4, ITM Power announced that it had signed a fuel contract with Hyundai Motor UK, selling hydrogen fuel at £10/kg ($12.49/kg), used for refueling the automaker's fleet of ix35 fuel cell vehicles (FCVs).
Hyundai ix35 FCV at ITM Power Fueling Station in UK Source: ITM Power
The contract covers hydrogen fuel dispensed across ITM's network of hydrogen stations in the country. ITM has previously signed agreements with Toyota, Arcola Energy, and Arval for hydrogen fuel.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
Air Products Selected for Technology Upgrade at Shell Hydrogen Fueling Station in Torrance, California
On November 15, Air Products announced that it was selected by Equilon Enterprises, LLC, a subsidiary of Shell Oil, to upgrade Shell's hydrogen fueling station in Torrance, California. The state-of-the-art station will be able to supply 200 kilogram (kg) of hydrogen-a-day
Air Products will install new hydrogen compression, purification, cooling, and dispenser technology. After the upgrade, the station will be converted from non-retail to retail status, offering 350-bar or 700-bar fuel. The station will be capable of fueling two vehicles simultaneously, and will enable three back-to-back fillings per dispenser.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
Air Liquide Expands Network of Public Hydrogen Charging Stations in Germany
 On November 14, Air Liquide, in partnership with Hyundai, installed a new hydrogen fueling station at the Hyundai Motor Europe Site in Offenbach am Main, on the outskirts of Frankfurt, Germany.
Air Liquide Station at Hyundai Motor Europe Site Source: Hyundai
The station, which will provide hydrogen fuel from biomethane, is part of the Blue Hydrogen initiative by Air Liquide to decarbonize the production hydrogen fuel.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
Pajarito Powder Secures DOE BIRD Energy Grant for Fuel Cell Catalyst
 On November 15, Pajarito Powder received a grant for low cost fuel cell catalyst development under the Department of Energy's Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) program, which partners U.S. and Israeli energy innovators.
Pajarito Powder's Fuel Cell Catalyst Source: Pajarito Powder
Pajarito Powder has developed Engineered Carbon Support (ECS), which supports high efficiency fuel cells with a lower platinum load and improved carbon corrosion resistance.
For a link to the full article, click
here
.
ITM Power Plans Hydrogen Fueling Station at Shell Locations in the United Kingdom
On November 18, ITM Power announced it had received full planning permission from the South Bucks District Council to construct a hydrogen fueling station at a Shell location in Beaconsfield, United Kingdom.
ITM Power Hydrogen Fueling Station Technology Being Put in Place at Shell Location Source: ITM Power
This station will be the first in the United Kingdom to be co-located at an existing fueling forecourt. ITM power has previously received permission to construct three other hydrogen fueling stations at Shell locations in Gatwick, Cobham, and Cambridge.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
FuelCell Energy Announces Municipal Application of Fuel Cell Power Generation in California
 On October 31, FuelCell Energy announced an agreement with the city of Tulare, California, to install a 2.8 megawatt (MW) combined heat and power (CHP) fuel cell power plant at the Tulare Waste Water Treatment Facility.
The fuel cell system will utilize the biogas created by the waste water treatment plant, creating power and heat in the process. In addition, the fuel cell power plant will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 11,400 tons each year at the plant, equivalent to removing more than 2,000 cars from the road.
FuelCell Energy will construct and operate the fuel cell plant, which is expected to be online by the summer of 2017.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
Plug Power Signs Cooperative Agreement for Fuel Cell Vehicle Development in China
 On November 17, Plug Power signed a cooperative memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Zhangjiagang Furui Special Equipment Co., LTD (Furui), along with a major Chinese automaker, to develop new fuel cell applications and hydrogen fueling solutions for industrial vehicle applications in China.
The three companies will collaborate to develop electric vehicles equipped with Plug Power's hybrid fuel cell engine systems and hydrogen fueling technology. The program will first deliver two industrial delivery truck prototypes in March 2017, with a short-term projection of 500 total vehicles.
For a link to the full press release, click
here
.
FuelCell Energy Announces a New Project with E.ON Connecting Energies
 On November 10, FuelCell Energy announced the sale of a fuel cell power plant to E.ON Connecting Energies GmbH. The fuel cell power plant will be installed in a combined heat and power (CHP) configuration at a commercial location in Germany.
FuelCell Energy's German subsidiary, FuelCell Energy Solutions GmbH, will begin installation of the fuel cell power plant in early 2017, and once online, it will provide up to 80% of the building's power needs, as well as heating and hot water.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
ITM Power Signs Hydrogen Fueling Contract with Europcar UK
On November 14, ITM Power announced it signed a hydrogen fueling contract with Europcar UK, utilizing its network of hydrogen fueling stations in the country.
Europcar UK, a vehicle rental services company, was recently awarded a grant by the UK's Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) for the world's largest privately owned fleet of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), comprised of Toyota Mirai FCVs.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
FuelCell Energy Announces Carbon Capture Solution for Canadian Oil Sands
On November 17, FuelCell Energy announced a contract with Alberta Innovates, an Alberta Province funded corporation for research and innovation, for an engineering study on fuel cell carbon capture solutions at a Husky Energy heavy oil thermal facility near Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Under the contract, FuelCell Energy will develop and prove the application for a carbon capture configured megawatt-class fuel cell power plant to simultaneously concentrate and capture carbon while producing power. Upon completion of the study, a fuel cell plant may be installed at the facility.
For a link to the full press release, click
here
.
ITM Power Announces Sale of 1.25 MW Electrolyzer
On November 18, ITM Power announced the sale of a 1.25 megawatt (MW) 50-bar electrolyzer unit, to be deployed at an ethylene plant production plant.
Inside a ITM Power Electrolyzer Unit Source: ITM Power
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
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 Federal Program News
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Energy Department Releases State of the States Report, Highlights Top Three Hydrogen and Fuel Cell States
On November 17, the Department of Energy's Fuel Cell Technologies Office (DOE FCTO) highlighted the top three states in hydrogen and fuel cell industry activities, as part of the recent release of the
According to the report, the top three hydrogen and fuel cell states are California, Connecticut, and New York. California is home to the greatest number of stationary fuel cells, while Connecticut and Delaware are home to the largest installations (roughly 15 MW and 30 MW, respectively). New York has 14 MW of stationary fuel cells in operation, some going back a decade or more.
For a link to the full press release, click
here
.
SimpleFuel, H2 Refuel Competition Finalists, Announce Progress on Hydrogen Fueling Solution
 On November 2, the Department of Energy (DOE) published an update on the H2 Refuel Competition, which challenged innovators to develop small-scale hydrogen generation and refueling systems. Now in the testing phase, the finalist team SimpleFuel, consisting of PDC Machines, McPhy Energy, and Ivys Energy Solutions, has begun dispensing fuel and testing with the assistance of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
SimpleFuel Concept Art Source: DOE
In order to meet the H2 Refuel prize's criteria, the SimpleFuel team built a system designed to produce 5 kilograms (kg) of hydrogen a day using electrolysis, which is stored at 700 bar pressure. PDC Machines will hold an open house to demonstrate the SimpleFuel system on November 9 at its headquarters in Warminster, Pennsylvania. For more information on the event, click
here.
For a link to the full article, click
here.
Federal Highway Administration Unveils National 'Alternative Fuel and Electric Charging' Network
 On November 3, the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (DOT FHA) unveiled the National Alternative Fuel and Electric Charging Network, comprised of a network of 55 fueling corridors spanning 35 states. The network consists of a mix of alternative fueling infrastructure, including hydrogen fueling stations.
The Network will serve as a basis for future alternative fueling infrastructure, designating "sign-ready" routes where some alternative fueling infrastructure is already in place. The Network was created as a result of the U.S. FAST Act, passed in 2015 by Congress.
For a link to the full press release, click
here. For a map of the full network of fueling corridors, click
here.
DOE Projects Win 32 R&D 100 Awards, Includes Argonne Fuel Cell Catalyst Project
 On November 15, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced its researchers have won 32 of the 100 awards given out this year by R&D Magazine, including a project from Argonne National Laboratory focused on fuel cell catalysts.
Argonne's Porous Nano-Network Catalyst revolutionizes the non-precious metal catalyst design and synthesis simultaneously at the active site and electrode architecture levels. It offers the highest possible active site density and significantly improves charge and mass transfers using low-cost chemicals and earthly abundant materials.
For more information on the awards, click
here.
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Upcoming Events
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International Zero Emission Bus Conference and 10th Edition Fuel Cell Bus Workshop
From November 30 - December 1, t
he International Zero Emission Bus Conference and 10th Edition Fuel Cell Bus Workshop will bring together global experts in clean transit solutions to discuss among other topics:
- state of play of battery electric and fuel cell buses
- policies and programs that support these technologies
- lessons learned from current zero emission bus deployments
- brainstorming strategies to encourage adoption
For a link to register for the event, click
here.
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Additional Links
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TopGear | November 5, 2016
Bucks County Courier Times | November 10, 2016
Nuvera Blog | November 14, 2016
Bloomberg | November 14, 2016
Reuters | November 17, 2016
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Request for Papers, Proposals, and Information
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DOE Announces $30 Million Investment for Innovation in Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies
On November 18, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced $30 million in funding for research and development of low-cost hydrogen production, onboard hydrogen storage, and proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells.
Projects selected for funding will leverage DOE's National Lab expertise under the Energy Materials Network (EMN), a consortia launched earlier this year.
DOE released a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) with a full list of topics for funding, available
here.
Concept papers are due by December 20, 2016.
For a link to the full press release, click
here
.
Fiscal Year 2017 SBIR Phase I Release 2 Topics Announced for Fuel Cells, Hydrogen
The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the 2017 Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Phase 1 Release 2
topics, including three subtopics focused on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The fuel cell subtopics include innovative materials for bipolar plates, liquid organic hydrogen carriers, and emergency hydrogen refuelers.
Specific topics are:
- Innovative Materials and/or Technologies for Bipolar Plates for PEM Fuel Cell
- Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC)
- Emergency Hydrogen Refuelers
Letters of Intent are due by Monday, December 19
More information is available online here.
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About the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Connection
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Administration
Press releases and story ideas may be forwarded to Connor Dolan and Karen Hall for consideration at [email protected] and [email protected] respectively.
If your company is interested in joining FCHEA, please visit fchea.org or contact Connor Dolan at [email protected].
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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