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FCHEA and Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh Attend Hydrogen Council Launch
On January 17, FCHEA and Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh Attended the launch of the Hydrogen Council at the 2017 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The Hydrogen Council, made up of 13 Chairs and CEOs of various industry leaders, will work to position hydrogen energy as a key solution to the global energy transition.
Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh speaking at Hydrogen Council launch
The Hydrogen Council is comprised of several FCHEA members, including Air Liquide, Anglo American, BMW Group, Daimler, Honda, Hyundai, Shell, The Linde Group, Toyota, and others.
For a link to the full press release announcing the formation of the Hydrogen Council, click
here
.
SimpleFuel Selected by DOE as $1 Million H2 Refuel H-Prize Winner
O
n January 19, the Department of Energy announced SimpleFuel, a collaboration of a collaboration of Ivys Energy Solutions, McPhy Energy N.A., and PDC Machines, as the winner of the $1 million H2 Refuel H-Prize Competition.
SimpleFuel Team with FCTO Director Sunita Satyapal Source: PDC Machines
The H2 Refuel H-Prize Competition challenged companies to deploy an on-site hydrogen generation system, using electricity or natural gas, to fuel hydrogen vehicles, that can be used in homes, community centers, small businesses, or similar locations.
SimpleFuel's hydrogen refueling system can provide one kilogram of hydrogen to a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) in 15 minutes or less at 700 bar using hydrogen produced via electrolysis, all with a a small physical footprint.
For a link to the full press release, click
here
.
Fuel Cell Industry Well Represented at North American International Auto Show in Detroit
On January 8, FCHEA, along with members Honda, Air Liquide, and others, represented the fuel cell industry at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan.
FCHEA President Morry Markowitz, Honda's Stephen Ellis, and Air Liquide's Bob Oesterreich and Nick Thomas next to Honda's Clarity Fuel Cell FCV
The NAIAS ran from January 8 - 22, 2017. For a link to the full website, click
IKEA Completes Installation of Bloom Energy Fuel Cell at San Diego Store
 On January 12, IKEA announced that it had completed the installation of a Bloom Energy fuel cell at its San Diego, California store, it's fourth biogas-powered fuel cell installation.
Bloom Energy fuel cell units at San Diego IKEA Source: Bloom Energy
The 200 kilowatt (kW) fuel cell system will generate 1.6 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy annually, the equivalent of reducing 877 tons of CO2 emissions. With the addition of the San Diego fuel cell system, IKEA will have a total installed fuel cell capacity of 1.5 Megawatts (MW).
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
FuelCell Energy Power Plant at Correctional Institution Achieves Commercial Operation
On January 10, FuelCell Energy announced the commercial operation of a megawatt-class combined heat and power (CHP) fuel cell plant located at Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County, California.
The fuel cell power plant operates in tandem with Santa Rita Jail's existing solar array, and generates approximately 60 percent of Santa Rita Jail's total power needs, while also providing heat for hot water.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
New Hyundai Fuel Cell SUV to Achieve 348-Mile Range
 On December 21, Nikkei Asian Review reported that Hyundai will expanding its fuel cell vehicle (FCV) lineup in 2018, including the introduction of a fuel cell SUV capable of driving 348 miles on a full tank of hydrogen.
Current-gen Hyundai Tucson FCV Source: Hyundai
Hyundai plans to introduce the next-generation FCV in January 2018, as a follow-up to the Tucson FCV released in 2013. The automaker also plans to introduce a fuel cell bus (FCB) model sometime in 2017.
For a link to the full article, click
here.
Doosan to Supply Largest Fuel Cell Installation in the UK at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Center
On January 3, the Aberdeen City Council announced the upcoming installation of the United Kingdom's largest fuel cell system at the 150-acre Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Center (AECC), due to open in 2019. The fuel cell system will be provided by Doosan Babcock, a subsidiary of Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction.
Doosan will provide three 460 kilowatt (kW) Doosan Purecell fuel cell units, which will generate power and heat for the AECC.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
myFC Unveils the World's Thinnest Fuel Cell at 2017 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas
 On January 3, myFC officially unveiled the world's thinnest fuel cell for high-performance applications at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada. myFC reports that the fuel cell, designated myFC LAMINAâ„¢ Thin Film fuel cell, can be fully integrated in smartphone and portable charger applications, and is so slim that it can be flush mounted, meaning it is completely built into the device.
myFC fuel cell at CES source: myFC
myFC will showcase the fuel cell at CES from January 5 to 8, at South Hall 4, Booth 35021.
For a link to the full press release, click
here
.
Toyota, Air Liquide to Participate in Collaborative Research for the Creation of a Hydrogen-Based Society in the United Arab Emirates
On January 17, Toyota and Air Liquide announced that they had entered an agreement with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and Toyota distributor Al-Futtaim Motors, to form a joint-research company to explore potential sustainable hydrogen use in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
As part of the problem, Toyota will begin driving and refueling demonstration tests of the Mirai fuel cell vehicle (FCV) in the extreme environments of the UAE.
For a link to the full article, click
here.
California Energy Commission Announces Opening of Woodland Hills Hydrogen Fueling Station
On January 5, the California Energy Commission (CEC) announced the opening of California's newest hydrogen fueling station, located in Woodland Hills, California. The station adds to a growing network of hydrogen fueling locations across the state.
Woodland Hills Hydrogen Fueling Station
For a map of all hydrogen stations in California, click
here. For a link to the full blog post, click
here.
New York Green Bank Supplies $25 Million Loan to Plug Power for Fuel Cell Expansion
 On December 25, the New York Green Bank, a division of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), announced a $25 million loan to Plug Power, which will be used to expand fuel cell use at distribution centers.
The Green Bank loan will be used to deploy 1,300 fuel cell systems for customers such as Walmart and Home Depot over the next three years, creating up to 100 new jobs.
For a link to the full article, click
here.
Linde Opens Hydrogen Fueling Station near Munich, Germany
 On January 12, Linde announced it opened a public hydrogen fueling station at its test and development center in Unterschleissheim, Germany, 17 kilometers north of Munich. The center was previously used to fuel test fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) from BMW, as well as the hydrogen-powered car share fleet BeeZero.
Linde Hydrogen Center Source: Linde
For more than ten years, the Linde Hydrogen Center has been serving as a hydrogen supply point, technology test center and presentation platform.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
ITM Power Announces € 0.7 Million Electrolyzer Sale in Europe
 On January 11, ITM Power announced the sale of a € 0.7 million ($743,000) electrolyzer system to a global specialty gas company.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
NREL Pioneers Better Way to Make Renewable Hydrogen
On January 9, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) announced that its scientists had developed a method which boosts the longevity of high-efficiency photocathodes in photoelectrochemical water-splitting devices. The method could allow for better production of renewable hydrogen fuel from water, instead of traditional methods like steam methane reformation (SMR).
NREL Research Fellow John Turner, who worked on the method Source: NREL
The research was funded by the Energy Department's Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Solar Photochemistry Program. This effort benefits from work on photoelectrochemical water splitting being funded out of the department's Fuel Cell Technologies Office.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
Nel Signs Joint Venture with PowerCell and Hexagon Composites
On January 19, Nel announced it had signed a joint-venture Letter of Intent (LoI) with PowerCell and Hexagon Composites for the development of integrated hydrogen projects.
The joint venture will initially focus on opportunities in the maritime and marine segments, as well as projects to leverage renewable energy resources
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
Hydrogenics Chosen for $4 Million Fuel Cell Bus Contract in China
 On December 29, Hydrogenics announced it had received a $ 4 million award by one of its partners in China for a fuel cell order to power buses throughout a number of major metropolitan areas in the country.
The contract builds upon Hydrogenics initial entry into the Chinese market in 2015, partnering with electric vehicle companies to bring fuel cell technology and hydrogen fueling station technology to China.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
Air Liquide Commissions the World's Largest Hydrogen Storage Facility
 On January 3, Air Liquide announced it had commissioned the world's largest hydrogen storage facility, located in an underground cavern in Beaumont, Texas. The facility will allow Air Liquide to supply hydrogen to customers in the region via its Gulf Coast Pipeline System.
A portion of Air Liquide's Hydrogen Storage Facility Source: Air Liquide
The underground storage cavern is 1,500 meters deep and nearly 70 meters in diameter. The facility is capable of holding enough hydrogen to back up a large-scale steam methane reformer (SMR) unit for 30 days.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
Honda's "Hope Blooms Forever" Float Leads 2017 Rose Parade, Escorted by Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle
 On January 2, Honda's "Hope Blooms Forever" float, escorted by a Clarity Fuel Cell, lead the 2017 Rose Parade, which took place in Pasadena, California. The float celebrated the friendship shared by the United States and Japan, and payed tribute to the resilience of the people of Fukushima, Japan.
Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Pace Car Source: Honda
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
McPhy Energy Wins Power to Gas Project Call for Tenders issued by German Group Energiedienst
 On January 12, McPhy Energy announced that it won a power-to-gas project call for tenders issued by German hydroelectricity specialist Energiedienst. McPhy energy will set up a green hydrogen production facility at the site of a hydroelectric power plant, utilizing a 1 megawatt (MW) hydrogen generation unit.
McPhy will support Energiedienst as it monetizes the production of hydrogen for application in industrial markets, as well as zero emission mobility and power-to-gas applications.
For a link to the full press release, click here.
Hollywood Station Joins Hydrogen Refueling Network in California
On January 11, the California Energy Commission announced that a new retail hydrogen fueling station had come online, located at 5700 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. The station joins a network of 25 retail hydrogen fueling stations in the state.
Hollywood Hydrogen Fueling station Source: CEC
For a link to a map of hydrogen fueling stations in California, click
here.
For a link to the full blog, click
here.
Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is an Official Sponsor of Star Warsâ„¢ Half Marathon - The Light Side Weekend
 On January 13, Honda announced that the Clarity Fuel Cell, its next-generation fuel cell vehicle (FCV) was an official Sponsor of the Star Wars Half Marathon - The Light Side Weekend. The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell was on display at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo from January 12-14, 2017 at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The marathon took place on January 15, 2017.
Honda Clarity Fuel Cell at Star Wars Half Marathon Source: Honda
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
KPMG Releases 2017 Global Automotive Executive Survey
On January 3, research firm KPMG released the 2017 Global Automotive Executive Survey, which surveyed nearly 1,000 senior executives from the world's leading automotive companies. Included in the findings was that 78% of those surveyed believe that fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are the future of "zero tailpipe emission" driving.
For a link to the full survey, click
here.
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 Federal Program News
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DOE Loan Programs Office Announces Hydrogen Infrastructure Support
On January 9, the Department of Energy's Loan Program Office clarified that the deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure and associated hardware and software costs, including hydrogen fueling infrastructure, to be eligible under the Title XV11 Loan Guarantee Program. This victory was the result of the hard work of FCHEA and its member companies.
Additionally, the DOE stated that the manufacturing of infrastructure, including associated hardware and software, for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and other alternative fuel vehicles may be eligible under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program.
For further details on eligibility, click
here. For a link to the full press release, click
here.
DOE Announces $15 Million to Accelerate the Deployment of Energy Efficient Transportation Technologies
On December 21, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced $15 million to support community-based projects to accelerate the adoption of advanced and alternative fuel vehicles, including fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and demonstrate energy efficient mobility systems.
DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) seeks highly leveraged Alternative Fuel Vehicle Community Partner Projects that will significantly accelerate the use of light, medium, and heavy duty vehicles that operate on fuels such as biodiesel, electricity, E85, hydrogen, natural gas, and propane as well as the fueling infrastructure needed to support them.
For a link to the full press release, click
here.
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Upcoming Events
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2017 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit
The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy's (ARPA-E) 8th annual Energy Innovation Summit is February 27 - March 1, 2017 at the Gaylord Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, to join the best and the brightest in energy innovation.
The ARPA-E Summit is the preeminent event of the year for energy professionals, addressing America's top energy challenges by bringing the latest energy technologies out of the lab and into the marketplace.
The Summit gathers more than 2,000 experts from government, academia, and business for a 3-day program offering informative seminars, practical solutions for breakthrough technologies, and critical networking opportunities.
For a link to register, click
here.
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Additional Links
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Bloomberg | December 22, 2016
Automotive News | December 26, 2016
The Star | December 27, 2016
The Japan Times | December 27, 2016
IndeOnline | December 28, 2016
North Jersey.com | December 30, 2016
New Haven Register | January 1, 2017
DOE EERE Blog | January 3, 2017
California Energy Commission blog | January 5, 2017
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Request for Papers, Proposals, and Information
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USSOCOM RFI on Fuel Cell Power Train for Light Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle
On January 19, the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) issued a Request for Information (RFI) for hybrid, fuel cell, and electric powertrain systems for a four (4) passenger Light Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (LTATV), with a Vehicle Curb Weight (VCW) less than 2,500 lbs.
The purpose of this RFI is to determine the types, suitability, and maturity of hybrid, fuel cell, and electric power trains available in the LTATV market place.
RFI Responses are due by Friday, February 3rd.
For a link to the full RFI, click
here.
Energy Department Announces Funding to Support Breakthrough Technologies for Advanced Manufacturing Including Hydrogen
On December 21, DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) announced up to $35 million in available funding to support early-stage, innovative technologies and solutions in advanced manufacturing that are not significantly represented in EERE's current portfolio, including hydrogen energy technology.
This funding opportunity addresses three topic areas that consist of multiple subtopics.
Topic Area 1: Advanced Materials - This topic area focuses on advancing innovative materials and the devices and systems that incorporate them for energy-saving opportunities and improved functionality.
Topic Area 2: Advanced Processes - This topic area focuses on advancing transformational, next-generation process technologies with the potential to significantly exceed the current state of the art.
Topic Area 3: Modeling and Analysis Tools for Materials and Manufacturing - This topic area focuses on optimizing how manufacturers use energy and materials across the lifecycle of their products through information technology and knowledge systems.
For a link to the full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), click
here.
Energy Department Extends Deadline for Domestic Manufacturing RFI to January 31
The Department of Energy Fuel Cell Technologies Office (DOE FCTO) has extended the deadline for the Request for Information (RFI) entitled "Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Manufacturing: Identifying Specific Components for Manufacturing Standardization."
DOE has issued this RFI to obtain feedback from stakeholders regarding how and which components in the hydrogen and fuel cell manufacturing process can and should be standardized.
RFI responses are due by 5:00 PM EST, January 31, 2017.
For a link to the full RFI, click
here.
USPS Announces Request for Information on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Energy
On January 9, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced a Request for Information (RFI) on on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Production, Storage, and Dispensing Infrastructure.
The USPS' Office of Sustainability, Energy Initiatives (EI) is planning the replacement of the lead-acid battery system currently powering forklifts, tow motors, and pallet jacks, with a hydrogen fuel cell system which will provide the Network Distribution Centers (NDCs) and Processing and Distribution Centers (P&DCs) with several operational, financial, and environmental benefits. The USPS is currently exploring a national deployment plan of 15 - 25 facilities and between 75 - 150 unit fleet size.
The due date for responses is 3:00 PM Eastern on February 8, 2017.
For a link to the full RFI document, click
here.
NineSigma Seeks Development Partner for CO2 and/or H2O Separation Membrane for Fuel Cells
On January 5, NineSigma, representing a Japanese energy company, published a request for proposals (RFP) for a development partner on CO2 and/or H2O Separation membranes.
This client of NineSigma has a future vision to make stationary fuel cell systems widely used in their market. To stay ahead and sustain their competitive advantage in such an era, they seek ultra-high-performance membranes, modules, or solutions.
RFP responses are due by February 6, 2017.
For a link to the full RFP and additional details, click
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 cdolan@fchea.org and khall@fchea.org respectively.
If your company is interested in joining FCHEA, please visit fchea.org or contact Connor Dolan at cdolan@fchea.org.
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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