Connection
January 2019
Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Industry Headlines
FCHEA Welcomes Aris Energy Solutions As New Tier Three Member
On December 20, Aris Energy Solutions joined FCHEA as a Tier Three member. Headquartered in Mount Vernon, New York, Aris develops and manages renewable energy projects that integrate energy solutions with others technologies for best results.  

The company was founded in 2013 and includes experienced executives from the digital economy, fuel cell and chemical engineering, world class logistics, and retail construction specialties. Aris Energy Solutions is the lead provider of the SOLIDpower BG15 (formerly known as BlueGen) fuel cell system in the US, focusing initially on the New York area.  

Aris supplies advanced micro combined heat & power solutions for building power using both solid oxide fuel cells and reciprocating engines, as well as wind and solar powered off-grid products for exterior lighting and telecom applications. 

For more information, click  here to visit Aris Energy Solutions' website. 
First U.S. Customer Receives Hyundai 2019 NEXO Fuel Cell SUV
On December 28, FCHEA member Hyundai Motor America delivered the 2019 NEXO hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) to its first customer. Todd Hochrad of Ventura, California, received the SUV at a local Hyundai dealership.

According to Hyundai, NEXO can be leased for $399 (Blue model) or $449 (Limited model) for 36 months and can be purchased for $58,300. The first year of maintenance is free of charge and customers are eligible for a tax credit from the state of California for up to $5,000. Purchasers of the new Hyundai NEXO will receive hydrogen fueling cards with a combined maximum value of $13,000 to be used during the first three years of vehicle ownership.
Yong-woo (William) Lee (right), president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, congratulates Todd Hochrad, the first customer to receive the 2019 Hyundai NEXO. Source: Hyundai Motor America

The NEXO Blue model has an estimated range of 380 miles, 115 more than Hyundai's previous generation Tucson FCV. The NEXO Limited Trim has an estimated range of 354 miles. NEXO Blue models have an estimated mile per gallon equivalent (MPGe) of 65 city, 58 highway and 61 combined, while NEXO Limited models have an estimated MPGe of 59 city, 54 highway and 57 combined.

Click  here for the full press release from Hyundai Motor America.
Three New Hydrogen Refueling Stations Open in California
On December 19, California's 37th retail hydrogen refueling station for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) opened to the public. The station is located in Citrus Heights, near the state capital of Sacramento, and was developed by Shell.

According to the California Fuel Cell Partnership, the Citrus Heights Station is open 24/7, and is one of the first refueling facilities equipped with two H70 hydrogen dispensers. This means that two FCVs will be able to fuel simultaneously and increase the number of vehicles served in a shorter time.

Click  here for the full blog post from the CaFCP.

On December 21, the state's 38th and 39th retail hydrogen refueling stations opened for business as well. The stations are located in Palo Alto and West Los Angeles - near the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - and were both developed by FCHEA member Air Liquide.
The Palo Alto hydrogen refueling station. Source: California Fuel Cell Partnership

Click  here for more information on the Palo Alto station, and click  here for more information on the LAX station.
Toyota and Kenworth to Deploy Ten Hydrogen Fuel Cell Heavy-Duty Trucks for Southern California Cargo Transportation
On January 8, Kenworth Trucking Company and FCHEA member Toyota Motor North America announced a collaboration to develop 10 heavy-duty Kenworth T680s with Toyota hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. The zero-emissions trucks will transport cargo from the San Pedro Bay Ports to cities across Southern California, with an expected deployment in 2020.

According to Toyota, the fuel cell powertrains will also charge onboard lithium-ion batteries to optimize performance as needed. Power management systems will apportion the electrical power from the fuel cells to the motors, batteries, and other components, such as electrified power steering and brake air compressors. Toyota states that the Kenworth T680s will have a range of over 300 miles under normal drayage operating conditions.
The Toyota-Kenworth 2019 T680 hydrogen fuel cell-powered truck cab, based on Toyota's Project Portal heavy duty hydrogen test trucks. Source: Toyota

The Toyota-Kenworth collaboration is part of a $41 million Zero and Near-Zero Emissions Freight Facilities (ZANZEFF) grant preliminarily awarded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), an FCHEA member, with the Port of Los Angeles as the prime applicant. According to CARB, ZANZEFF will also fund hydrogen fuel infrastructure around the ports, including two new fueling stations from Shell that will accommodate the heavy-duty trucks.

Click  here for the full press release from Toyota.
FuelCell Energy Announces Power Purchase Agreement for 7.4 MW Fuel Cell Project in New York
On December 20, FCHEA member FuelCell Energy announced the signing of a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 7.4 megawatt (MW) fuel cell project to be located in Yaphank, New York. The PPA was signed under the Fuel Cell Resources Feed-In Tariff IV, which is administered by PSEG Long Island.

FuelCell Energy will install the power plants, which will be owned, operated and maintained by its wholly-owned special purpose project entity, Yaphank Fuel Cell Park, LLC. Construction on this project will commence in 2019.

FuelCell Energy also expects to complete PPAs soon for an additional 18.5 MW project located at the Brookhaven Rail Terminal in Yaphank, and a 13.9 MW project located at an industrial park in Yaphank.

Click  here for the full press release from FuelCell Energy.
Air Products to Build Second Liquid Hydrogen Production Facility in California
On January 7, FCHEA member Air Products announced plans to build a second liquid hydrogen production facility in California to meet increasing product demand from several customer markets, including the growing deployment of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the state. According to Air Products, development of the facility is already underway with completion anticipated during the first quarter of 2021. 

In September 2018, Air Products announced plans to build a new liquid hydrogen plant at its La Porte, Texas facility. The La Porte project is also anticipated to be onstream in 2021. Air Products currently operates liquid hydrogen plants in Sacramento, California, and New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States, along with facilities in Canada and the Netherlands.

Click  here for the full press release from Air Products.
Hydrogenics Announces $20.5 million Private Placement and Technology Partnership with Air Liquide
On December 21, FCHEA member Hydrogenics announced the issue of $20.5 million in common shares to Air Liquide in a Private Placement agreement. Air Liquide now holds an 18.6% ownership stake in Hydrogenics, and the companies have also entered into a technology and business development agreement to jointly develop proton exchange membrane electrolysis technologies for hydrogen energy markets around the globe.

Click  here for the full press release from Hydrogenics.
Air Liquide Orders Hexagon's High-Pressure Tank System for Mobile Hydrogen Refueling Trailer
On January 7, FCHEA member Hexagon Composites announced that Air Liquide Advanced Technologies U.S. has ordered their high-pressure tank system for use in a mobile hydrogen refueling trailer to support fuel cell vehicles in the United States.

The purchase order follows Hexagon's recent receipt of a United States Department of Transportation special permit for its ultra-high pressure transportable tank systems. According to Hexagon, Air Liquide has ordered a 950 bar (13,775 psi) tank system which allows for maximum volume of hydrogen per module.
Rendering of Hexagon's new high-pressure hydrogen tank system. Source: Hexagon Composites

Hexagon states the mobile hydrogen refueling trailer will start operation in the second half of 2019.

Click  here for the full press release from Hexagon.
Multi Rotor UAV Carrying Five Kilogram Payload Achieves First Hour-Long Flight with Intelligent Energy Hydrogen Fuel Cell
On January 8, FCHEA member Intelligent Energy announced the first ever hour-long flight of a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a payload of five kilograms (kg), using an Intelligent Energy hydrogen fuel cell power module. The test flight took place under Project RACHEL, an initiative supported by Innovate UK, which is led by venture engineering company Productiv on behalf of BATCAM, a UK-based UAV filming company.

The initial target of Project RACHEL was to achieve 60 minutes of continuous flight while carrying a five kg payload. According to Intelligent Energy, the lithium polymer battery-powered UAVs flown by BATCAM allow only 12 minutes of continuous flight. Intelligent Energy states that the recent test of the purpose-built fuel cell powered UAV saw it fly for an uninterrupted 70 minutes carrying a five kg payload. This was achieved on a UAV with below 20 kg maximum take-off mass, using a 6-liter cylinder containing hydrogen gas compressed to 300 bar.

The project will complete early in 2019 with BATCAM carrying out real-world end-user trials. In addition to the integration work for the fuel cell power module, Intelligent Energy is commissioning and trialing a low-cost portable refueling solution from NanoSUN, a specialist supplier of hydrogen fuel systems.

Click  here for the full press release from Intelligent Energy. A video of the full test flight and more information on Project RACHEL can be found at  http://thehydrogendrone.com/.
MyFC Showcases Fuel Cell Mobile Device Charger, Vehicle Range Extender at CES 2019
On January 8, FCHEA member myFC showcased and demonstrated their hydrogen fuel cell-powered products at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

First, the LAMINA REX fuel cell-powered range extender for electric vehicles was shown integrated in a battery electric car component, along with different methods of charging the vehicle.

Next, myFC's JAQ Hybrid portable fuel cell power bank was shown with live demonstrations. According to myFC, the JAQ Hybrid system has enough capacity to power one smartphone charge, depending on the capacity of the phone battery. It has an output power 5 W and a capacity of 2,700 mAh plus the energy the power card gives. MyFC states that the device is compatible with Android, Apple iOS, Windows smartphone, tablets and USB 5V devices and fully compliant with international air safety regulations.
myFC's JAQ Hybrid portable fuel cell charging device. Source: myFC

Finall, myFC provided private viewings of the design for its newest product, the LAMINA MAX integrated fuel cell. The integrated smartphone power device, which is still under development, currently takes up less than 0.8 mm, according to the company. Its dedicated PowerCard weighs about 30 grams and provides a full working day power extension for mobile phone activity.

Click  here for the full press release from myFC.
Linde Material Handling Showcases Fuel Cell-Powered Forklift Concept
On January 8, FCHEA member Linde Material Handling unveiled a concept version of its Linde Roadster industrial forklift with a fuel cell power drive. The Roadster concept joins Linde’s range of fuel cell material handling vehicles already on the market, including pallet trucks, tow tractors and reach trucks.
The Linde Roadster concept with fuel cell power drive. Source: Linde Material Handling.
 
Click  here for the full press release from Linde Material Handling.
Gore Receives Excellent Supplier Award from Sunrise Power for Fuel Cell Stack Membrane
On January 16, FCHEA member W.L. Gore & Associates announced that it has received the Excellent Supplier Award from Sunrise Power, a leading Chinese supplier of fuel cell vehicle stacks and systems. Gore received the award for its GORE-SELECT Membranes, which facilitate a fuel cell's electrochemical reaction between hydrogen fuel and oxygen.

Click  here for the full press release from Gore.
Bloom Energy Announces Three New Fuel Cell Contracts in South Korea
On January 16, FCHEA member Bloom Energy and Korean construction company SK E&C announced three contracts to supply Bloom's fuel cell servers in South Korea.

The contracts include a six megawatt (MW) installation for power generation company Korea Midland Power Co, as well as two 900 kilowatt (kW) projects for telecommunications company KT Corporation. According to Bloom, the Korea Midland installation will be located in a cultural park at the center of the Seoul metropolitan area, and will provide electricity directly to the national grid, powering more than 12,000 homes. The KT Corporation's two 900 kW installations will also provide electricity directly to the national grid to power more than 1,800 homes.

Bloom also stated that its 8.35 MW Energy Server solution for a utility site south of Seoul, first announced with SK E&C in December of 2017, is now complete and began commercial operations in late 2018.

Click  here for the full press release from Bloom Energy.
Nel to Build Two New Hydrogen Stations in the Netherlands, Awarded Grant from Denmark to Develop Heavy-Duty Hydrogen Refueling Technology
On December 18, FCHEA member Nel ASA announced purchase agreements to install two new hydrogen refueling stations for Shell in the Netherlands. According to Nel, the stations will be constructed in 2019, with a total contract value of €2.5 million (~$2.85 million).

Nel states that the agreement with Shell underscores a commitment between the two companies to continue cooperating in the global roll-out of hydrogen stations.

Click  here for the full press release from Nel.

On December 20, Nel announced the receipt of a €1 million (~$1.14 million) research and development grant from the Danish Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program for the continued development of its heavy-duty H2Station technology. Nel states that this grant is vital for its joint technology development with Nikola Motor Company to develop a nationwide U.S. network of hydrogen stations for the heavy-duty trucking industry.

Click  here for the full press release from Nel.
FuelCell Energy Announces Agreement to Utilize California Landfill Gas for Renewable Energy and Renewable Hydrogen Production
On January 8, FuelCell Energy announced the signing of an exclusive option agreement with Orange County, California, regarding the utilization of landfill gas at the Coyote Canyon landfill in Newport Beach, California.

The agreement allows FuelCell Energy to develop the landfill gas as a source of renewable biofuel, which will power fuel cell systems in Southern California that will produce both renewable electricity and renewable hydrogen. The fuel cell plant will have a targeted output of between 1,200 to 2,400 kilograms per day of renewable hydrogen to supply the Los Angeles fuel cell vehicle market starting in late 2020.

Click  here for the full press release from FuelCell Energy.
Air Liquide to Jointly Develop Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure with Chinese Energy Firm
On January 4, China's state-owned energy enterprise Yankuang Group signed a cooperation agreement with Air Liquide to jointly develop hydrogen energy infrastructure and fuel cell vehicles in east China's Shandong Province. According to Li Xiyong, chairman of Yankuang Group, the company plans to build a supply-end industrial system including production, purification, storage and transportation of hydrogen energy.

China's  Xinhua press agency reports that Shandong boasts rich hydrogen energy resources. About 962,000 metric tons of hydrogen can be recycled from Shandong's industrial exhaust gas annually, which can power 115,000 hydrogen-powered buses for a year, according to the provincial development and reform commission.

Click  here for the full article from  Xinhua Net.
Toyota and Honda Provide Updates on Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure in Quebec
On January 16, Toyota and FCHEA member Honda's Canadian branches joined together at the 2019 Montreal International Auto Show to provide an update on the progress of hydrogen fueling infrastructure in the province of Quebec.

Construction of the province's first hydrogen station in Quebec City is nearly complete, and according to Toyota, is expected to start fueling fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) in February. The station is being built in partnership with Harnois Energies and FCHEA member Hydrogenics, with investment support from the Government of Quebec, Natural Resources Canada, and Toyota.  

Toyota has delivered an initial fleet of 50 FCVs to Government of Quebec, which the company first committed to providing at last year's Montreal Auto Show.

In addition, Toyota and Honda announced plans to build an additional hydrogen station in Montreal, with investment support from both automakers to help create an initial network for FCV transportation in the province

Click  here for the full press release from Toyota Canada.
FuelCell Energy Receives ISO Certification for Environmental Management System
On January 16, FuelCell Energy announced that company received the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001:2015 certification, which requires an organization to demonstrate that their systems meet the very latest in global best practices for environmental management.

FuelCell Energy received the certification for its Environmental Management System. To attain the ISO 14001:2015 certification, an organization must exhibit its commitment to sustainability and the environment by applying a management system that allows for continual improvement and the ability to conform to customer, statutory, and regulatory environmental requirements. 

Click  here for the full press release from FuelCell Energy.
Air Liquide, Toyota, Khalifa University Release Study on Hydrogen Mobility in the UAE
On January 17, Air Liquide, Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Al-Futtaim Toyota released a joint study on the "Medium to Long Term Development of Hydrogen Mobility in the United Arab Emirates" (UAE).

According to Air Liquide, the study demonstrates that hydrogen mobility in the UAE has a high potential to generate major economic benefits for the country. In addition, the accelerated deployment of fuel cell transportation infrastructure can contribute to the achievement of the UAE's clean energy goals, in line with the country's Vision 2021 for social and economic development.
Representatives from Air Liquide, Khlaifa University, and Al-Futtaim Toyota present their joint study on hydrogen mobility during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in Abu Dhai, UAE. Source: Air Liquide

The study also explains the need for an initial focus on fleet vehicles, such as buses, trucks and taxis. According to the study, this prioritization would generate enough hydrogen fuel needed for an optimized production scale. Furthermore, the study finds the use of local sources of hydrogen in addition to excess hydrogen produced in various industries, such as refining, can help drive down the production, storage, and transport costs of commercial hydrogen fuel.

Click  here for the full press release from Air Liquide, which includes a link to access the full study.
Hyundai Motor UK Wins Award from Auto Magazine for Pioneering Work in Fuel Cell Vehicle Technology
On January 23, Hyundai Motor UK received an award from  What Car? , a British automotive magazine, for its work in electrification and the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology. The Technology Award was presented to Hyundai at  What Car? 's annual Car of the Year ceremony.
The 2019 Hyundai NEXO fuel cell vehicle, now available in California. Source: Hyundai Motor UK

Click  here for the full press release from Hyundai Motor UK.
U.S. Federal Programs Update
U.S. Department of Energy Announces Notice of Intent to Issue Funding Opportunity for H2@Scale
On January 17, the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) announced that it intends to issue a funding opportunity for the Fuel Cell Technologies Office H2@Scale initiative. H2@Scale is an initiative to enable affordable and reliable large-scale hydrogen generation, transport, storage, and utilization in the United States across different commercial sectors. EERE plans to issue the FOA in January or February of 2019.

Click  here for the full Notice of Intent from EERE.
U.S. Energy Department Announces Collaboration with Michigan to Advance Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
On January 18, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Fuel Cell Technologies Office announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to enhance collaboration on hydrogen and fuel cell research and development (R&D). 

Through this MOU, MEDC will leverage capabilities at DOE's national laboratories to enhance analysis and data collection to guide future R&D. Michigan and DOE will also work to develop emerging hydrogen infrastructure technologies and grow the domestic supply chain. The MOU also aims to promote private investment and domestic job creation in the hydrogen and fuel cell industries.

Click  here for the full press release from DOE.
U.S. State Government Updates
Northeast, Mid-Atlantic States To Develop Regional Program for Reducing Carbon Emissions in Transportation Sector
On December 18, nine states in New England and the Mid-Atlantic, plus the District of Columbia, announced their intent to design a new regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal to reduce carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases in the transportation sector.

In a joint statement, the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. committed to developing a policy framework for the program over the next year. According to the coalition of states, the program would cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels, and invest proceeds from the program into low-carbon and more resilient transportation infrastructure.

All the participating jurisdictions are members of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), a regional collaboration of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia that seeks to improve transportation, develop the clean energy economy, and reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector. The work of TCI is facilitated by the Georgetown Climate Center at Georgetown University.

TCI will work with the participating states to develop a policy framework for the regional low-carbon transportation program, and aims to complete the design process before the end of 2019.

Click  here for the full press release from TCI.
Massachusetts Commission on the Future of Transportation Releases Recommendations Report
On December 14, the Massachusetts Future of Transportation Commission released its two-part report on the transportation needs and challenges for the state. The Commission is an initiative of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.

This report includes recommendations for MA to support zero emission vehicles, including fuel cells:

  • Recommendation #8 - Enable and promote a ubiquitous electric charging (and/or alternative fuel) infrastructure - The Commonwealth should continue to facilitate the establishment of a statewide electric charging network – and/or the infrastructure needed for other alternative fuels – that is fast, equitable, robust, and resilient in order to support a growing fleet of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs). The Commonwealth should develop standards or incentives for vehicle (driven by humans or driverless) to be electric, to charge during off-peak hours, and to be available to deliver energy back to the grid at peak times.

  • Recommendation #9 - Establish a goal that all new cars, light duty trucks, and buses sold in Massachusetts will be electric by 2040 - Achieving the Commonwealth’s 2050 Global Warming Solutions Act mandate will require the near-complete transition of the state's vehicle fleet (cars, trucks and buses) to electric vehicles or other ZEV technology. Because vehicle fleets turn over slowly, for vehicles on the road to be electric by 2050, the Commonwealth should establish the goal for vehicle sales to be electric by no later than 2040 (perhaps sooner in some vehicle classes).

For more information, click  here for the full press release from the Office of Governor Baker.
California Air Pollution Control Agency Awards Millions for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Projects
On January 4, California's South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), an FCHEA member, announced more than $47 million in awards for a variety of clean energy technology demonstration and implementation projects. SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. 

Among the awards are about $10.5 million for hydrogen and fuel cell-related installations. FCHEA member FuelCell Energy received about $3.8 million to develop a fuel cell in Riverside that will produce renewable hydrogen and power from onsite biogas. FCHEA member Bloom Energy received $3 million to install fuel cells integrated with energy storage capability at the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County.

In addition, BioFuels Energy, LLC was awarded $650,000 to install a 1.32 megawatt fuel cell system for the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, while the Southern California Gas Company received $490,000 for a residential fuel cell demonstration project. There are other various zero-emission transportation projects announced as part of this award that may ultimately include fuel cells, including the Port of Long Beach, Chanje Energy, and Advanced Energy Machines.

Click  here for the full press release from SCAQMD, and click  here for a press release from FuelCell Energy with more details on their project award.
California Approves Regulation to Transition All Public Transit Bus Fleets to Zero-Emissions by 2040
On December 14, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), an FCHEA member, approved a regulation requiring all public transit agencies in the state to transition to 100% zero-emission bus fleets by 2040. According to CARB, deployments of both zero-emission battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses at public transit agencies are expected to accelerate rapidly in the coming years.

To successfully transition to an all zero-emission bus fleet by 2040, each transit agency will submit an implementation plan to CARB demonstrating how it plans to purchase clean buses, build out necessary infrastructure and train the required workforce. The plans are due in 2020 for large transit agencies and in 2023 for small agencies. 

According to CARB, California has 200 public transit agencies, which operate about 12,000 buses statewide. Full implementation of the transition plan is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19 million metric tons from 2020 to 2050 – the equivalent of taking 4 million cars off the road. It will reduce harmful tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter by an estimated 7,000 tons and 40 tons respectively during that same 30-year period.

Click  here for the full press release from CARB.
California Releases 2018 Annual Assessment of 100 Hydrogen Refueling Station Deployment Goal
In late December, the California Energy Commission and California Air Resources Board released their Joint Agency Staff Report on Assembly Bill 8: 2018 Annual Assessment of Time and Cost Needed to Attain 100 Hydrogen Refueling Stations in California. The 2018 Joint Report contains time and cost assessments for the network of publicly available hydrogen refueling stations to support the state's fuel cell vehicle market.

Key findings from the Joint Report include:

  • Public support and public funding remain necessary to achieve the 100-station goal, and more funding will be needed to support the 200-station goal.

  • The current network of 65 stations (including those still in development) provides enough fuel for the existing FCEV population, but capacity will need to double by 2024 to meet projected FCEV growth.

  • The total hydrogen station network capacity increased 2,000 kilograms a day (from 15,000 in 2017 to 17,000 in 2018).

  • A dozen funded stations are designed for 500 kilograms a day capacity, up from 310 kg/day.

  • Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reductions from funded stations are nearly 76,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year by 2024.

  • More than 5,000 FCVs were registered in California as of October 2018, nearly double the number from the previous year.

  • The average time between funding award and initial permit application decreased by 85%.

Click  here to read the full 2018 Joint Report.
Foreign Government Updates
Danish Government Mandates Zero-Emission Taxis Starting in 2025
On January 17, the government of Denmark announced a plan to transition all taxi cabs to zero-emission vehicles starting in 2025. The mandate is expected to benefit the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell-powered taxis, according to Tejs Laustsen Jensen, CEO for the Hydrogen Denmark association. 

Starting now, the government will implement various incentives to promote the use of zero-emission taxis. Of the 500 taxi licenses that the government will issue in 2019 and 2020, 300 will be guaranteed for zero-emission vehicles. In addition, zero-emission taxis will be first in line at stations and other public transport hubs to promote their use by passengers.

Click  here for the full news release from Hydrogen Mobility Europe.
New Zealand to Fund Hydrogen Demonstration Project at Ports of Auckland
On January 22, the New Zealand Ministry of Energy and Resources announced NZD 250,000 (~$169,000) in funding for a hydrogen demonstration project at the commercial ports in the country's largest city of Auckland. The Ports of Auckland, a local government-owned corporation that administers the port facilities, will procure one hydrogen fuel cell bus and up to three light-duty fuel cell vehicles.

The government funding will complement the Ports of Auckland's wider hydrogen demonstration project. The project is reliant on the completion of Ports of Auckland’s separately-funded hydrogen plant project, which is expected to be completed in December of 2019. According to the New Zealand government, the project will be undertaken in collaboration with project partners Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and KiwiRail, with each party testing the viability of the fuel cell vehicles for their needs.

Click  here for the full press release from Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods.
Japanese Government Agency to Power Fishing Boats with Toyota's Hydrogen Fuel Cells
On January 4, Japan's  Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported that the Japanese Fisheries Research and Education Agency (FRA) will team with Toyota Motor Corp. to develop a fishing boat powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The Yokohama-based national research and development agency will begin designing the body of the ship this year and conduct ocean testing in fiscal year 2022, with the aim of commercializing the vessel.

The paper reports that the FRA’s hydrogen-powered boat will be used at a tuna farm on the Goto island chain in Nagasaki Prefecture. The fuel cell system being developed for the ship will be based on the powertrain Toyota recently deployed in its new hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus. To reduce production costs and emissions in the supply chain, the hydrogen for the ship will be produced from electrolysis of fresh water, using electricity generated by an offshore wind farm in operation off the Goto island chain.

Click  here for the full article from the  Yomiuri Shimbun.
South Korean President Announces Ambitious Hydrogen Economy Roadmap 
On January 17, South Korean President Moon Jae-in announced an official government roadmap to building a nationwide 'hydrogen economy.' President Moon declared his government's transportation and stationary power deployment goals at a meeting with hydrogen and fuel cell business leaders in the South Korean city of Ulsan, which is designated as the country's hub for hydrogen development and innovation.

According to  The Korea Times, President Moon announced the following goals for hydrogen-powered transportation:

  • By the end of 2019, increase the domestic volume of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) to 4,000 cars on the road.
  • Increase the number of hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses to 2,000 by 2022, and start replacing all 820 police buses with fuel cell buses from 2021.
  • By 2025, produce 100,000 FCVs for domestic use and export abroad.
  • By 2030, deploy 1.8 million FCVs in South Korea.
  • By 2040, produce 6.2 million FCVs - 2.9 million for domestic use and 3.3 million for export abroad. These vehicles will be supported by a nationwide network of 1,200 hydrogen fueling stations, according to President Moon.
  • The government will also look to introduce 40,000 hydrogen-fueled buses, 80,000 taxis and 30,000 heavy-duty trucks by 2040. President Moon stated that the government will start providing subsidies for fuel cell-powered taxis and trucks to help meet this goal.
President Moon Jae-in gives opening remarks in a meeting with hydrogen and fuel cell business leaders in Ulsan on January 17. Source: Yonhap News Agency

President Moon also announced that the government will promote the manufacture of fuel cells for stationary power generation to reach a combined output of fifteen gigawatts by 2040. Of this, eight gigawatts will be for domestic use, or approximately eight percent of South Korea's combined power generation capacity in 2018. 

President Moon stated that according to the government's calculations, the hydrogen economy goals would generate 43 trillion won ($38.2 billion) in economic value and create 420,000 jobs by 2040.

Click  here for the full article from  The Korea Times. Additional coverage of President Moon's remarks can be found  here.
Upcoming Events
2019 Fuel Cell Seminar and Energy Exposition
November 5 - 7, 2019

Long Beach Convention Center | Long Beach, California

Don't miss the premier fuel Cell and hydrogen energy conference and trade show in the U.S.

Call for abstracts, sponsorship details, attendee and exhibitor registration coming soon, so stay tuned. If you can't wait and want to discuss locking in your spot in the Exhibit Hall, contact fuelcellseminar@fchea.org.

For more information, visit  www.fuelcellseminar.com.
California: Public Hearing to Consider the Proposed Zero-Emission Airport Shuttle Regulation
February 21, 2019

California Air Resources Board | Byron Sher Auditorium
1001 I Street | Sacramento, California 95814

The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing to consider approving for adoption the proposed Zero-Emission Airport Shuttle Regulation.

CARB has been authorized and directed to reduce criteria and GHG emissions. The proposed Zero-Emission Airport Shuttle regulation, will contribute to CARB’s air quality and climate change goals by increasing the use of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in the medium- and heavy-duty on-road sector while providing a bridge toward zero-emission pathways in other sectors. The purpose of the Proposed Regulation also includes the expansion of medium- and heavy-duty electric charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure, the increase of consumer awareness and public visibility of zero-emission vehicles, and to support technology transfer to other sectors.

CARB staff developed the Proposed Regulation through an extensive two year public process and it is based on stakeholder feedback, fleet survey results, and analysis. The proposal will require fixed route airport shuttles, that serve California’s 13 largest airports, to transition to 100 percent ZEVs by 2035. The Proposed Regulation would apply to public and private fleets, including operators of parking facilities, rental car agencies, and hotels. For 2026 and later model years, heavy-duty ZEV airport shuttles will be required to certify to the proposed Enhanced Zero-Emission Powertrain Certification requirements. The proposed In-Use Fleet composition requirements will require at least 33 percent of the fleet must be ZEVs by December 31, 2031, at least 66 percent of the fleet must be ZEVs by December 31, 2031, and 100 percent by December 31, 2035.

Click   here for the full meeting notice from CARB.
Data Centre World 2019
March 12 -13, 2019

ExCel London | London, United Kingdom

Data Centre World will be held March 12-13, 2019, at ExCel London, in London, England. The conference brings together the world's leading minds to share their extensive wisdom and discuss the latest topics and concerns surrounding the data center industry. 

For more information, please visit https://www.datacentreworld.com.  
Additional Links

NOW GMBH (Germany) | 13 December 2018

Reuters | 14 December 2018

Bloomberg News | 16 December 2018

Politico EU [Sponsored Op-Ed by Shell] | 17 December 2018

Petrol Plaza | 17 December 2018

Reuters UK | 18 December 2018

The Guardian [Op-Ed] | 18 December 2018

The University of Melbourne | 18 December 2018

The Motorship | 18 December 2018

PV Magazine Australia | 19 December 2018

Green Tech Media | 19 December 2018

Gulf News | 19 December 2018

Government of Baden-Württemberg [in German] | 19 December 2018

ACT News [Op-Ed by FCHEA President Morry Markowitz] | 20 December 2018

The Drive | 20 December 2018

Albany Business Review | 21 December 2018

Hartford Business Journal | 20 December 2018

Financial Times | 26 December 2018

FuelCell Energy | 26 December 2018

Investors Chronicle | 27 December 2018

The Jakarta Post | 27 December 2018

Popular Mechanics | 31 December 2018

Auto Blog | 31 December 2018

Marine Link | 31 December 2018

NGT News | 31 December 2018

Financial Times | 1 January 2019

The Japan Times | 1 January 2019

Passenger Ship Technology | 1 January 2019

Marine Propulsion & Auxiliary Machinery | 1 January 2019

gasworld | 2 January 2019

gasworld | 2 January 2019

Daimler Global Media Site | 2 January 2019

gasworld | 3 January 2019

Robinson & Cole LLP | 4 January 2019

Alstom | 7 January 2019

The Telegraph | 7 January 2019

The Times | 7 January 2019

Albany Business Review | 9 January 2019

Transport Topics | 16 January 2019

gasworld | 16 January 2019

Port Strategy | 16 January 2019

The Korea Herald | 16 January 2019

The Drive | 18 January 2019

The Guardian [Australia] | 22 January 2019

FuelCells Works | 23 January 2019

Compromiso Empresarial | 23 January 2019

Alstom | 23 January 2019

U.S. Department of Energy, Fuel Cell Technologies Office | 23 January 2019

Imperial College London | 24 January 2019

Hyundai Motor Group | 24 January 2019
Requests for Papers, Proposals, & Information
2018 Pennsylvania FAST Act Corridor Infrastructure Grant
The Pennsylvania FAST Act Alternative Fuel Corridor Infrastructure solicitation is a special solicitation under the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program (AFIG) designed to support the installation of alternative fuel infrastructure along Pennsylvania Interstate Highway Corridors.

Approximately $1 million in grants will be available to install public-use electric, hydrogen, propane, and compressed natural gas refueling infrastructure along the highway corridors in Pennsylvania.

Corridors which are designated as alternative fuel corridors by the FAST Act as "Signage Ready" or "Signage Pending" by the Federal Highway Administration meaning specific sections of interstates located in Pennsylvania (I-76, I-276, I-376, I-476, I-79, I-90, I-95, and I-80) will be the sole focus of this grant program.

Individual project awards will be capped at $500,000 and the grant will provide up to a fifty percent reimbursement.

Applicants may submit more than one application if they are seeking funding to install refueling installations on separate highway segments. Depending on the fuel type proposed and application details, a project may consist of a single public station, or a series of public stations within a corridor (or multiple corridors) of eligible highway corridors in Pennsylvania.

Applications must be submitted via the Electronic Single Application (ESA) System.  Click here to apply . Applications received after 4:00 pm on February 8, 2019 will not be accepted.

Click  here for more information on this grant opportunity.
California Zero-Emission Vehicle and Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Manufacturing
The purpose of this solicitation is to support supply chains in California that manufacture ZEVs and ZEV infrastructure technologies. These technologies will be deployed in-state to meet the state’s goal of 5 million ZEVs on the road by 2030. Co-benefits of this investment in California's ZEV and ZEV infrastructure supply chains are technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and stimulate economic and business development.

Deadline to Submit Application: February 21, 2019, by 5:00 PM PST

For more information, click  here to access the full RFP.
DOE Solicitation for the High Performance Computing for Materials Program
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a new solicitation under the  High Performance Computing for Energy Innovation (HPC4EI) Initiative . The new funding opportunity will be a joint solicitation between the  High Performance Computing for Materials (HPC4Mtls) Program and the  High Performance Computing for Manufacturing (HPC4Mfg) Program , announced by Secretary Perry in 2017.

It will be the second solicitation for the HPC4Mtls Program and the seventh for the HPC4Mfg Program. The solicitation seeks qualified industry partners to participate in short-term, collaborative projects with DOE’s national laboratories to address key manufacturing and materials challenges. Selected projects will receive access to the national laboratories’ high-performance computing (HPC) facilities and expertise to help address key challenges in U.S. manufacturing and material development.

The HPC4Mtls Program is led by the Office of Fossil Energy with support from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Fuel Cell Technologies Office and Vehicle Technologies Office. Its focus is on enhancing the U.S. materials-development, fabrication, and manufacturing industry to investigate, improve, and scale methods that will accelerate the development and deployment of materials that perform well in extreme environments. For this solicitation, the HPC4Mtls Program seek proposals that will address key challenges in developing, modifying, and/or qualifying new or modified materials that perform well in severe and complex energy application environments through the use of HPC modeling, simulation, and data analysis.

Solicitation proposals are due on March 4, 2019 at 11:59 PM Eastern.

Click  here for the full solicitation from DOE.
2019 DERA National Grant Program Request for Applications 
The Unites States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to announce the release of the 2019 Diesel Emissions Reductions Act (DERA) Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program Request for Applications (RFA). EPA is announcing the availability of approximately $40 million in competitive grant funding through this RFA. The Program is soliciting applications nationwide for projects that achieve significant diesel emission reductions, particularly from fleets operating in poor air quality areas.  
 
Eligible applicants include regional, state, local or tribal agencies, or port authorities, with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. Nonprofit organizations may apply if they provide pollution reduction or educational services to diesel fleet owners or have, as their principal purpose, the promotion of transportation or air quality.  
 
Applications must be submitted electronically to EPA through Grants.gov no later than Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at 8:59 PM PST in order to be considered for funding.

Region 9 (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands) will accept applications requesting up to $4,000,000 in DERA grant funds. 

Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington) will accept applications requesting up to $1,000,000 in DERA grant funds.

Click  here to view the full 2019 DERA National RFA document.
FY 2020 DoD Call for Proposals: Environmental and Installation Energy and Water Technologies
The Department of Defense's (DoD) Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) has released its Fiscal Year 2020 solicitation. The ESTCP Office is interested in receiving pre-proposals for innovative environmental and installation energy technology demonstrations that address the DoD requirements listed in the solicitation.

The purpose of ESTCP is to demonstrate and validate promising innovative technologies that target DoD’s most urgent environmental and installation energy needs and are projected to pay back the investment through cost savings, improved efficiencies, or improved outcomes. ESTCP responds to high priority DoD environmental and installation energy technology requirements and the need to improve defense readiness by reducing the drain on the Department’s operation and maintenance dollars caused by real world commitments such as environmental restoration, waste and facility management, range sustainability, energy security, and water conservation. The goal is to enable promising technologies to receive regulatory and end-user acceptance and be fielded and commercialized more rapidly. To achieve this goal, ESTCP projects create a partnership between technology developers, responsible DoD organizations, and the regulatory community.

All proposals must respond to a Topic Area associated with the solicitation. ESTCP projects are formal demonstrations in which innovative technologies are rigorously evaluated. ESTCP demonstrations are conducted at DoD facilities and sites to document improved efficiency, reduced liability, improved environmental outcomes, and cost savings.
 
All pre-proposals are due March 7, 2019 by 2:00 PM ET. 

Click  here for more information about the solicitation, including deadlines, detailed instructions, and topic areas.
H2 Refuel Accelerator Seeks Innovations for the Adoption of Hydrogen Infrastructure and Supply Chain Technologies
Fraunhofer TechBridge is now accepting applications for the H2 Refuel Accelerator, in partnership with two of the country's leading cleantech startup incubators, Urban Future Lab at NYU Tandon in Brooklyn, NY and Greentown Labs in Somerville, MA. The H2 Refuel Accelerator, sponsored by Shell, Toyota and NYSERDA, is seeking innovations for the adoption of hydrogen infrastructure and supply chain technologies through cost reduction, reliability and new capabilities. Solutions of interest to both Shell and Toyota include, among others:

  • Startup technologies that promote reduction of capital costs, operating costs or streamlining of infrastructure construction;
  • Startup technologies that increase the reliability of hydrogen infrastructure and capabilities on a global scale;
  • New capabilities in the full range of the hydrogen value chain and infrastructure.

Applicants will be evaluated based on the potential impact of their solution to enhance current and future markets using hydrogen as an energy source for mobility. This program offers unparalleled collaboration opportunities for startups that want to bring their technology from concept to market with the support of Shell and Toyota. The selected awardee(s) are eligible for one or more of the following:

  • Up to $50,000 in startup technology validation, demonstration and piloting services from Fraunhofer USA Centers or Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Institutes;
  • Desk space at one or both of the partnered incubators;
  • 80+ hours of training and mentorship from the region's top business and industry experts;
  • Access to mentors and connections from Shell and Toyota's networks as well as the combined networks of the Urban Future Lab and Greentown Labs.

Moreover, this opportunity provides the context and framework to build close relationships with Shell and Toyota which may, upon program conclusion, potentially result in an investment, joint development agreement, technical project, pilot and/or additional partnership format(s).

Proposals are due by March 13, 2019 at:  www.h2refuelaccelerator.com. Applicant and awardees' intellectual property is fully protected throughout the review process and the accelerator program.
Pennsylvania ZEV Infrastructure Grant Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently 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 July 15 and December 16, 2019. All applications from each period will be reviewed.

For more information and to apply, click  here for the Driving PA Forward website.
NYSERDA Stationary Fuel Cell Program
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.
South Coast AQMD Hydrogen Infrastructure Partnership Program
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.
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.
 
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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