Connection
June 2019
Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Industry Headlines
Alaka'i Unveils Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Multi-Rotor Hovercraft with Fuel Cells Supplied by Hydrogenics
On May 29, FCHEA member Alaka'i Technologies unveiled a model of the company's prototype hydrogen fuel-cell powered multi-rotor flying vehicle, named 'Skai'. Alaka'i co-designed the electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) with DesignWorks, the design innovation studio for FCHEA member the BMW Group. The working prototype model was displayed to the press at DesignWorks' Newbury Park, California studio. Following the press event, Hydrogenics announced on Twitter that the company will be the fuel cell system supplier for Skai.

According to Alaka'i, Skai can fly for up to four hours at a time, approximately 400 miles. The eVTOL is designed to seat four passengers and one human pilot, though the company expects Skai will ultimately be flown autonomously. For safety purposes, Skai will be equipped with a redundant autopilot system, a propulsion design that can fly with the loss of at least one of its six motors, and a parachute attached to the vehicle’s airframe.
A model of the working prototype Skai eVTOL on display at DesignWorks' studio on May 29. Source: Reuters

Alaka'i envisions Skai to be used for personal and commercial urban transit or between nearby cities, along with emergency services and freight delivery. The company states that it has initiated Skai's certification process with the Federal Aviation Administration. Alaka'i plans expects to begin test flights soon at its Hopkinton, Massachusetts headquarters, and according to the company, Skai could be available for sale as early as 2021.

Click  here for the full press release from Alaka'i Technologies. More information and media materials can be found at the  Skai website.
Plug Power Announces Acquisition of Canadian Fuel Cell Manufacturer
On June 11, FCHEA member Plug Power announced the acquisition of EnergyOr, a company specializing in lightweight and compact PEM fuel cells. These fuel cells power robotics and aerospace applications, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

EnergyOr currently holds several performance records when it comes to the operation of UAVs, specifically in endurance categories where the fuel cells provide two to four times longer running time than lithium-ion batteries. Plug Power will continue to produce fuel cells at EnergyOr's Montreal, Canada facility, while developing future products that expand beyond its traditional material handling market.
A fuel cell multirotor UAV powered by EnergyOr fuel cells. (Source: Plug Power)

Click   here for the press release from Plug Power.
Bloom Energy to Upgrade Delaware Fuel Cell Installations with Southern Power Investment
On June 21, FCHEA member Bloom Energy announced that it would be upgrading its existing fuel cell installations at two sites in Delaware. Located in New Castle and Newark, the combined sites provide 30 megawatts of power to local utilities.

Funding for the fuel cell system upgrades comes from a new investment from Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, which will become co-owner of the installations. According to Bloom, thanks to this investment, customers of the local utilities will see no additional cost as a result of the upgrade.

Click  here for the press release from Bloom Energy.
Air Liquide Unveils Portable Hydrogen Refueling Station
On May 28, FCHEA member Air Liquide announced it had developed a portable hydrogen refueling unit, which will be launched soon in the United States. The station is comparable to permanent hydrogen refueling stations, capable of filling 200 kilograms of hydrogen a day and up to five fills per hour.

The station is easily portable and contains all components within a single container, maintaining a compact size. Air Liquide has also developed additional add-on components that improve capacity and back-to-back performance, as well as an optional public point of sale for commercial applications.
Air Liquide's portable hydrogen fueling station. Source: Air Liquide

Click   here for the full press release from the Air Liquide.
SW/TCH Maritime Funds Construction of Hydrogen-powered Electric Ferry
On June 12, investment group SW/TCH Maritime announced that it would become the primary investor and eventual owner of the "Water Go Round" fuel cell-powered electric ferry (e-ferry). Currently under construction in Alameda, California, the vessel will launch later this year as the first zero-emissions ferry in service in the United States.

The Water Go Round will operate in the San Francisco Bay, transporting passengers between San Francisco and Oakland, and utilizes fuel cell technology from FCHEA members Hydrogenics and Hexagon to power the vessel. SW/TCH aims to expand zero-emission technology across a fleet of e-ferries, with hydrogen fuel cells and batteries combining to provide the appropriate solution for each individual environment.
A rendering of the Water Go Round ferry, currently under construction (Source: Business Wire)

Click  here for the full press release from Business Wire.
Bloom Energy Announces Successful Pilot Project for Combustion-Free Biogas-Powered Fuel Cell System
On May 24, Bloom Energy announced the successful completion of a pilot project with Southern Company to power a Bloom Energy Server fuel cell system with 100% renewable biogas.

Methane gas obtained from landfill, waste water, or agricultural sources can be used to generate electricity. However, the raw biogas must be treated to remove contaminants and maximize its efficiency. Bloom's existing technology requires flaring or combusting the methane to treat it, which releases carbon dioxide emissions and air pollutants, or a pre-treatment process that requires significant time and cost.

For this project, Bloom used its newly-developed clean-up unit to treat biogas obtained from a landfill facility in the Southeast United States, without any flaring or combustion needed. The gas was then fed into a fifty kilowatt Bloom Energy Server, which provided 100% renewable baseload power for a local grid operated by Southern Company.
This graphic demonstrates the process Bloom and Southern Company used to generate electricity from 100% renewable biogas that does not release carbon dioxide or air pollutants into the atmosphere. Source: Bloom Energy

Click  here for the full press release from Bloom Energy.
Hawai'i County Adding Three Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses to Mass Transit Program
On June 19, the  Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported that Hawai'i County on the Big Island of Hawaii announced that it had purchased three fuel cell buses to deploy as part of the Hele-On mass transit fleet. Two of the buses were purchased from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and one has been newly purchased. All three will be fueled at a station currently under construction at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii.

The deployment of fuel cell buses is one element of the county's strategy to meet the state target of zero emissions by 2045. Additionally, according to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, all three buses will be usable as mobile backup power sources in emergency scenarios.
A hydrogen fuel cell bus operating in Hawaii (Source: Defense Logistics Agency)

Click   here for the full article from the  Hawaii Tribune-Herald.
Plug Power Named to Food Logistics' Top Green Providers List 2019
On June 18, Plug Power was named to  Food Logistics' Top Green Providers list for 2019. The list comprises the companies that are enhancing sustainability in the food and beverage industries.

This is the third year in row that Plug Power has been recognized on the Top Green Providers list.

Click  here for the press release from Plug Power.
International Headlines
PlugPower to Provide Hydrogen Fuel Cell Engines for 100 DHL Delivery Vans
On May 28, Plug Power announced a partnership to supply its ProGen hydrogen fuel cell engines for an initial order of 100 electric delivery vans for Deutsche Post DHL, the world’s largest logistics and mail communication service, starting in 2020. The vans will be built by electric vehicle manufacturer StreetScooter.

According to Plug Power, the company's ProGen engine will enable an increased range of up to 500 kilometers (~311 miles) for StreetScooter's new "H2 Panel Van," which will will be the first 4.25 tonne (~4.68 ton) battery electric-fuel cell hybrid vehicle to market. The H2 Panel Van will also be the first commercial-scale deployment of fuel cells for on-road logistics vehicles, per Plug Power.
A DHL delivery van with a digitally-rendered hydrogen fuel tank. Source: Deutsche Post DHL

According to DHL and StreetScooter, development of the H2 Panel Van project will be funded by Germany's Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure through its National Innovation Programme Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology.

Click  here for the full press release from Plug Power.
Malaysian Power Company Opens Southeast Asia's First Hydrogen Production Facility and Fueling Station, Receives Two Hyundai NEXO Fuel Cell Vehicles
On May 27, Malaysian state-owned power company Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) opened Southeast Asia's first integrated hydrogen production plant and refueling station in Kuching, the capital of Malaysia's Sarawak State. SEB runs the hydrogen production plant, which produces hydrogen fuel through electrolysis, and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) owns and manages the refueling station, which will supply hydrogen for the state's first hydrogen fuel cell buses.

The station was officially launched by Sarawak's Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg. The Sarawak state government allocated RM 10 million (~$2.38 million) to SEB to build the plant two years ago. As part of the station opening, FCHEA member Hyundai Motor Company  delivered two of its NEXO fuel cell vehicles to SEB, which will be used as test vehicles in Malaysia's public sector.
Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg refuels a Hyundai NEXO FCV at the new Kuching hydrogen fueling station on May 27. Source: Malay Mail

At the station opening, SEDC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Husain said the corporation has secured three hydrogen fuel cell buses through a working relationship with Foshan Feichi Automobile Manufacturing Co Ltd of China. The buses are to be used as a pilot project to demonstrate the capabilities of hydrogen fuel cell technology as a viable form of public transportation in the state.

Aziz Husain added that the production plant is able to produce 130 kilograms (kg) of hydrogen per day, and is capable of refueling up to five fuel cell buses and 10 FCVs daily. The plant’s medium pressure storage tank is able to store up to 150 kg of hydrogen at 500 bar while the high pressure storage tank is able to store up to 19 kg of hydrogen at 900 bar.

In addition, the Chief Minister said he has directed state-owned Petroleum Sarawak Berhad to deploy five more refueling stations in Sarawak next year. Each station will supply diesel, oil, and hydrogen fuel.

Click  here for the full article from  Malay Mail.
First Hydrogen Fueling Station Opens in Saudi Arabia
On June 18, FCHEA member Air Products and Saudi Aramco inaugurated the first hydrogen fueling station to be opened in Saudi Arabia. This initial station will fuel six FCHEA member Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicles, which were presented at the ceremony.

Saudi Aramco aims to test hydrogen's potential for transportation in the country and develop a petroleum-to-hydrogen process. The ceremony was attended by the CEOs of both Saudi Aramco and Air Products, Amin Nasser and Seifi Ghasemi.
(Right to left) Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser and Air Products CEO Seifi Ghasemi at the station opening
(Source: Saudi Gazette)

Click   here for the full article from the Saudi Gazette.
International Olympic Committee Deploys Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicle Fleet at Swiss Headquarters
On June 4, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Toyota announced the delivery of eight Mirai fuel cell vehicles (FCV) to the IOC's new headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The Mirai FCV fleet is part of the IOC's efforts to reduce overall carbon emissions in their operations. A temporary hydrogen station will be installed to refuel the vehicles while a permanent public facility is commissioned nearby. Both stations will generate hydrogen from renewable energy sources, in line with the IOC's sustainability goals.
Toyota Mirai FCVs in front of IOC Headquarters. Source: IOC

Toyota became the first-ever mobility partner of the Olympic Movement in 2015. In Tokyo, Toyota plans to deploy a fleet of Mirai FCVs and its Sora fuel cell bus to provide sustainable mobility in support of the 2020 Olympic Games there.

Click  here for the full press release from the International Olympic Committee.
Hyundai Delivers First Mass-Produced Fuel Cell Bus in South Korea
On June 6, Hyundai unveiled its new mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell bus in Changwon City, South Korea. At an event attended by South Korean President Moon Jae-in, the forty-five seat bus entered operation, the first step in the government's plan to proliferate the hydrogen economy.

The new buses improve on previous models that Hyundai launched in Ulsan and Seoul over the previous year. The buses are capable of covering 450 kilometers (~280 miles) on a single tank and reaching speeds of ninety-two kilometers per hour (~fifty-seven miles per hour).

The South Korean government plans to operate thirty-five of the buses across seven cities, beginning with Changwon, by the end of this year. Hyundai aims to produce 300 of the buses annually starting next year and plans to expand the mass-production process to other commercial heavy-duty vehicles.
President Moon (third from left) attends the hydrogen bus unveiling in Changwon City. Source: Pulse

Click  here for the full article from Pulse by  Maeil Business News Korea.
International Energy Agency Releases Report on the Future of Hydrogen
On June 14, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published a report entitled "The Future of Hydrogen" in preparation for the upcoming Group of Twenty (G20) summit on June 28 and 29. The IEA was asked to assemble the report by the Japanese government, which has been active in promoting hydrogen as a source of energy.

The report highlights the potential for reducing the cost of producing hydrogen and its role in lowering emissions from industries such as transport, chemical, and steel. It also assesses the challenges facing the overall industry and within each hydrogen fuel technology. The IEA calls for coordinated policies by governments to support the implementation of low-carbon hydrogen.

Click  here for the full report from IEA.
Hyundai Breaks Ground on Hydrogen Refueling Station at South Korean Parliament
On May 30, Hyundai Motor Company held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a hydrogen refueling station at South Korea's National Assembly in Seoul. When completed, it will be the world's first hydrogen station located at a parliament building.

Hyundai reports that while construction of such a facility normally takes from eight to 10 months, this station will completed by the end of August. The project is being supported by the National Assembly and the country's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

According to Hyundai, the station will have a supply capacity of 25 kilograms of hydrogen per day, which can refuel seventy fuel cell vehicles per day during its opening hours, which will be from 8 AM to 10 PM.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Sung Yoon-mo, second from right, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups Park Young-sun, second from left, Hyundai Motor President Kong Young-woon, right, and other guests applaud at a groundbreaking ceremony for Hyundai's hydrogen station next to the National Assembly building in Seoul on May 30. Source: Hyundai Motor Co.

Click   here for the full article from  The Korea Times.
Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicle to Launch in British Columbia Beginning in July
On May 30, Toyota announced the launch of the Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle (FCV) in British Columbia, Canada. The Mirai will be available to purchase for fleets starting in July at 12 Vancouver area Toyota dealerships.

To support the growth of infrastructure necessary to deploy FCVs such as the Mirai, Canada's Ministry of Natural Resources and the British Columbia provincial government announced a combined 3 million CAD (~$2.24 million) to support the construction of two new retail hydrogen refueling stations in the Greater Vancouver area. The stations will be part of an initial network of six hydrogen fueling facilities around the Greater Vancouver and Victoria region.

Click  here for the full press release from Toyota.
Two New Hydrogen Refueling Stations Open in Germany
On June 14 and 18, two hydrogen refueling stations opened in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, bringing the total number of fueling stations in the country to seventy-two. The H2 Mobility industry partnership opened the first station in the city of Herten and the Clean Energy Partnership opened a station in Dusseldorf's Holthausen district, the second station in the city. Air Liquide provided the hydrogen fueling infrastructure for the Holthausen station and Linde provided the infrastructure in Herten.

H2 Mobility and the Clean Energy Partnership plan to open a total of 100 hydrogen refueling stations in Germany by the end of 2019.
The newly opened hydrogen refueling station in Dusseldorf. (Source: Flotte.de)

Click  here for the full article about the Dusseldorf station (in German). Click  here for the press release from H2Mobility about the Herten station.
Air Liquide Opens Hydrogen Refueling Station in Oguchi, Japan
On May 24, Air Liquide opened a hydrogen refueling station in Oguchi, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This is the second Air Liquide station deployed through the new Japan Hydrogen Mobility (JHyM) national consortium, and the company's fourth hydrogen refueling facility in Aichi Prefecture. According to Air Liquide, Aichi Prefecture has over 1,000 registered fuel cell vehicle drivers the largest number in Japan.
The Air Liquide hydrogen station in Oguchi. Source: Air Liquide

Click  here for the full press release from Air Liquide.
Hyundai Announces Hydrogen Fueling Station in South Korea, Open to the Public Free of Charge
On June 20, Hyundai Mobis, the auto parts manufacturing arm of Hyundai Motor Group, announced that it is partnering with the city government of Chungju, South Korea, to open a hydrogen fueling station at its factory. This station will be open to the public, so any consumer with a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) can refuel their car for free.

Along with the station, Hyundai Mobis will also be hosting classes at an elementary school in the city, aiming to teach students and aspiring engineers about how FCVs operate.
Hyundai factory leadership and Chungju Mayor Cho Gil-hyung sign the agreement (Source: Hyundai Mobis)

Click  here for the full article from the  Korea Times.
Nel, Hexagon, Industry Partners Establish Hydrogen Bus Consortium in Europe
On June 3, FCHEA member Nel Hydrogen announced the establishment of the H2Bus Consortium along with FCHEA member Hexagon Composites, as well as Ballard Power Systems, Wrightbus, Ryse Hydrogen, Everfuel Europe. The members committed to deploying 1000 hydrogen fuel cell buses and supporting zero-emission hydrogen infrastructure to European cities.

The first phase of consortium activities will involve the deployment of 600 buses, 200 each to Denmark, Latvia, and the United Kingdom by 2023. This stage is supported by €40 million (~$45.1 million) from the EU's Connecting Europe Facility.

Click  here for the full press release from Nel Hydrogen.
South Korea to Build Eighteen Hydrogen Fuel Production Facilities by 2022
On May 28, South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that it plans to construct eighteen hydrogen production facilities by 2022 across the country for fuel cell-powered transportation. Construction for the first batch of three plants in the cities of Seoul, Changwon, and Samcheok will begin this year with planned completion in 2020, according to the Ministry.

The facilities will utilize liquefied natural gas to produce hydrogen, which in turn will be supplied to nearby hydrogen fueling stations for fuel cell buses, cars, and trucks. Along with the efforts to increase the number of production facilities, the Ministry is also planning to build more hydrogen fueling stations. The government's goal is for a nationwide network of 310 station by 2022, and 1,000 by 2040.

Click  here for the full article from South Korea's  Yonhap news agency.
Hyundai Motor and Hyundai Rotem Collaborate to Develop Hydrogen-Powered Train
On June 10, Hyundai Motor Group and its locomotive subsidiary announced plans to develop a hydrogen-powered train in South Korea, with the initial prototype scheduled to be produced in 2020.

The plan calls for a train capable of travelling 200 kilometers (~124 miles) between refueling stops at speeds up to 70 kilometers per hour (~43 miles per hour). This effort would support the South Korean government's push to deploy hydrogen transportation across the country.
A rendering of a Hyundai Rotem hydrogen train (Source: Korea Herald)

A previous project was announced in April 2018 by the state-run Korea Railroad Research Institute, which aims to create a train design by 2022 capable of traveling 600 kilometers (~373 miles) between refueling stops.

Click  here for the full article from the Korea Herald.
Toyota and Eni Partner to Accelerate Hydrogen Mobility in Italy
On June 3, Italian energy provider Eni announced a partnership with Toyota to speed up the expansion of hydrogen fueling stations and use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCV) in Italy.

The first phase of the partnership will see a hydrogen refueling dispenser opened at Eni's multi-purpose fueling facility in Milan. Integrated with Eni headquarters, the station will have petroleum products, biomethane, hydrogen, and electricity available. Toyota will provide a fleet of ten Mirai FCVs to local users in this phase. Based on the results of the initial period, the partners will expand hydrogen availability to other Eni stations around the country.

Click  here for the full press release from Eni.
HYON Joint Venture Signs Letter of Intent for Hydrogen Production and Storage Facility in Norway
On May 27, Norway's HYON joint venture announced a Letter of Intent to construct a hydrogen production and storage system for the Norwegian municipality of Kongsberg. HYON was formed in 2017 as a joint venture between PowerCell Sweden AB and FCHEA members Nel ASA and Hexagon Composites.

This system, comprised of an electrolyzer, hydrogen storage, and fuel cell, will be installed at a secondary school in the municipality. The system will supplement solar panels and water-borne heating systems, allowing excess solar energy to be stored as hydrogen fuel.

Click  here for the full press release from HYON.
Hyundai Showcases NEXO Fuel Cell Vehicle in New Zealand
On June 12, Hyundai unveiled the NEXO fuel cell vehicle (FCV) for the first time in New Zealand at the Agricultural Fieldays outside of Hamilton. The agribusiness event hosted Hyundai's showcase of the NEXO and the announcement that the FCVs will be launching in New Zealand within two years.

The initial NEXO FCVs will be available in the city of Auckland, followed by the city of Taranaki, both on the North Island. Hyundai is currently working with partners in the country, including the Port of Auckland, to build the initial infrastructure necessary to support the vehicles.
A rendering of the NEXO FCV operating in New Zealand (Source: Hyundai)

Click  here for the full article from the New Zealand Herald.
Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility Hosts Hydrogen Cycle Event in Switzerland
On June 1, H2 Mobility Switzerland and Hyundai's joint venture Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility hosted Swiss politicians and media for an event to showcase the production of hydrogen fuel and its use in fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). The event began with a tour of an electrolyzer that produces hydrogen from renewable energy sources and concluded with test drives of Hyundai's NEXO FCV.

Present at the event were political figures from two political parties in Switzerland, FDP and the Swiss People's Party, who helped organize the event. Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility held the event as part of Hyundai's recently-announced plans to deploy 1,000 hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks to Switzerland by 2023.

Click  here for press release from H2 Mobility Switzerland (in German) and  here for a local news story covering the event (also in German).
Federal Programs Update
United States Joins New International Hydrogen Partnership at Clean Energy Ministerial
On May 29, the United States Department of Energy's (DOE) Undersecretary of Energy Mark Menezes announced that the country will join a new international partnership on hydrogen energy launched at the 10th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) meeting in Vancouver, Canada.

According to DOE, the new hydrogen initiative will drive international collaboration on policies, programs, and projects to accelerate the commercial deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies across all sectors of the economy. It will aim to address barriers and identify opportunities for hydrogen as a fuel source in the global clean energy transformation, including global supply chains.

DOE states that initial work carried out under the new hydrogen partnership will focus on:

  • Helping to ensure successful deployment of hydrogen within current industrial applications.
  • Enabling deployment of hydrogen technologies in transport (e.g freight, mass transit, light-rail, marine).
  • Exploring the role of hydrogen in meeting the energy needs of communities.
Amarjeet Sohi, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, rides in a Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell car at the 10th Clean Energy Ministerial in Vancouver. Source: Clean Energy Ministerial Secretariat

The International Energy Agency (IEA) will be coordinating efforts under the hydrogen initiative, and will be led by the United States, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and the European Commission with participation of several other CEM member countries. 

Click  here for the full press release from DOE.
Department of Energy Announces Cooperation Agreement on Hydrogen with Japan and European Union
On June 18, the Department of Energy released a Joint Statement with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and the European Commission Directorate-General for Energy (ENER). The three organizations detailed their future cooperation on hydrogen and fuel cell research and other opportunities.

The statement revealed shared goals, which included reducing the cost of hydrogen and scaling up international collaboration and hydrogen's role in the global economy. The three organizations will collaborate on a potential Memorandum of Cooperation, intended for the second Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting taking place in September 2019.

Click  here for the full statement from the Department of Energy.
Upcoming Events
2019 Fuel Cell Seminar and Energy Exposition
November 5 - 7, 2019
Long Beach Convention Center | Long Beach, California

The Fuel Cell Seminar & Energy Exposition (FCS&EE) is the Premier U.S. conference. Registration is now open for attendees and exhibitors!
 
The FCS&EE features dynamic keynotes and plenaries, relevant and comprehensive technical track sessions, a lively exhibit hall showcasing the latest technologies from around the world, and tons of networking opportunities.
 
Click  HERE  to register for the Fuel Cell Seminar!

Book Your Hotel Today!  
 
The Renaissance Long Beach room block is now open and rooms are limited! Book your hotel room today to lock in the reduced rate  -   www.fuelcellseminar.com/hotel .
 
Sponsorship Opportunities
 
Interested in raising your company's visibility to the fuel cell and hydrogen industry? Sponsorship packages include booth space, speaking opportunities, and high-profile exposure to hundreds of international professionals.
 
Check out the options at   www.fuelcellseminar.com/sponsor or contact  fuelcellseminar@fchea.orgto discuss a customized package.
2019 Ohio Fuel Cell Symposium
June 26 - 27, 2019
Quest Conference Center | Columbus, OH

Join the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition (OFCC) and others as they come together to network, discover opportunities, and create solutions to advance your organization and our industry. Listen and learn from fuel cell industry leaders such as Plug Power, Honda, and NASA, among others, who will share their expertise, knowledge and vision.  

OFCC is excited to be hosting its eighth Supply Chain Exchange. This unique opportunity is the most efficient and effective way to meet with suppliers and integrators, all in one place, at one time, and one-on-one. There will be an Exhibitors Showcase throughout the workshop, featuring a number of exhibitors in the main hall. There will also be an opportunity to ride one of the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority's hydrogen fuel cell buses. 

Click  here for more information and to register.
Hydrogen-Metal Systems Gordon Research Conference 
June 30 - July 5, 2019
Don Rey Jaime Grand Hotel | Castelldefels | Spain

You are invited to participate in the Hydrogen-Metal Systems Gordon Research Conference in Castelldefels Spain this summer. The GRC conference provides an opportunity for researchers and students to be exposed to the latest developments in all aspects of metal-hydrogen interactions. The openness and format of the conference makes it an ideal environment for exchange of ideas and establishment of collaborations.

All talks are invited but all attendees are encouraged to submit a poster on novel and unpublished results in order to stimulate discussions during the evening sessions. Free afternoons are ideal periods for networking, group discussions, and informal one-on-one interactions. This is a good opportunity for young researchers and students to meet and speak to international experts in the field of metal-hydrogen interactions. The 2019 Conference on Hydrogen-Metal Systems will focus on understanding the interaction of hydrogen with materials from the atomic level, up to bulk properties to meet the need of a range of applications involving fuel cells from energy storage in space to hydrogen carriers for fuel cell power applications.

Click  here to learn more about registration and participation for this conference.
Storage Week Plus - Registration Discount for FCHEA Members
July 25 - July 29, 2019
San Francisco, CA

Storage Week Plus brings together a who’s who of policymakers, renewable energy and storage developers, utility and corporate customers, and the financiers leading the burgeoning growth of storage. Tap into their expertise, and gain invaluable insights into:

  • How state incentives and new FERC Order 841 rules will drive market expansions
  • Prospects of standalone storage as capacity, transmission and dual-use assets
  • The nitty-gritty of structuring and financing renewables + storage projects
  • How adding storage to renewables can help CCAs and corporates meet clean energy goals
  • Renewables + storage as peakers
  • Prospects for deployment of non-lithium storage technologies 
  • The potential for aggregation of resources into Virtual Power Plants   

Click  here for more information and to register with a 10% discount for FCHEA members.
Commercial UAV Expo Americas 2019 - Registration Discount for FCHEA Members
October 28 - 30, 2019
Westgate Resort and Casino | Las Vegas, NV

Commercial UAV Expo Americas is North America’s leading trade show and conference focusing on the integration and operation of commercial UAS with more exhibitors than any other commercial drone event.

Industries covered include Construction; Energy & Utilities; Forestry & Agriculture; Infrastructure & Transportation; Mining & Aggregates; Public Safety & Emergency Services; Security; and Surveying & Mapping. It is presented by Commercial UAV News and organized by Diversified Communications, a global event producer that also organizes Commercial UAV Expo Europe, GeoBusiness Show, International LiDAR Mapping Forum. Free expo. 

Use code SAVE100CB for a $100 conference discount at  www.expouav.com
Additional Links

Open Access Government (Op-Ed by FCHEA President Morry Markowitz) | 23 May 2019

National Nuclear Security Administration | 23 May 2019

NGT News | 23 May 2019

Finfeed | 24 May 2019

Deutsche Post DHL Group | 24 May 2019

Automotive News | 25 May 2019

Malay Mail | 27 May 2019

T&D World [Op-ed by Plug Power CEO and FCHEA Board of Directors Chairman Andy Marsh] | 28 May 2019

H2 Mobility | 28 May 2019

International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (China) | 28 May 2019

EE Online | 28 May 2019

Waste Management World | 28 May 2019

H2GO Canada | 29 May 2019

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation [Australia] | 29 May 2019

Forbes | 29 May 2019

CNET | 29 May 2019

Reuters | 29 May 2019

Government of Queensland, Australia | 30 May 2019

The Korea Herald | 30 May 2019

Kelley Blue Book | 30 May 2019

National Organisation Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology [Germany] | 29 May 2019

CBC News | 30 May 2019

Xinhua Net | 30 May 2019

The State of Queensland, Australia | 2 June 2019

Sustainability Times | 2 June 2019

Trucks.com | 3 June 2019

Financial Times [subscription required] | 3 June 2019

PV Magazine | 3 June 2019

ACT News [Op-ed by FCHEA President Morry Markowitz] | 5 June 2019

The Japan Times | 5 June 2019

KrASIA | 5 June 2019

The Korea Herald | 5 June 2019

The Yomiuri Shimbun | 5 June 2019

Renew Economy | 5 June 2019

Marine Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery | 6 June 2019

gasworld | 6 June 2019

The Irish Times | 6 June 2019

The Sunday Times Driving | 7 June 2019

Hydrogen Mobility Europe | 7 June 2019

Delaware Business Times | 10 June 2019

Governing Magazine | 11 June 2019

Utility Dive | 11 June 2019

myFC | 11 June 2019

Wards Auto | 11 June 2019

Albany Business Review | 11 June 2019

World Economic Forum | 11 June 2019

Intelligent Energy | 11 June 2019

Oazer (in Swedish) | 11 June 2019

Bloomberg | 12 June 2019

SiliconValley.com | 12 June 2019

Mass Transit Magazine | 12 June 2019

Bloomberg | 12 June 2019

Yicai Global | 12 June 2019

Gasworld | 13 June 2019

Reuters | 14 June 2019

Automotive | 17 June 2019

Financial Times | 17 June 2019

Offshore Wind Journal | 18 June 2019

KBCS Radio | 18 June 2019

Arab News | 18 June 2019

Mining Weekly | 19 June 2019

Whichcar | 19 June 2019

Korea Herald | 19 June 2019

Daily Energy Insider | 19 June 2019

BBC | 20 June 2019

AltEnergyMag.com | 20 June 2019
Requests for Papers, Proposals, & Information
BIRD Energy Call for Proposals
BIRD Energy has announced its next funding cycle for U.S.-Israel joint project proposals with a focus on Renewable Energy and Efficiency and Natural Gas Technologies.

To be considered, a project proposal must include R&D cooperation between two companies or cooperation between a company and a university/research institution (one from the U.S. and one from Israel). The proposal should have significant commercial potential and the project outcome should lead to commercialization.

Examples of research and development topics within the scope of this call are: Solar and Wind Power, Advanced Vehicle Technologies and Alternative Fuels, Smart Grid, Storage, Water-Energy Nexus, Advanced Manufacturing or any other Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency technology. This year the topic of Natural gas technologies was also added to the scope.

The conditional grant per project is up to 50% of the R&D costs associated with the joint project, and up to a maximum of $1 million per project.

The application process is web-based and requires prior discussion with the BIRD Foundation.  The deadline for Executive Summaries is July 2, 2019, and full proposals are due by August 21, 2019. Decisions on projects selected for funding will be made in the end of October, 2019.

Click  here for submission details.
Champaign-Urbana MTD Electrolysis Hydrogen Fueling Station Request for Proposals
The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) in Illinois announces the Request for Proposals (RFP) from hydrogen fuel suppliers to design, build, operate and maintain an Electrolysis Hydrogen Fueling Station with the capacity to support up to 12 buses at MTD’s Maintenance Center in Urbana, Illinois.

A mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held on May 30.  Proposals are due July 12, 2019.

Click  here to access the full RFP.
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.
Department of Energy Solicitation for the High Performance Computing for Energy Innovation Initiative
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced nearly $5.2 million for a new solicitation under the  High Performance Computing for Energy Innovation (HPC4EI) Initiative, the umbrella program for the HPC4Manufacturing (HPC4Mfg), HPC4Materials (HPC4Mtls), and HPC4Mobility programs. The new funding opportunity seeks qualified industry partners to work collaboratively with DOE's national laboratories on projects that use High Performance Computing (HPC) to solve key technical challenges. These technical challenges include development and optimization of modeling and simulation codes, porting and scaling of applications, application of data analytics, and applied research and development of tools or methods.

There will be three areas of focus.

Area 1: HPC4Mtls

The HPC4Mtls Program is sponsored by EERE's Fuel Cell Technologies Office and Vehicle Technologies Office to enhance the U.S. materials development, fabrication, and manufacturing industry to investigate, improve, and scale methods that will accelerate the development of materials that perform well in severe and complex energy application environments. This solicitation is aimed at demonstrating the benefit of HPC toward these goals within one year.
The HPC4Mtls program seeks 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.

Area 2: HPC4Mfg

The HPC4Mfg Program is led by EERE's Advanced Manufacturing Office with a focus on establishing collaborations that address key manufacturing challenges by applying modeling, simulation, and data analysis. The Office of Fossil Energy and EERE's Vehicle Technologies Office and Building Technologies Office also sponsor select projects in this portfolio. The program aims to improve energy efficiency, increase productivity, reduce cycle time, enable next-generation technologies, test control system algorithms, investigate intensified processes, lower energy cost, and accelerate innovation.

The HPC4Mfg Program seeks projects that will use HPC modeling and simulation to overcome manufacturing process challenges resulting in reduced energy consumption and/or increased productivity.

Area 3: HPC4Mobility

The HPC4Mobility Program is sponsored by the Vehicle Technologies Office's Energy Efficient Mobility Systems (EEMS) Program. The mission of EEMS is to conduct early stage research and development (R&D) at the vehicle, traveler, and system level, to create new knowledge, tools, and insights and technology solutions that increase mobility energy productivity for individuals and businesses. As mobility technologies continuously evolve, EEMS operates within the interface of vehicle systems and transportation systems.

The HPC4Mobility Program is interested in collaborations that address key mobility challenges in developing, modifying, and/or qualifying new or modified software, hardware, and implementation solutions that perform well in complex transportation/mobility systems in rural and metropolitan areas.

Eligibility for the HPC4Mfg and HPC4Mtls programs is limited to entities that manufacture or develop products in the United States for commercial applications and the organizations that support them. Relevant government entities are eligible to receive awards from the HPC4Mobility Program only. Selected projects and follow-on projects will be awarded up to $300,000 to support compute cycles and work performed by the national laboratory partners. The industry partner must provide a participant contribution of at least 20% of the DOE funding for the project. Selected follow-on project partners must provide at least 50% of the DOE funding for the project.

More information about the individual topics of interest for each office are available in the  funding opportunity announcement. All DOE national laboratories are eligible to participate.  Solicitations are due by 11:59 PM EDT on July 31, 2019
U.S.-Israel Energy Center Call for Proposals
The U.S. and Israel, through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Israel Ministry of Energy (MoE) and the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA), have established the U.S.-Israel Center of Excellence in Energy, Engineering and Water Technology (the “Energy Center”). The purpose of the Energy Center is to accelerate development and deployment of critical and innovative technologies in the areas of (1) Fossil Fuels; (2) Energy Storage; (3) Cyber Security for Energy Infrastructure; (4) Energy-Water Nexus.

The maximum award for a consortium in a topic area is $10M for a period of 5 years, subject to
appropriations/funding allocation and performance. Proposals should include cost-sharing of
at least 50 percent (that is, proposals submitted by each consortium should include a budget of
at least $20M over 5 years.) Hence, the initial award value for each consortium will be up to $2M
for the first year and up to 50% of the approved first year budget.

To be considered for funding, a proposal should be submitted by a U.S.-Israel consortium of at
least two entities from each country, including companies and/or research institutes and/or
universities (the Israeli participants must include at least one company). The consortium must
have a U.S. leader and an Israeli leader.

Proposals should be based on close collaboration between U.S. and Israeli entities; include
novel concepts and/or technologies; and show how the proposed activities provide potential for
accelerating development, technology transfer and deployment of advanced technologies in the
areas of interest. Preferably, proposals should lead to demonstration of the technologies in the
relevant environments. Proposals may include activities such as workforce training, and student
and postdoctoral exchange.

The Energy Center is managed by the BIRD Foundation. Click  here for submission procedures, information on events, topics’ descriptions and selection criteria.

U.S.-Israel Energy Center Dates:
Submission Deadline for Proposals: August 15, 2019 Expected Selection: November, 2019
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    

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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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