Connection
November 2018
 Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Headlines
FuelCell Energy Announces Two New Power Purchase Agreements in Connecticut, Totaling Over 22 Megawatts
On November 1, FCHEA member FuelCell Energy announced two new power purchase agreements (PPA) with Connecticut distribution utilities. These two PPAs will cover both a 7.4 megawatt fuel cell project for the city of Hartford , as well as a 14.8 megawatt fuel cell project in the town of Derby.

Both of these projects were awarded in June 2018 by the Connecticut Department of Energy an Environmental Protection (DEEP) in a competitive solicitation.

The Derby installation will re-purpose a municipal brownfield location located north of Lake Housatonic. The Hartford deployment will make use of a dormant property in the city and will generate significant tax revenue for the city of Hartford and the state of Connecticut.

More information on the Hartford announcement is available  here.

More information on the Derby announcement is available  here.
General Motors Establishes Defense Unit, Reveals New Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Concept
On October 5, FCHEA member General Motors announced that it has formed a new Washington, D.C.-based military defense unit, GM Defense LLC, that will be led by retired Major General John Charlton. Maj. Gen Charlton will report to GM Defense CEO Charlie Freese.

On November 6, GM Defense unveiled a concept hydrogen fuel cell pickup truck for the military via a video rendering on its website. According to GM, the "Chevy Silverado ZH2" is the first heavy-duty pickup truck powered by a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell and lithium ion battery system. GM states that the Silverado ZH2 has a driving range of more than 400 miles and "race-proven dynamic suspension" for traversing a variety of rugged terrains.
Digital rendering of the Chevy Silverado ZH2 hydrogen fuel cell pickup. Source: GM Defense

The Silverado ZH2 would be the second hydrogen fuel cell truck produced by GM for the military, following the successful field testing of its Chevy Colorado ZH2 with the Army last year. GM has also announced several other fuel cell-powered applications it is developing for the military: an auxiliary power unit for aircraft applications, an unmanned undersea vehicle, and a multi-use platform named the Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure (SURUS).

Click  here to visit GM Defense's website, with more information on their fuel cell applications in development and video of the Silverado ZH2.
Toyota Teams up with Pizza Hut to Unveil Fuel Cell-Powered Pizza-Making Pickup Truck
On October 30, FCHEA member Toyota unveiled a fuel cell-powered pizza-making pickup truck it developed with partner Pizza Hut at Toyota's 2018 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.

Toyota developed the mobile pizza factory by converting a Tundra SR5 and replacing its gasoline drive-train with a hydrogen fuel-cell electric power unit adapted from its Toyota Mirai, dubbing it the Tundra PIE Pro.

Toyota both the vehicle and its pizza "kitchen" are powered fully by the fuel cell power-train and the vehicle is capable of delivering oven-hot pizza in six to seven minutes.
Toyota Tundra PIE Pro (Source: Toyota)

More information on the announcement is available  here.
Hexagon Composites Receives Order of High-Pressure Hydrogen Tanks from New Flyer Fuel Cell Transit Buses
On November 1, FCHEA member Hexagon Composites announced it had received an order of its high-pressure hydrogen tanks from transit bus maker New Flyer to be used on 25 of its hydrogen fuel cell buses.

The hydrogen tanks will be used to store compressed hydrogen gas and have been delivered to New Flyer. The fuel cell transit buses will operate in California and are currently being manufactured in Anniston, Alabama.

More information on this announcement is available  here.
Hyster Gives First Look at Zero-Emission Container Handler Powered by Nuvera Fuel Cell
On October 19 at the GreenPort Congress in Valencia, Spain, Hyster provided an exclusive look at their zero-emissions laden container handler under development. In addition to a lithium ion battery, the vehicle will also be powered by a fuel cell from FCHEA member Nuvera, a subsidiary of Hyster.

Over the summer, Hyster announced the the receipt of a grant from the State of California to develop a zero-emissions container handling truck. The vehicle was previously shown in sketches and digital renderings, but at the GreenPort Congress, Hyster revealed the first photograph and movie of the first drive of the model in development.
Photo of the hybrid fuel cell-battery-powered container handler under development by Hyster for use in California. Source: Hyster

The truck is being developed for an end-user at the Port of Los Angeles, and funding support comes from the California Climate Investments cap-and-trade program.

Click  here for the full press release from Hyster.
California's 36th Hydrogen Station Opens in Emeryville
On November 19, the California Fuel Cell Partnership, an FCHEA member, announced that the 36th retail hydrogen refueling station in California had opened in Emeryville in the San Francisco East Bay.
Emeryville Hydrogen Station (Source: CAFCP)

The Emeryville station is operated by FCHEA member Linde and was previously a demonstration station serving light-duty vehicles. The now upgraded Emeryville station is able to fuel both passenger light-duty vehicles, as well as fuel cell electric buses from AC Transit.

More information on this announcement is available  here .
myFC Showcases Portable Fuel Cell-Hybrid Charger to the International Aid and Development Community
On November 14, FCHEA member myFC demonstrated its JAQ Hybrid fuel cell charger for portable electronics to AidEx, a conference designed to help the international aid and development community engage the private sector and drive innovation in emergency aid and development programs.

At the conference, myFC showed how the JAQ Hybrid charger can help maintain communications when the power grid is down during emergencies and disasters.
myFC's JAQ hybrid fuel cell charger, which uses water, salt and safe reaction components, to cleanly generate electricity. Source: myFC

Click  here for the full press release from myFC.
Altergy System's Freedom Power Technology Recognized by Frost & Sullivan Award
On November 1, FCHEA member Altergy Systems announced that its Freedom Power fuel cell technology had been recognized by Frost & Sullivan with the 2018 North American New Product Innovation Award. Each year Frost & Sullivan present this award to a company that has developed an innovative element in a product by leveraging leading-edge technologies.

Altergy states that it has constructed the world's first fully automatic robotic fuel cell fabrication plant, capable of manufacturing one fuel cell every 30 seconds, and a complete fuel cell engine in minutes. Altergy also highlighted that it has eliminated the use of gaskets in its fuel cells by bonding membranes directly to plates within the cell stack.

More information on the announcement is available  here.
Nebraska Public Power District Plans for Hydrogen-Fueled Power Plant
On November 1, the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), an FCHEA member, announced it has begun designing and planning for the conversion of a coal-fueled power plant to a hydrogen-fueled source of electricity.

NPPD has partnered with Monolith Materials, a company that produces excess amounts of hydrogen as a byproduct of manufacturing black carbon, to provide the hydrogen for its conversion project. The conversion is expected to be completed by 2022.

More information on the announcement is available online  here.
Regional Transit Authority in Ohio to Add Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vans to Its Fleet
On October 29, the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) in Ohio announced that hydrogen fuel cell-powered paratransit vans will join its fleet. SARTA currently operates one of the world's largest fleets of hydrogen fuel cell buses, and will use funds from the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to purchase and equip the vans.

According to SARTA CEO Kirt Conrad, the vans will be built on Ford’s U4X platform by Tesco, and will have seating for six passengers and accommodation for one wheelchair. Conrad states that U.S. Hybrid will supply the 250 mile-range fuel cell drive system.
One of SARTA's zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell transit buses currently in operation. Source: SARTA

SARTA states that the fuel cell vans will join its fleet in October 2019.

Click  here for the full press release from SARTA.
Daimler Launches Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Fuel Cell Vehicle for Consumer Testing
On November 13, Daimler officially launched its first fuel cell vehicles (FCV) for rent to various public sector customers in Germany. The Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELL is an SUV with a hybrid fuel cell and lithium-ion battery powertrain, the first of its kind on the market.

Daimler states that the goal of the limited rental launch is to help the automaker gain real-world data on the car's performance from the public. Alongside various national and regional ministries, as well as the National Organisation Hydrogen and H2 Mobility, the first customers in the German market also include Deutsche Bahn, Germany's state-owned railway corporation.
Promotional photo of the Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELL. Source: Daimler.

In addition, starting in the Spring of 2019 the GLC F-CELL will be available for both short and long-term rental throughout Germany via the Mercedes-Benz Premium Car Rental service. Daimler will also provide the FCV to its industry partners, including FCHEA members Air Liquide and Linde.

Click  here for the full press release from Daimler.
FuelCell Energy to Acquire 14.9 Megawatt Bridgeport Fuel Cell Park from Dominion Energy
On November 5, FuelCell Energy announced that it will purchase a 14.9 megawatt (MW) fuel cell power plant in Bridgeport, Connecticut from Dominion Energy. FuelCell Energy developed, constructed and commissioned the Bridgeport fuel cell park in December 2013, and has operated and maintained the plant under a service agreement with Dominion Energy since it was commissioned.

According to FuelCell Energy, this acquisition will bring the company's generation portfolio to 26.1 MW, which coupled with 83 MW of new project awards and backlog, will help achieve their long-term generation portfolio milestone of 60 MW.

Click here for the full press release from FuelCell Energy.
Toyota Launches American Marketing Campaign for 2019 Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicle
On November 7, Toyota Motor North America announced the "Real Power" marketing campaign for its 2019 Mirai fuel cell vehicle (FCV).

According to Toyota, the marketing campaign's media approach utilizes precise audience and location-based targeting, applying zip code, behavioral and contextual targeting tactics. 

Toyota states that Amazon, WIRED and Hearst Digital Media will work with Toyota to build awareness and consideration in the Los Angeles and San Francisco markets. In addition, the automaker will use Asian-American in-language portals such as Sina Weibo, India.com and Apple Daily with an aim to increase purchase among that customer base.

Click below to view one of Toyota's ad spots for the Real Power marketing campaign on YouTube:
Toyota will also utilize billboards as well as electric vehicle (EV) charging station placement marketing. The EV station placement would inform drivers that the Mirai is a zero-emission vehicle that boasts a range of more than 300 miles and fuels in about five minutes.

The campaign will run through December 31 in Los Angeles and San Francisco markets, where the Mirai is currently available for sale or lease. According to Toyota, more than 4,000 Mirai FCVs have been purchased or leased in California since the vehicle's launch in 2015.

Click  here to view the full website for Toyota's Real Power campaign for the 2019 Mirai FCV.
Hexagon Composites to Provide Tank Assembly Storage System for Hydrogen Station in the Netherlands
On November 2, Hexagon Composites announced that it will supply high-pressure hydrogen tanks assembly to Resato International BV for the first full-sized hydrogen refueling station in The Hague, Netherlands. 

According to Hexagon, the station will be able to refuel three fuel cell vehicles every 15 minutes, and will be one of the largest refueling stations in the Netherlands. The station is expected to open in the Summer of 2019.

Click  here for the full article from  gasworld.
California Energy Commission Approves $8 Million Grant for 100% Renewable Hydrogen Fueling Station
On November 7, the California Energy Commission (CEC) announced that it has approved an $8 million grant for the construction of a Shell hydrogen refueling station at Port of Long Beach.

According to the CEC, the station will help promote the use of hydrogen fuel cell-powered heavy duty trucks in drayage operations to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution at the Port. The CEC states that the Shell station will source hydrogen from 100 percent renewable biogas.

Click  here for the full press release from the CEC.
California Air Resources Board Approves $483 Million Clean Transportation Funding Plan
On October 25, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), an FCHEA member, approved $483 million in clean transportation investments for the next fiscal year.

Included in the funding is $200 million for the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which promotes clean-vehicle adoption by offering rebates for the purchase or lease of new, eligible zero-emission vehicles, such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Another $180 million will be allocated for for Clean Truck & Bus Vouchers and the Zero- and Near-Zero Emission Freight Facilities Project, among other clean transportation program investments.

According to CARB, ninety-four percent of funding for the plan, or $455 million, comes from California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Click  here for the full press release from CARB.
California to Fund Ballard-UPS Fuel Cell Truck Project
On October 24, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) awarded $5.8 million to Ballard Power Systems to help fund a zero emissions fuel cell transportation project. 

According to Ballard, the company will provide fuel cell modules to power four UPS delivery trucks as part of the Next Generation Fuel Cell Delivery Van Deployment Project being managed by the Center for Transportation and the Environment. The completed trucks will be operated in parcel delivery service by UPS out of its Customer Center in Ontario, California.
File image of a UPS Class-6 delivery van powered by a fuel cell module. Source: Ballard Power Systems

CARB's funding comes from the Zero and Near Zero Emissions Freight Facilities (ZANZEFF) grant program, which is focused on accelerating the adoption of clean freight technologies and reducing air pollution caused by the movement of goods throughout California.

According to Ballard, the project will test performance of UPS delivery trucks using larger fuel cell modules to provide primary vehicle propulsion. Ballard expects to ship these modules in 2019, with operation of the UPS vans planned to begin in 2020.

Click  here for the full press release from Ballard.
Air Liquide to Partner with Houpu to Develop Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure in China
On November 2, FCHEA member Air Liquide announced an agreement with Chinese company Sichuan Houpu Excellent Hydrogen Energy Technology to cooperate on developing, manufacturing and commercializing hydrogen stations for fuel cell vehicles in China.

According to Air Liquide, the two companies intend to collaborate for the joint development of full value chain projects to advance the deployment of hydrogen refueling infrastructure. This cooperation would bring together Air Liquide’s global technology expertise for hydrogen solutions and Houpu’s expertise for station manufacturing and construction, leveraging their leadership for Compressed and Liquid Natural Gas stations in the Chinese market. 
Representatives from Air Liquide and Houpu at the signing ceremony for their cooperation agreement. Source: Air Liquide

Click  here for the full press release from Air Liquide.
Hyundai Motor to Establish ‘Hydrogen Energy Fund’ with Chinese R&D Institute BTIRDI
On October 29, FCHEA member Hyundai announced that it had entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Beijing-Tsinghua Industrial R&D Institute (BTIRDI) to jointly establish a "Hydrogen Energy Fund." The Hydrogen Energy Fund will be jointly operated by Hyundai and BTIRDI's investment firm Yield Capital, with a goal of raising $100 Million USD in investments from leading venture capital firms across the world.

The purpose of the fund is to spur investment in the hydrogen industry and value chain, while fostering growth of startups in China and Korea. Hyundai also expects that this cooperation will lay a strong foundation for future fuel cell vehicle business opportunities in China.
More information on the announcement is available  here.
Linde Partners with German Companies on Clean Hydrogen Generation Project
On October 30, Linde announced that it has signed a cooperation agreement with German steel producer Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH and German energy company Avacon Natur GmbH on a project to to generate hydrogen in the Germany city of Salzgitter through electrolysis and electricity from wind power.

According to Salzgitter, the project will lay the foundation for the future deployment of larger hydrogen volumes to reduce direct carbon dioxide emissions in the production of steel. For the project, Salzigtter will plan the construction and operation of a proton exchange membrane electrolysis plant, Avacon will build seven wind turbines, and Linde will ensure a steady supply of hydrogen gas.

Salzgitter states that the expected cost of the project will be around €50 million (about $57 million), and the companies involved plan to acquire funding assistance from the public sector. According to Salzgitter, the production of hydrogen at its electrolysis plant is expected to commence in 2020.

Click  here for the full press release from Salzgitter.
Toyota Deploys Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Forklifts in Australia
On November 6, Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) announced that it deployed Toyota's first hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklifts outside of Japan through trials at Toyota Motor Corporation Australia's parts center, located in Altona, Victoria.

According to TMHA, the zero-emission forklift demonstration is an extension of Toyota's simultaneous trial for its Mirai fuel cell vehicle in Melbourne, Victoria. The Toyota hydrogen fuel cell forklifts will also be featured in the official opening of the new Toyota Parts Center in Western Sydney's Kemps Creek. 
Toyota's hydrogen fuel cell forklifts in action at Toyota Motor Corporation Australia's parts center. Source: Toyota Material Handling Australia

Click  here for the full press release from TMHA.
New Zealand Signs Hydrogen Cooperation Agreement with Japan
On October 23, New Zealand's Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Hiroshige Seko to cooperate on further development of hydrogen energy technologies and deployment in both countries.

According to Minister Woods, the Memorandum with Japan is the first of its kind in the world to focus on advancing the use of hydrogen energy. Both countries view hydrogen as one solution to transferring their economies away from reliance on carbon-intensive fossil fuels.

Click  here for the full press release from New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
South Korea Prime Minister Calls for Replacing Police Buses Near U.S. Embassy with Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
On October 24, South Korea's Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon publicly proposed that police buses parked near the U.S. Embassy in central Seoul be replaced with hydrogen-powered buses as part of efforts to promote the use of the zero-emissions vehicles.

According to the  Yonhap news agency, a few police buses are parked next to the U.S. Embassy around the clock to protect the mission from trespassers and serve as a resting place for policemen standing guard. The diesel-powered buses constantly emit exhaust gas as they idle to produce power for air conditioning and heating.

During his weekly government policy coordination meeting, in which promoting the use of hydrogen and battery electric vehicles was a key topic, Prime Minister Lee stated that replacing the police buses with fuel cell models could reduce fine dust in the city center and raise public interest in the zero-emissions technology.
This file photo shows police buses parked next to the U.S. Embassy in central Seoul. Source: Yonhap

In the meeting, Prime Minister Lee also said that the government must do more to assist in the deployment of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), noting the efforts made by Hyundai to promote light and heavy-duty FCVs at home and abroad.

Click  here for the full article from Yonhap.
Hyundai Launches Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus on First Commercial Route in South Korea
On October 22, Hyundai launched a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus on a regular route in South Korean for the first time, following a one-year test period. According to South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, the fuel cell is now carrying passengers on a 56 kilometer (about 35 mile) track twice a day in the southeastern city of Ulsan.

The Ministry stated that starting with Ulsan, 30 more buses will be put on regular routes in major cities across the nation next year. On the first day of its operation, Industry Minister Sung Yun-mo, Hyundai Motor President Han Sung-kwon, and Ulsan city officials boarded the bus. South Korea's  Yonhap news agency reports that the officials signed a memorandum of understanding to expand South Korea's hydrogen infrastructure and further develop the fuel cell vehicle sector.
Hyundai Motor Co. holds a ceremony on a one-year test program for hydrogen fuel cell buses at a refueling station in Ulsan on Oct. 26, 2017. Source: Yonhap News

Click  here for the full article from  Yonhap.
Air Liquide, Industry Partners Open New Hydrogen Station in Weiterstadt, Germany
On October 23 at the Brennstoffzellen Forum Hessen 2018, Germany's H2 Mobility joint venture along with Shell and Air Liquide announced the opening of a new hydrogen refueling station in the German State of Hesse.

The station is located in the town of Weiterstadt, and is the seventh hydrogen refueling facility opened in Hesse so far. Air Liquide provided the hydrogen fueling technology for the station, which according to H2 Mobility, can fill forty to fifty fuel cell vehicles per day.
The H2 Mobility joint venture officially commissions the Weiterstadt hydrogen station. Source: H2 Mobility

According to H2 Mobility, the Weiterstadt facility brings the total number of hydrogen stations open in Germany to fifty-three. H2 Mobility and its industry and government partners plan to establish a network of 100 hydrogen stations across Germany by the end of next year.

Funding support for the Weiterstadt station comes from the European Commission's Connecting Hydrogen Refueling Stations, which is assisting in the construction of seventeen refueling facilities across the continent.

Click  here for the full press release from H2 Mobility.
Hyundai NEXO Achieves Top Rating in Euro NCAP Safety Testing
On October 24, Hyundai announced that its all-new NEXO hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) received the maximum five-star rating from the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP), the continent's independent vehicle assessment organisation.

Hyundai’s second-generation FCV scored top marks in all four of the Euro NCAP rating categories. Hyundai states that NEXO is the first FCV to be awarded the maximum five-star overall rating by Euro NCAP.

According to Hyundai, the 2019 NEXO is on sale now in Europe, with specific launch timings varying by market.

Click  here for the full press release from Hyundai.
South Korea to Deploy Thirty Hyundai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses in Six Cities Next Year
On November 6, the  Korea Joongang Daily reported that the South Korean Ministry of Environment will introduce thirty hydrogen fuel cell buses in six cities for trial runs starting in early 2019. The six cities are Seoul, Gwangju, Ulsan, and Changwon in South Gyeongsang Province and Seosan and Asan in South Chungcheong Province. 

Hyundai will develop and provide technical support for the buses, each of which will cost about $743,000. According to the  Korea Joongang Daily, Hyundai will assume costs of about $177,000 for each bus, with the Ministry of Environment and city governments providing the remaining funding.

Click  here for the full article from the  Korea Joongang Daily.
European Union Releases Report on Barriers to Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Applications
On November 14, the HyLaw project, part of the EU’s Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking, released its report on main findings and recommendations concerning legal and administrative barriers to hydrogen and fuel cell applications at a consolidated and national level - for each of the 18 partner countries involved in the project - and the presentation of national policy papers. 

Click  here to review the complete HyLaw project report.

In addition to the report, HyLaw has produced a publicly accessible database covering each partner country, for 8 application areas and multiple separate assessment questions. The database can be accessed  here.
Federal Programs Update
U.S. Department of Energy Launches Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Career Map
On October 25, the U.S. Department of Energy's Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) launched an interactive Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Career Map.

According to FCTO, this tool will allow users of all ages to discover traditional and non-traditional career opportunities in the hydrogen and fuel cells industry. The map also promotes workforce development in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) field by making information about hydrogen and fuel cell technology careers, education requirements, and skills for each career easily accessible to the public.

Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Career Map displays more than 40 careers that span across the hydrogen and fuel cell sectors, such as research and development, engineering, and manufacturing; operations and management; and communications, training, and outreach. These positions are classified by levels of experience and detail the education, skills, and profile of each career.

The Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Career Map also includes pathways to show possible routes for advancement or transition between sectors.

Click  here to access the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Career Map.
Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Projects Among Winners of ARPA-E OPEN 2018 Awards
On November 15, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA-E) announced the fourth edition of its OPEN funding solicitation, OPEN 2018. ARPA-E describes the program as "a showcase of some of the innovation community’s most exciting ideas in energy."

S ix fuel cell and hydrogen fuel-related projects received funding totaling $12.5 million as part of this solicitation. The recipients include several private sector firms and DOE National Laboratories.

Click  here for more information on the OPEN 2018 program and the project winners.
U.S. Postal Service Honored for Plug Power and Nuvera Fuel Cell Forklift Project
The United States Postal Service (USPS) was recently honored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for its efforts to cut waste and energy costs and improve operations, using hydrogen fuel cell technology from Plug Power and Nuvera.

USPS received a Federal Energy and Water Management Award for its work at the Washington Network Distribution Center in Capitol Heights, MD. Through a recent pilot program, the facility replaced lead acid batteries with cleaner Plug Power hydrogen fuel cells in ninety-two industrial vehicles, including forklifts, tow motors and pallet jacks. Nuvera provided hydrogen fuel for the industrial vehicles, along with fueling dispensers installed at the Network Distribution Center.
Mail Handler Hilary Jackson uses hydrogen fuel technology to power a forklift at the Washington Network Distribution Center. Source: USPS

According to USPS, the pilot program reduced battery room electricity consumption by eighty-one percent and generated $188,000 in annual savings. USPS states that the program also produced $625,000 in savings through reduced work hours.

Click  here for the full press release from USPS.
Upcoming Events
DOE Webinar -  The Science Behind Liquid Hydrogen Fueling Station Footprint Reduction
November 27, 2018 | 12:00 PM Eastern

Department of Energy Fuel Cell Technologies Office

The U.S. Department of Energy's Fuel Cell Technologies Office will hold a public webinar titled "The Science Behind Liquid Hydrogen Fueling Station Footprint Reduction" on Tuesday, November 27, at 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

In this webinar, researchers at DOE's Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) will discuss research that can help enable the reduction of the footprint of liquid hydrogen fueling stations. They will also present various methods used to validate the results of cryogenic hydrogen modeling and describe the challenges and development status of a novel diagnostic tool that can enable the characterization of how large amounts of hydrogen disperse throughout the environment. Lastly, SNL will provide a summary of the required separation distances in the  National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2 Hydrogen Technologies Code and a review of how scientific analyses led to a reduction in the bulk gaseous storage separation distances.

Registration for the webinar is available  here.
California - Public Scoping Workshop to Discuss Hydrogen Station Verification Process
November 29, 2018 | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM PST

CARB’s Monitoring and Laboratory Building Conference Room
1927 13th Street | Sacramento, California 95811

The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) will hold a public scoping workshop to discuss the hydrogen station verification process. The workshop will focus on the process needed to verify the fueling performance at hydrogen stations to help enable successful deployment of fuel cell electric vehicles, allowing the customer to experience safe, fast and complete fills at all stations. The discussion may include the fueling protocol, back-to-back filling, station capacity and other station parameters.

In addition, the workshop will include a discussion about who will perform the testing, the qualifications for the testing agencies, testing device specifications, and under what circumstances the testing or degree of testing that should occur. This information will help CARB determine whether to develop requirements through a regulation to verify station-fueling performance. 

The scoping workshop will be available via webinar for those unable to attend in person.
To attend the webinar, please register prior to the workshop  here. After registering,
you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Click  here for the full public meeting notice from CARB.
California - Public Workshop on the Update to the Three-Year Plan for Light-Duty Vehicle and Transportation Equity Investments
December 4 - 5, 2018

California Air Resources Board | Annex 4 Auditorium
9530 Telstar Avenue | El Monte, California 91731

The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) will hold a public workshop to discuss an update to the three-year plan for light-duty vehicle and transportation equity investments. Senate Bill (SB) 1275 (De León, Chapter 530, Statutes of 2014) required CARB to include a three-year plan for light-duty vehicle and transportation equity investments in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016-17 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation Investments and the Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP). 

SB 1275 requires CARB to update this plan at least every three years through January 1, 2023, with the first update to the plan covering the period between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2022. Additionally, 2018 budget trailer bill language requires CARB to update the forecast for the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) annually, and include as part of its forecast the total state rebate investments necessary to facilitate reaching the goal of placing in service at least five million zero-emission vehicles by January 1, 2030.  

At this two-day workshop, staff will present an overview and update of CVRP and transportation equity projects, discuss initial thoughts on updating the three-year plan incorporating new requirements from the 2018 budget trailer bill, hear from researchers conducting studies that will help inform the update, and request public input. Public input is critical in ensuring that the direction of CARB’s light-duty vehicle and transportation equity investments continue to support not only regulatory goals and requirements but also address the barriers to adoption.

Click   here for the full workshop notice from CARB.
California - Public Workshop Meeting to Provide an Update on Light- and Heavy-Duty Fleet Requirements and Public Workgroup to Discuss Advanced Clean Trucks Regulation
December 4, 2018 | 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM PST

Cal/EPA Headquarters Building | Coastal Hearing Room
1001 I Street | Sacramento, California 95814


The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will be hosting two public meetings both relating to zero-emission vehicle requirements for fleets and manufacturers. The first meeting is a workshop scheduled for one hour and is primarily for fleets. The workshop will discuss planned and future light- and heavy-duty fleet rules as well as provide information on how to stay informed and participate in upcoming rulemaking efforts. This meeting will also provide a discussion on potential reporting requirements for car and truck fleets. This workshop will be available via webcast for those unable to attend in person on the day of the event.

For more information on these meetings, click  here.
Webinar - Increasing the Value Proposition: Hydrogen Safety
December 13, 2018 | 1:00 PM EST

Demonstrated safety in the production, distribution, dispensing, and use of hydrogen is critical to the widespread use of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. 
 
This webinar will provide an overview of design considerations that could be employed to ensure safety for a range of hydrogen applications; recent codes and standards changes for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies; and resources available through the Hydrogen Safety Panel. Stakeholders can learn about opportunities for safety reviews for free or at reduced cost.

Moderator: Karen Quackenbush, Senior Technical Specialist, FCHEA
Speaker: Nick Barilo, Hydrogen Safety Program Manager, Hydrogen Safety Panel/Center for Hydrogen Safety

Please join this webinar from your computer, tablet or smartphone:
 
 
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 183-641-189

This webinar is a presentation of the Northeast Electrochemical Energy Storage Cluster and the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association. For more information, please visit   www.NEESC.org or www.FCHEA.org
Data Centre World 2019 - Presentation Opportunities Available
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

Forbes | 18 October 2018

Pulse Business News Korea | 19 October 2018

Reuters | 21 October 2018

CBC News | 21 October 2018

AutoGuide.com | 22 October 2018

Reuters | 22 October 2018

AutoGuide.com | 23 October 2018

New Civil Engineer | 24 October 2018

The Telegraph | 24 October 2018

Stuff (New Zealand) | 25 October 2018

Through the Noise | October 27, 2018

Chemical & Engineering News | October 27, 2018

BBC News | October 29, 2018

Ceres Power | October 29, 2018

NGT News | October 29, 2018

Plug Power | October 31, 2018

Palo Alto Daily Post | October 31, 2018

Automotive News Europe | October 31, 2018

NGT News | November 1, 2018

Danbury News-Times | November 1, 2018

Renew Economy AU | November 1, 2018

Panasonic | November 1, 2018

The Guardian | 4 November 2018

Cars Guide Australia | 5 November 2018

The Times | 5 November 2018

Nikola Motor Co. | 5 November 2018

Green Tech Media | 6 November 2018

Automotive News | 6 November 2018

Ensia (includes quotes from FCHEA President Morry Markowitz) | 6 November 2018

gasworld | 7 November 2018

Bloomberg | 8 November 2018

CNBC | 8 November 2018

Toyota Global Newsroom | 8 November 2018

Creamer Media's Mining Weekly | 9 November 2018

Army Times | 8 November 2018

The Drive | 9 November 2018

Cosmos Magazine (features quotes from FCHEA President Morry Markowitz) | 12 November 2018

Hartford Business Journal | 12 November 2018

Creamer Media's Mining Weekly | 13 November 2018

Forbes | 13 November 2018

Reuters | 13 November 2018

Horizon-EU Magazine | 15 November 2018

gasworld | 16 November 2018

Automotive World | 16 November 2018

Fuel Cells & Hydrogen Joint Undertaking | 16 November 2018

Engadget | 16 November 2018

Australasian Bus & Coach | 17 November 2018

Scitech Europa | 17 November 2018

Business Wire | November 19, 2018

Business Day | November 20, 2018

airqualitynews.com | November 21, 2018
Requests for Papers, Proposals, & Information
DOE SBIR/STTR FY 2019 Phase I Release 2 Topics
As part of the Department of Energy's recent posting of topic areas for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) research and development proposals, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has announced twelve topics to fund more than 100 new projects, totaling approximately $20 million.

Fuel cell topics include:

  • Fuel Cell Membranes and Ionomers 
  • Nozzles for High-Pressure, Low-Temperature Gas Fills
  • Active Low Cost Thin Film Hydrogen Sensors 
  • Smart Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) of On-board Hydrogen Storage for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) 
  • Innovative Concepts for Hydrogen Conversion to Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels 

Joint topics include:

  • Advanced Materials for Detection and Removal of Impurities in Hydrogen

Important dates for SBIR topic applicants:

• November 26, 2018: DOE FY 2019 Phase I Release 2 FOA released 
• November 30, 2018: DOE FY 2019 FOA Webinar 
• December 17, 2018: Phase I Release 2 Letters of Intent due 
• February 4, 2019: Phase I Release 2 Applications due.

Additional information on the DOE SBIR and STTR programs is available on the  SBIR/STTR website.
Pennsylvania Alternative Fuel Transportation Initiatives Funding
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has allocated $5 million in funding for its Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program. AFIG can assist school districts, municipal authorities, nonprofits, corporations, LLCs, and partnerships registered to do business in Pennsylvania in offsetting the costs of implementing alternative fuel using transportation projects.

According to DEP, for new hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, applicants may request 100% of the incremental cost of the vehicle up to $40,000 per vehicle. This year's AFIG grants give priority to projects that include the use of emergency vehicles for response, rescue, and evacuation operations.

DEP will collect and review Applications received by 4 PM on Friday, December 14, 2018. 

More information on applying to the AFIG Program can be found  here.
Maryland Animal Waste to Energy Grant
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is excited to announce the opening of the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) Animal Waste to Energy Grant Program (AWE Grant Program). MEA has made up to $6,000,000 dollars available in two Areas of Interest (AOI) on a farm/pilot scale and a community/regional scale.

Eligible projects must use animal waste, through any proven process, to generate electricity, reduce the volume of animal waste, and address the fate of the byproduct.

Applications are due December 15, 2018.

For details regarding the grant program requirements and restrictions, please see the FY19 AWE Grant Program Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), details and application, click  here.
Maryland Data Center Energy Efficiency Grant Program
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Fiscal Year 2019 Data Center Energy Efficiency Grant Program ("DCEEG" or the "Program"). This first of its kind in the country grant is now entering a third cycle and is designed to support Maryland's robust and growing information technology sector.

The DCEEG provides funding on a competitive basis to encourage the implementation of cost-effective energy efficiency technologies in data centers throughout the State. Grant awards will range from $20,000 to $200,000 per eligible project, subject to funding availability. Grants are designed to cover up to 50% of the net customer cost (up to $200,000) for innovative and cost-effective energy efficiency solutions.​

Successful projects must results in the reduction of energy usage within a data center through cost-effective energy efficiency measures.

Applications will be reviewed competitively and MEA will accept applications until 11:59 PM EST, December 22, 2018.

Click  here to access the Fiscal Year 2019 application and program guidelines.
Maryland Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program Seeks FY 2019 Applicants
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is accepting applications for its competitive Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program (AFIP).

The program is designed to aid in the development of alternative fuel refueling/recharging infrastructure in Maryland. Each applicant’s cost share must be at least 50% of the total project cost. Eligible projects include natural gas refueling with fast-fill dispensers, propane refueling, ethanol refueling, DC fast-charging and hydrogen refueling.

As of now, MEA's budget for the Fiscal Year 2019 AFIP is up to $6 million. However, MEA reserves the right to increase or decrease the program budget. Grant awards for hydrogen refueling stations are capped at a maximum of $300,000 per station.

Completed applications must be received at MEA no later than December 31, 2018 at 5:00 PM EST.

Click  here to access the Fiscal Year 2019 application and program guidelines.
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 January 25, 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.
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.
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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