FuelCell Energy Announces Power Purchase Agreement with Trinity College
On May 22, FuelCell Energy announced the execution of a Power Purchase Agreement with Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. FuelCell Energy will install a 1.4 megawatt fuel cell power plant on campus for continuous on-site electricity generation. Under the agreement, FuelCell Energy will provide for the long term operation and maintenance of the installation as well.
According to FuelCell Energy, the fuel cell plant will reduce Trinity College's CO2 emissions by 39%, decrease fuel consumption by 35%, and save the college approximately 30% in annual energy costs.
For a link to the full press release from FuelCell Energy, click
here.
GM and Honda Reveal Logo for Joint Fuel Cell Manufacturing Venture
On June 7, Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC (FCSM), a new joint venture between General Motors (GM) and Honda, revealed their logo at an event in Brownstown, Michigan.
FCSM, which was announced on January 30, is the auto industry's first joint venture to mass produce hydrogen fuel cell systems. According to GM, production is expected to begin in 2020 at GM's battery pack manufacturing plant in Brownstown. FCSM is expected to create 100 new jobs once it is in full operation, with the output shared between GM and Honda for installation in their respective products.
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FCSM President Suheb Haq (left) from GM and Vice President Tomomi Kosaka (right) reveal the company's logo at the General Motors Brownstown Battery Assembly plant in Brownstown Township, Michigan. Source: General Motors
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FCSM President Suheb Haq also announced that Environmental Leader, a leading daily trade publication covering energy, environmental and sustainability news, chose FCSM as a winner of its Project of the Year award competition.
For a link to the full press release from GM, click
here.
Governor Cuomo Invests $1.5 Billion in Clean Energy Projects - Includes
Fuel Cells
On June 2, Governor Cuomo of New York announced that the state will invest up to $1.5 billion in major clean energy projects. Complementary solicitations have been issued by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to procure 2.5 million megawatt-hours of electricity per year from a variety of sustainable energy sources, including SOFC, MCFC, PEM, and PAFC fuel cell systems.
The state's investment is the first step in a three-pronged strategy to help create an estimated 40,000 new clean energy jobs by 2020. It is also the largest clean energy procurement by a state in U.S. history.
For a link to the full press release from the governor's office, which includes links to the NYSERDA and NYPA solicitations, click here.
Air Liquide Awarded Funds for New Hydrogen Fueling Station in California
On June 14, the California Energy Commission awarded Air Liquide Advanced Technologies U.S. $1.7 million to help construct a new hydrogen fueling station for fuel cell vehicles in Santa Nella, California. The funding was part of a series of awards from the Energy Commission totaling $17 million for the construction of nine new stations across the state. True Zero received funding for the other eight stations.
Once completed, the Santa Nella station on Interstate 5 will help connect the other hydrogen refueling stations in the San Francisco Bay Area with the Southern California Los Angeles-San Diego region.
For a link to the full press release from the California Energy Commission, click
here.
New Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Refueling Station Opens in California
 On June 19, the California Energy Commission announced the official opening of the state's newest hydrogen fuel cell vehicle refueling station in South Pasadena, following its "soft opening" in April. There are now twenty-seven stations open to the public in California, with a total of fifty-four stations funded by the Energy Commission.
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| California's newest hydrogen fuel cell vehicle refueling station, in South Pasadena. Source: California Energy Commission |
For a link to the full press release from the Energy Commission, click here.
NASEO Releases Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Supplement to VW Beneficiary Mitigation Plan
On May 31, the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) released a Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Supplement report to their Volkswagen Settlement Beneficiary Mitigation Plan Toolkit that was published in March. The Supplement was written by FCHEA, and published and distributed by NASEO.
The Toolkit serves as a resource for State Energy Offices, State Environmental Agencies, and others in formulating their Beneficiary Mitigation Plans under the Environmental Mitigation Trust.
The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Supplement provides details on fuel cells and hydrogen applications and showcases the environmental benefits and successful implementation of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies for those states that wish to include hydrogen and fuel cell-related actions in their plans.
For a link to the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Supplement, click here.
Shell Releases Study on the Hydrogen's Role in the Future of Transportation
Shell recently published an in depth study on the future of hydrogen as a fuel source for transportation, which was jointly produced with the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy in Germany. According to Shell, the study concludes that in 2050, 113 million fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) could save up to 68 million tons of fuel and almost 200 million tons of carbon emissions.
In the United States, Shell currently owns two stations in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, and is working with Toyota and the State of California on further stations. In Germany, Shell is part of a joint venture with FCHEA members Air Liquide, Linde, and Daimler, along with other industry partners, to develop a nationwide network of 400 hydrogen refueling stations for new hydrogen car models by 2023. And this year, Shell opened its first hydrogen refueling station in the United Kingdom, the first of three it plans to open in 2017 in the Southeast of England.
Shell also published a slide presentation on their hydrogen transportation study. For links to the study and the accompanying presentation, click
here.
California Fuel Cell Partnership Teams with Ricardo for Fuel Cell Trucks Economic Modelling
 On June 7, Ricardo Strategic Consulting announced that it has partnered with the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) to support the latter's efforts to enable adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in commercial trucks.
Ricardo will provide economic modelling tools to help assess the total cost of ownership of future fuel cell trucks, and hydrogen stations necessary to support their commercial operation.
For a link to the full press release from Ricardo, click
here.
Nel Signs $53 Million Agreement for 100 MW Power-to-Gas Plant in France
 On June 13, Nel ASA announced an agreement with H2V Product, a subsidiary of the French Samfi-Invest group, to design, construct, and provide maintenance for a renewable-sourced hydrogen gas plant in northern France. Once completed, the 100 megawatt, 40 electrolyzer plant will be used to inject hydrogen gas into nearby natural gas pipelines. The power-to-gas process will reduce the CO2 emissions of the natural gas, which will then be used for stationary and transportation power across the country.
According to Nel, the contract for the hydrogen plant is valued at NOK 450 million (approximately $53.4 million). Construction on the plant will begin in 2018, with a planned completion date in 2020. Following the initial plant's construction, Nel and H2V Product plan to build six additional plants at the site for a total production capacity of 700 megawatts, with a contract value of NOK 3.15 billion (approximately $373.6 million).
According to Nel, the completed plants will be the world's largest, industrial scale power-to-gas project.
For a link to the full press release from Nel, click
here.
Hydrogenics Signs Purchase and License Agreement for 1,000 Fuel Cell Bus Power Modules
On June 8, Hydrogenics announced the signing of a purchase and license agreement with Blue-G New Energy Science and Technology Corporation ("Blue-G"). Under the agreement, Hydrogenics will deliver 1,000 fuel cell power modules for zero emissions electric buses in China, which are being built by Blue-G.
According to Hydrogenics, the agreement with Blue-G will bring the company an estimated $50 million in revenue. Delivery of the fuel cell power modules and the associated payments are expected to occur over the next two to three years.
For a link to the full press release from Hydrogenics, click here.
Doosan Completes Fuel Cell Plant in South Korea
On May 23, South Korea's Yonhap press agency reported that Doosan has completed the construction of a new fuel cell manufacturing plant in the city of Iksan.
According to Yonhap, Doosan said it has spent a total of 40 billion won (approximately $36 million) to build the Iksan plant. The plant will be capable of annually producing 63 megawatts worth of fuel cells, making it South Korea's largest fuel cell manufacturing facility by capacity.
Doosan officials celebrating the opening of their new fuel cell manufacturing plant in Iksan,
South Korea. Source: Yonhap
For a link to the full article from Yonhap, click
here.
Prince Albert of Monaco Drives Honda Clarity Fuel Cell at Formula 1 Grand Prix
On May 30, Prince Albert II of Monaco, accompanied by his wife Princess Charlene and a representative from the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), drove the 2017 Honda Fuel Cell Clarity for the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco 2017 opening lap of honor.
Through the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Prince Albert is dedicated to
limiting the effects of climate change while promoting alternative energies, such as hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Prince Albert II drives the lap of honor in the Honda Fuel Cell Clarity at the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco. Source: Honda Motor Europe
While the Clarity is not available for sale in Europe yet, Honda is staging a demonstration campaign through 2022, with plans to put a total of 185 vehicles on the road in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. As part of its "Electric Vision" announced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, Honda aims to have electrified powertrains in two thirds of its cars sold in Europe by 2025.
For a link to the full press release from Honda, click here.
Toyota Mirai Manager Speaks at UN Panel on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
On June 6, Rommel Momen, Brand Manager of the Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle, participated in a panel on hydrogen fuel cell technology at the United Nations' Save Our Oceans conference in New York City. The panel discussed how fuel cell technologies, like the zero-emissions Mirai, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions reductions around the world in order to protect fragile ecosystems.
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Rommel Momen (center) discusses how zero emissions fuel cell vehicles like the Toyota Mirai contribute to sustainable climate policy and protecting our oceans. Source: UN Web TV
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To watch the full video from the United Nations, click
here.
FuelCell Energy Awarded ARPA-E Contract for Energy Storage
On May 30, FuelCell Energy announced that it was awarded a $3 million contract from the Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projected Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) program. The contract will help further develop FuelCell Energy's Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (RSOFC) technology for energy storage applications. These systems are capable of producing hydrogen or other carbon-neutral fuels in an electrolysis mode, and then converting the stored fuel to electric power in a fuel cell power generation mode.
The contract was awarded under ARPA-E's Renewable Energy to Fuels through Utilization of Energy-Dense Liquids (REFUEL) program.
For a link to the full press release from FuelCell Energy, click
here.
Air Liquide, Daimler, Linde, and Shell Commission Two H2 Mobility Hydrogen Fueling Stations in Germany
On June 14, four FCHEA members celebrated the opening of two new hydrogen fueling stations in the German cities of Frankfurt and Weisbaden. The stations were commissioned through the German H2 Mobility partnership, with construction, hydrogen technology, and maintenance coming from Air Liquide, Daimler, Linde, and Shell.
Financial support for the two new stations was provided in part by the German government's National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NIP). Germany now has a total of thirty operating hydrogen fueling stations, with an additional twenty-seven under construction or in the planning process.
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| Representatives from the German federal government, H2 Mobility, Air Liquide, Daimler, Linde, and Shell attend the commissioning of Germany's newest hydrogen fueling stations. Source: H2 Mobility |
For a link to the full press release from H2 Mobility, click
here.
Intelligent Energy Launches New Fuel Cell Module Line
 On June 14, Intelligent Energy announced the launch of their FCM-800 fuel cell module series. Three models are included in the product line: the FCM-801, FCM-802 and FCM-804.
According to Intelligent Energy, the FCM-800 series are capable of delivering a range of power outputs from 1kW-4kW. The product range can be hybridized with batteries to enable additional power output as well.
The FCM-800 series is available internationally, and orders for them can be placed as of June 14.
For a link to the full press release from Intelligent Energy, click
here.
Hyundai to Showcase Luxury Fuel Cell SUV in South Korea
On June 19, South Korea's
Yonhap news agency reported that Hyundai will unveil its GV80 luxury fuel cell SUV for the first time in South Korea. The GV80 was first announced in April at the New York International Auto Show.
The showcase to demonstrate the GV80 will run through July 9, at Hyundai's Genesis Studio outside of Seoul.
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| Hyundai's GV80 fuel cell concept vehicle. Source: Yonhap News |
The GV80 is the first SUV model revealed by Hyundai under their luxury Genesis brand. According to
Yonhap, Hyundai plans to begin manufacturing the vehicle in 2019 at its South Korean plant.
For a link to the full article from
Yonhap, click
here.
Queen's Speech Includes Legislation for UK Hydrogen Infrastructure Investment
On June 21, Queen Elizabeth II delivered her Queen's Speech to Parliament. The speech, written by Prime Minister Theresa May's government for the Queen, said that l
egislation will be introduced to ensure the United Kingdom remains a world
leader in new industries, including electric cars.
According to policy documents released by the Prime Minister's office with the speech, the "Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill" will provide funding for further hydrogen fuel cell vehicle infrastructure in the UK, in order to help reach British environmental policy objectives.
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| Queen Elizabeth II reads the Queen's Speech to open the new session of Parliament on June 21. Source: The Express Tribune |
For a link to the full text of the Queen's Speech, with more information on the Electric Vehicles bill (on pp. 27-28), click here.
New Nel Hydrogen Fueling Station in Germany Receives Clean Energy Partnership Approval
On May 19, a new Nel ASA H2Station hydrogen fueling station was inaugurated in Rostock, Germany. The station, built for the German hydrogen station industry partnership H2 Mobility and hydrogen energy company TOTAL, is the first to receive approval from Germany's Public-Private Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) in accordance with the latest 2016 version of the SAE J2601 standard.
This international common requirement, devised by car manufacturers and hydrogen fueling station owners, ensures that vehicle users experience fast and reliable fueling of hydrogen with long driving range, similar to that of gasoline vehicles.
Representatives from the various stakeholders involved in the Rostock hydrogen fueling station attend its inauguration. Source: Clean Energy Partnership (Germany)
The Rostock station adds to the growing hydrogen fueling network currently being deployed by H2 Mobility through a joint venture between six companies, including FCHEA members Air Liquide, Daimler, Linde, and Shell.
For the full press release from Nel, click
here.
Hydrogenics to Provide Fuel Cells for Scania Trucks at Norway's Largest Grocery Wholesaler
On June 5, Hydrogenics announced that it will deliver four HyPM™-HD90 fuel cell systems to be integrated into Scania hydrogen trucks that are owned and operated by ASKO, Norway's largest grocery wholesaler.
According to Hydrogenics, the trucks are expected to be operational by next year. Additional details of the agreement between Hydrogenics and ASKO were not disclosed at this time.
For a link to the full press release from Hydrogenics, click here.
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DOE Releases FY 2018 Budget Request
On May 23, t
he Department of Energy (DOE)
released its
detailed
budget request to Congress
for
Fiscal
Year 2018.
T
he Department's spending request
for their Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies program within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
is $45 million, a
55.5% decrease from
the previous year's level.
The request also includes a significant cut for Advanced Energy Systems under the Office of Fossil Energy. The FY 2018 request is $46 million, which is approximately a $59 million reduction.
According to EERE justification documents, the reduced funding will focus on early-stage component and process development, while discontinuing or significantly reducing later-stage and lower priority research. DOE uses this focus on early-stage R&D to justify the elimination of funding for other hydrogen and fuel cell technology programs.
The steep reduction in requested funds is consistent with cuts to all programs within EERE, with many programs slated for cuts ranging from 70% or higher to total elimination.
As Secretary Perry noted in a letter to stakeholders, this is the first step in a very long process. Both chambers of Congress will now begin their work on providing funding for these and other government programs. Throughout this process, FCHEA will continue to advocate for robust funding that helps our industry.
Earlier this year, following the release of President Trump's blueprint, also known as the "skinny budget", FCHEA issued a statement requesting that the Administration and Congress maintain current funding levels for fuel cell and hydrogen energy programs. That statement can be read
here.
For a link to detailed FY 2018
budget documents, please visit this
link
.
DOE Announces $15.8 Million in Awards for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies
On June 8, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $15.8 million in awards for thirty new projects aimed at discovery and development of novel, low-cost materials necessary for hydrogen production and storage and for fuel cells on-board light-duty vehicles.
The awards were selected under the Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) annual funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for 2017. Selected projects came from consortia of national laboratories and research universities, which was formed this year under DOE's Energy Materials Network (EMN).
For a link to the full list of awards, including recipients, project topics, and award amount, click
here.
DOE Announces $15.9 Million for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Research
On June 13, the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy announced the awarding of $2.4 million to four Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) research and development projects. Among the recipients are three American universities that were each awarded $600,000 for Phase 2 project research.
An additional $13.5 million is available under a new funding opportunity announcement
SOFC prototype system testing and core technology development through the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL).
For a link to the full press release from the Office of Fossil Energy, click
here.
Secretary Chao, Perry Queried on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
On June 15, Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao testified before the Transportation Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee regarding her department's Fiscal Year 2018 budget request. During the hearing, Representative Charlie Dent (R-PA-15), co-chair of the House Hydrogen Fuel Cell Caucus, asked Secretary Chao how her Department plans to work with industry on removing barriers for the successful introduction of fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen infrastructure across the country.
Secretary Chao replied that the Department of Transportation is looking at all new transportation technologies, and that they want to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the private sector. However, the Secretary acknowledged that as she is new to office, she is still learning about fuel cell vehicle technologies. A clip of the exchange can be found
here.
On June 21, Secretary of Energy Rick Perry testified before the Energy & Water Development Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee regarding his department's Fiscal Year 2018 budget request. Representative Ken Calvert (R-CA-42) asked the Secretary how his department plans to continue its support of hydrogen fuel cell technology innovation and research, despite a proposed cut of over 50% to fuel cell programs at the Department of Energy. The Representative also asked if DOE will work with industry to ensure a successful roll out of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. A clip of the exchange can be found
here.
While neither secretary expressed any negative sentiments toward fuel cells or hydrogen, opportunities to educate these top-level officials clearly exist. FCHEA will also continue to work with leaders in Congress to ensure that the severe cuts proposed are not enacted, and fuel cell and hydrogen research and development technologies receive fair consideration in the annual federal funding process.
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 Upcoming Events
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2017 Fuel Cell Seminar & Energy Exposition: Book Your Exhibit Space Now!
Breaks, lunches, networking receptions, and more...the Exhibit Hall will be where much of the Seminar action takes place, so don't miss out on securing a booth to ensure your products and services are front and center. Spots are moving quickly!
Online registration is now open for both attendees and exhibitors at www.fuelcellseminar.com/registration.
Premier Day One Sponsor: Toyota
Heavy Duty Sponsor: Transpower
Check out 2017 sponsorship opportunities
here.
For those interested in sponsoring, please contact us at
[email protected]
for more information.
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Additional Links
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The Guardian | 19 May 2017
Trucks.com | 22 May 2017
Intelligent Energy | 24 May 2017
The Telegraph | 25 May 2017
Renewable Energy Magazine | 25 May 2017
Proton OnSite | 25 May 2017
Automotive News | 29 May 2017
Food Science & Technology Journal | 30 May 2017
Energy Manager Today | 30 May 2017
The Engineer UK | 1 June 2017
Het Nieuwsblad (in Dutch) | 1 June 2017
Electronic Design | 1 June 2017
Truck Trend Network | 2 June 2017
Canadian FCEV Coalition via CNW | 6 June 2017
GreenBiz | 7 June 2017
Hartford Business Journal | 8 June 2017
R&D Magazine | 8 June 2017
Hydrogen-Powered Cars Move onto the Starting Grid
The Engineer (UK) | 12 June 2017
Electric Light & Power | 13 June 2017
Air Force Research Laboratory | 14 June 2017
The Australian Financial Review | 19 June 2017
The Detroit Bureau | 19 June 2017
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Request for Papers, Proposals, and Information
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California Energy Commission Grant Funding Opportunity
The California Energy Commission's (Energy Commission) Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP) announces the availability of up to $3 million in grant funds for projects that will demonstrate innovative electric vehicle mobility services in four specified areas in California.
Deadline to Submit Applications: June 30, 2017, by 5:00 p.m.
For more information on this grant opportunity, click
here.
NETL Funding Opportunity Announcement for SOFC Prototype System Testing and Core Technology Development
The objective of the Advanced Energy Systems Program is to solicit and competitively award research projects under this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to successfully complete the maturation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell technology from its present state to the point of commercial readiness. The Program will support two topic areas to include Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Prototype System Testing and Core Technology Development.
Approximately $13.5 million in federal funding is expected to be available for new awards under this announcement.
Deadline to Submit Applications: July 14, 2017, by 8:00 PM ET.
For more information on this FOA with links to all relevant documents, click
here.
California Air Resources Board Grant Solicitation for the On-Road Advanced Technology Demonstrations Project
The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) is pleased to announce its Grant
Solicitation for the On-Road Advanced Technology Demonstrations Project. The
opportunity was approved by the Board as part of the FY 2016-17 Funding Plan for Low
Carbon Transportation and Fuels Investments and the AQIP.
Up to $17 million is
available for this project and will provide greenhouse gas (GHG), criteria pollutant, and
toxic air contaminant emission reduction benefits to disadvantaged communities. Along
with the separate Off-Road Advanced Technology Demonstration Project, it is part of a
$34 million allocation for advanced technology freight demonstrations. Solicitations for
each FY 2016-17 demonstration project will be released separately.
Applications are due to CARB by 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 16, 2017.
For a link to the solicitation announcement and access to all relevant documents, click
here.
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About the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Connection
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Administration
Press releases and story ideas may be forwarded to Connor Dolan and Karen Hall for consideration at [email protected] and [email protected] respectively.
If your company is interested in joining FCHEA, please visit fchea.org or contact Connor Dolan at [email protected].
The Sponsors
Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association --
The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) is the trade association for the fuel cell and hydrogen energy industry, and is dedicated to the commercialization of fuel cells and hydrogen energy technologies. Fuel cells and hydrogen energy technologies deliver clean, reliable power to leading edge corporate, academic and public sector users, and FCHEA members are helping to transform the our energy future. FCHEA represents the full global supply chain, including universities, government laboratories and agencies, trade associations, fuel cell materials, components and systems manufacturers, hydrogen producers and fuel distributors, utilities and other end users.
National Energy Technology Laboratory --
The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory system is owned and operated by the DOE. Its mission is "advancing energy options to fuel our economy, strengthen our security, and improve our environment." NETL performs, procures, and partners with universities and the private sector. Together, these efforts focus a wealth of scientific and engineering talent on creating commercially viable solutions to national energy and environmental problems. NETL has expertise in coal, natural gas, and oil technologies, contract and project management, analysis of energy systems, and international energy issues. NETL supports the DOE's mission to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States.
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