Hydrogen energy conference kicks off with opening of Yeager
CHARLESTON – The Mountain States Hydrogen Business Council (MSHBC) Hydrogen Implementation Conference gets off to a dramatic start on Aug. 17 with the official start-up of the hydrogen fuel facility at Yeager Airport.
The 2 p.m. ceremony officially commissioning the fuel facility is open to the public.
The fifth annual MSHBC conference takes place Aug. 17-19, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Charleston. To register for the conference or for details on its agenda, visit http://www.mountainstateshydrogen.com.
“The opening of the hydrogen fuel facility and the conference today reflects West Virginia’s commitment to help our nation become more secure through energy independence,” said Gov. Joe Manchin. “We are investing in the energy of the future, using natural gas, advanced coal technology, and renewable alternatives such as wind and solar.”
Gov. Manchin will deliver the conference keynote address on Aug. 18.
“The inauguration of the hydrogen fuel plant is a remarkably fitting event with which to begin this year’s conference,” said Jeff Herholdt, director, West Virginia Division of Energy. “The plant provides tangible evidence of West Virginia’s active leadership in advancing the development of fossil, renewable and energy efficiency initiatives.”
The $2 million production and storage facility uses electricity purchased during off-peak hours to split water, producing hydrogen fuel. Initially the plant will produce fuel for hydrogen-powered vehicles for Yeager Airport and the 130th Air Wing of the West Virginia National Guard.
“This demonstration project at Yeager Airport will allow the public to see first-hand the effectiveness with which hydrogen can be converted to practical energy use,” said Yeager Airport Director Rick Atkinson. “Yeager Airport is proud to have been selected to participate.”
“The hydrogen plant we’re using to fuel our vehicle uses off-peak electricity generated by West Virginia coal to produce hydrogen fuel, an up-and-coming energy source,” said Major Chad Board, environmental manager, West Virginia Air Guard, 130th Air Wing. “This energy project has been the result of the combined efforts of numerous local, state and federal agencies and the 130th Airlift Wing is proud to take part.”
Following the hydrogen facility commissioning, the conference gets underway with seminars on topics such as hydrogen energy, technology and economic development.
