FuelCellsWorks

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program presented the DOE Annual Merit Review Awards at the 2011 DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program and Vehicle Technologies Program Annual Merit Review and Peer Evaluation Meeting on May 11, 2011.

Award recipients are chosen by the Peer Review Panel following an evaluation of the merit of hydrogen and fuel cell projects to recognize outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program. Award recipients are:

DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Program Team Awards

• Production: Tom Jaramillo, Stanford University
• Delivery: Petros Sofronis and Ian Robertson, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Fuel Cells: Nenad Markovic, Argonne National Laboratory
• Systems Analysis: Marc Melaina, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
• Market Transformation: Leonard Klebanoff, Sandia National Laboratories
• Safety, Codes and Standards: Jeffrey Lynn LaChance, Sandia National Laboratories
• Safety, Codes & Standards: Bill Houf, Sandia National Laboratories
• Manufacturing: Jason Morgan, Ballard Material Products
• Education: Joel Rinebold, Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology

DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program Award

• George Sverdrup, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program and Vehicle Technologies Program Award

• Jim Miller, Argonne National Laboratory

Learn more about the award winners.

BOTHELL, Wash.– NEAH Power Systems, Inc. (OTCQB: NPWZ) (”NEAH Power”) today announced that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire privately-held Exigent Security Products, Inc. (”ESP”) (www.espsensors.com). ESP, which is based in Illinois, markets and develops advanced radiation sensors for use by medical, homeland security, defense and other industries. ESP has also begun introducing its radiation detector products in Japan and other regions where concerns with radiation have risen recently.

ESP has sold product to U.S. government and security agencies, self-storage facilities, and hospitals across the United States. ESP’s radiation detection systems integrate networks of sensors controlled by Web-enabled management and messaging systems.  The companies believe that a business combination will enable them to combine offerings of fuel cell and radiation detector products in order to provide power for remote and continuous sensor applications.  ”We believe that a product offering that combines networks of security sensors with reliable, continuous fuel cell power will provide further differentiation to our products and additional opportunities in the market place,” stated Frank O’Connor, CEO of ESP.

“ESP and NEAH are dedicated to developing integrated protection systems leveraging both the advanced technology from ESP as well as the award-winning, patented Silicon-based fuel cell systems from NEAH Power,” said Chris D’Couto, CEO of NEAH Power.

The companies intend to complete due diligence expeditiously and provide periodic updates about the progress of the acquisition and upcoming products and market opportunities.

About NEAH Power

NEAH Power Systems, Inc. (NPWZ.OB) is developing long-lasting, efficient and safe power solutions for the military, transportation, and for portable electronics. NEAH uses a unique, patented, Silicon-based design for its micro fuel cells that enable higher power densities, lower cost and compact form-factors. The company’s micro fuel cell system can run in aerobic and anaerobic modes. NEAH believes that the technology can also be used for energy storage and generation.

Further company information can be found at www.neahpower.com.

ITM Power (AIM: ITM), the energy storage and clean fuel company, welcomes the conclusions of yesterday’s NOW workshop held in Germany. The NOW organisation is the body responsible for the H2Mobility initiative to roll out the hydrogen refueling infrastructure throughout Germany.

NOW GmbH Managing Director, Dr. Ing. Klaus Bonhoff, argued that any move towards a renewable economy inevitably raises the issue of energy storage, and that any discussion of storage cannot avoid hydrogen in general and electrolysis in particular.

Dr. Oliver Ehret, the NOW GmbH Project Manager responsible for hydrogen infrastructure provision, gave an outline of the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) that is now entering its third phase focusing on preparing the German market for the hydrogen infrastructure. This phase will see the construction of the hydrogen corridor between Berlin, Hamburg, North Rhine Westphalia and Hessen. The CEP aims to have 50% of its hydrogen provided by renewable energy systems and they anticipate that wind energy will be a significant source of hydrogen by 2020.

ITM Power agent for Germany, Phil Doran, commented: “Germany is clearly the leading centre for hydrogen infrastructure development in Europe and ITM Power is now fully engaged with the key players. Germany’s renewed emphasis on renewable energy following its review of nuclear technology is focusing attention on energy storage and the use of hydrogen in particular. This is a very exciting time for the Company.”

ITM Power CEO, Dr. Graham Cooley, will be presenting to the European Commission’s Joint Technology Initiative for fuel cells and hydrogen in Berlin on 19th May 2011.

AMERICAN HONDA FCX In an opening ceremony, customer Jon Spallino became the first retail fuel-cell electric vehicle customer to fill at the station. (PRNewsFoto/American Honda) TORRANCE, CA UNITED STATES

TORRANCE, Calif.– Southern California’s network of hydrogen refueling stations continues to grow in Southern California with the opening today of the world’s first station supplied by an existing hydrogen pipeline. The new Shell hydrogen station, which is conveniently located in Torrance, California, next to several major freeway corridors and near the Los Angeles International Airport, taps into an existing industrial hydrogen pipeline serving a nearby refinery. The station is also outfitted with multiple fuel dispensers, which allow for the simultaneous refueling of four vehicles in less than five minutes.

In an opening ceremony, Honda FCX Clarity customer Jon Spallino became the first retail fuel-cell electric vehicle customer to fill at the station. With this new station operational, FCX Clarity customers will have access to seven hydrogen refueling stations across Southern California. The FCX Clarity is available on a limited retail basis in Southern California with more than two dozen currently on the road and in the hands of individual customers.

“This new Torrance hydrogen station will give FCX Clarity customers another option for quick, convenient fueling,” said Elmer Hardy, senior manager, Alternative Fuel Vehicle Sales & Marketing at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “This is a positive step for our FCX Clarity customers and the industry as we continue to put vehicles on the road and demonstrate the real-world capabilities of Honda fuel-cell electric vehicle technology.”

Propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in an on-board fuel cell, the FCX Clarity delivers quiet, clean power with a small amount of water as its only emissions. The FCX Clarity’s fuel efficiency is three times that of a comparably sized modern gasoline-powered automobile, and two times that of a gasoline-powered hybrid vehicle. With a 240-mile EPA-certified driving range and 5 minute refueling time, the zero-emissions FCX Clarity provides customers with a very convenient and anxiety-free driving experience.

The compact and powerful Honda V Flow Fuel Cell Stack allows for unprecedented interior spaciousness and a futuristically stylish, low-slung design previously unattainable in fuel-cell electric vehicles and marks the significant progress that Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of a fuel-cell electric car.

Honda Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicle Firsts:

The first generation Honda FCX became the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel-cell electric vehicle in July 2002. The FCX was also the world’s first production fuel-cell electric vehicle, introduced to the U.S. and Japan in October 2002. Additional highlights include:

• Honda FCX was the first fuel-cell electric vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003).
• Honda FCX was the first fuel-cell electric vehicle placed in the hands of an individual retail customer (July 2005).
• Honda was the first manufacturer of a dedicated fuel-cell electric vehicle on a production line specifically for hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric vehicles (2008).
• Honda was the first manufacturer to create a fuel-cell electric vehicle dealer network (2008).
• FCX Clarity was the first fuel-cell electric vehicle to pace a U.S. Indy Car Race (2011).

The first forklift trucks in Europe that will run on fuel cells and with hydrogen in their tanks are on the way to the market. No fewer than 30 demonstration units are to be tested, and Norway is among the countries potentially involved in the trials

Risavika harbour just outside Stavanger is among the candidates for trials of ten of the 30 forklift trucks, says SINTEF’s Steffan Møller-Holst.

SINTEF is a participant in the project’s development phase, which will bring the green European truck to its final goal. Under its bodywork, the truck houses a miniature power station in the shape of a fuel cell that runs on hydrogen, and which delivers power to its electric motor. All that the truck emits in operation is water vapour!
The best of both worlds

“A hydrogen-driven forklift truck running on fuel cells combines the advantages of diesel and battery-driven vehicles. The hydrogen-based technology means rapid refuelling, just like diesel, while it is also energy-efficient and every bit as environmentally friendly as a battery truck,” says Møller-Holst.

The SINTEF scientist points out that a forklift truck fitted with fuel cells and operating two eight-hour shifts a day reduces CO₂ emissions by the equivalent of eight private cars.
Developed under the European Union’s auspices

The truck’s power system has been developed in the course of a joint European effort run by the European Union.

SINTEF is to perform laboratory tests that will explore how much fuel cell performance falls by over time. At the same time, SINTEF will systematise and analyse feedback from the trials of the 30 demonstration trucks. The knowledge gained in this process will be used to improve the control system and optimise operation, which will ensure that the fuel cell will have a life-cycle that meets the commercial requirements of the market.
Danish projects

The Danish company H2 Logic AS has been responsible for developing the trucks’ fuel-cell technology. The solution is a development of a fuel cell that the company had previous developed with Scandinavian backing; its partners included SINTEF and Statoil.

These large forklift trucks in the joint European project have been designed to carry heavy loads. They are manufactured by the Danish company Dantruck, which is showing them off this week at the enormous CeMAT trade fair in Hanover.

by Svein Tønseth

LEHIGH VALLEY — Air Products’ (NYSE: APD) hydrogen, West Coast pipeline system, and industry-leading fueling technology were integral parts of an historic event today as Shell officially opened the United States’ first-ever pipeline-fed hydrogen fueling station. The Torrance, California station, a collaborative effort between Air Products, Shell, Toyota, South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and United States Department of Energy (DOE), will supply hydrogen for several automobile manufacturers’ fuel cell vehicles in the Los Angeles area.

“This fueling station will be a tremendous model to show how effortless a pipeline supply of hydrogen can be to an automobile fueling station and other hydrogen fuel cell applications. It will add another mode of supply, on potentially a very large scale, to Air Products’ portfolio of distribution technologies in meeting the emerging fueling applications of today,” said David J. Taylor, vice president – Energy Businesses at Air Products to assembled guests for the station’s dedication ceremony in Torrance today. “Pipeline distribution of hydrogen offers the lowest delivered and dispensed price for hydrogen supply on a mass scale, and this site will be a model to be able to learn and expand these types of stations as opportunities arise.” Air Products believes this station will show the cost-competitiveness of hydrogen delivered in this manner to the gasoline costs of today.

The station, which received project funding assistance from SCAQMD and DOE prior to 2011, is situated on land adjacent to the Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc. (TMS) sales and marketing headquarters. It is fed by Air Products’ hydrogen pipeline located less than 50 feet from the station and connected to Air Products’ Wilmington and Carson, Calif. hydrogen production facilities. In addition to the hydrogen for the fuel cell vehicles, Air Products’ hydrogen compression, storage and dispensing technology are also integral components in the fueling station. The station includes several technology advancements, and among them is the ability to simultaneously fuel four hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from the four dispensers at the site. The station currently has the requested fueling capacity of 50 kilograms of hydrogen per 12-hour day (or the equivalent of 50 gallons of gasoline per day), has the technical capability to reach 100 kilograms per day, and is expandable.

“Building an extensive hydrogen re-fueling infrastructure is a critical step in the successful market launch of fuel cell vehicles,” said Chris Hostetter, group vice president, TMS. “We plan to bring a fuel cell vehicle to market in 2015, or sooner, and the infrastructure must be in place to support our customers’ needs.”

Air Products, the leading global supplier of hydrogen to refineries to assist in the production of cleaner burning transportation fuels, has unique experience in the hydrogen fueling industry. These varied fueling applications provide an opportunity to assess consumer experiences, evaluate product performance and advance product improvements. In fact, in certain market applications, fueling rates at several individual sites of over 15,000 refills per year are occurring. The company has placed over 120 hydrogen fueling stations in the United States and 19 countries worldwide. Cars, trucks, vans, buses, scooters, forklifts, locomotives, planes, cell towers, material handling equipment, and even submarines have been fueled with trend-setting technologies that involve Air Products’ know-how, equipment and hydrogen. Use of the company’s technology is increasing and is currently over 350,000 hydrogen fills per year.

Air Products has more than 50 years of hydrogen experience and is on the forefront of hydrogen energy technology development. Air Products has an extensive patent portfolio with over 50 patents in hydrogen dispensing technology. Air Products provides liquid and gaseous hydrogen, and HCNG (hydrogen/compressed natural gas) fueling, and has developed a variety of enabling devices and protocols for fuel dispensing at varied pressures. Hydrogen for these stations can be delivered to a site via truck, produced by natural gas reformation, biomass conversion, or by electrolysis, including electrolysis that is solar and wind driven.

About Air Products

Air Products (NYSE: APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. In fiscal 2010, Air Products had revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,300 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

Shell Demonstration Station Supports Ongoing Toyota Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle Demo Program

Hydrogen Pipeline Will Also Fuel Stationary Fuel Cell on Toyota Campus

TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) today celebrated the opening of the first hydrogen fueling station in the U.S. fed directly from an active industrial hydrogen pipeline. The station is a collaborative effort between Toyota, Air Products, Shell, South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the Department of Energy (DOE). The facility will provide hydrogen for the Toyota fuel cell hybrid demonstration program vehicles as well as other manufacturers’ fuel cell vehicle fleets in the Los Angeles area.

“Building an extensive hydrogen re-fueling infrastructure is a critical step in the successful market launch of fuel cell vehicles,” said Chris Hostetter, group vice president, product and strategic planning, TMS. “We plan to bring a fuel cell vehicle to market in 2015, or sooner, and the infrastructure must be in place to support our customers’ needs.”

The station is located adjacent to the TMS sales and marketing headquarters campus. As landowner, Toyota leases the land to Shell for a nominal fee. As station owner/operator, Shell works directly with Air Products who provides onsite equipment and station maintenance. The pipeline gas also is provided by Air Products from its plants in Wilmington and Carson, Calif. SCAQMD and DOE provided project funding assistance.

“This is the first time Shell has worked closely with a vehicle manufacturer to develop a demonstration station,” said Julian Evison, general manager of operations for Shell alternative energies. “The industry has made good technical progress, but cooperation is a necessity for hydrogen to achieve its commercial potential as a road transport fuel.”

Air Products also worked with Toyota and other fuel cell vehicle manufacturers to develop the Hydrogen Vehicle Authorization System (HVAS), another first for the industry and unique to the Torrance station. The HVAS wireless vehicle recognition system allows station-to-vehicle recognition to facilitate quick and convenient fueling for customers.

The station also will feature a learning center onsite to provide hydrogen and station information to local students and the general public. Shell and Toyota will work together to populate the learning center.

With this new station, the City of Torrance will become part of the California Hydrogen Highway initiative, which aims to create clean air solutions and develop new technology jobs across the state. For more information on the Hydrogen Highway initiative, please visit http://www.hydrogenhighway.ca.gov/.

“This fueling station will be a tremendous model to show how effortless a pipeline supply of hydrogen can be to an automobile fueling station and other hydrogen fuel cell applications,” said David J. Taylor, vice president, energy business at Air Products. “This site will be a model to learn and expand pipeline fed stations as opportunities arise.”

The close proximity of the hydrogen pipeline to TMS campus led Toyota to think beyond vehicles to consider additional ways to use hydrogen. In 2010, Toyota partnered with Ballard Power Systems to install a one-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell generator to offset peak electricity demand on campus. The fuel cell generator will be fed directly from the hydrogen pipeline through an existing tap on the TMS property. Pipeline hydrogen used on campus will be offset with the purchase of landfill generated renewable bio-gas.

The system is scheduled for installation in 2012 and is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by 10,000 tons with emission-free fuel cell technology. Plans include using heat created by the fuel cell system to provide hot water and space heating in the Toyota employee fitness center and in the Lexus headquarter building within the TMS headquarters campus. Use of this heat will offset natural gas consumption on campus, thereby avoiding an estimated additional 28 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Toyota’s fuel cell hybrid vehicle fleet has logged several million miles since hitting the road in 2002, with significant technological improvements along the way. The first generation fuel cell hybrid vehicles (FCHV) estimated range was 130 miles. In 2009, the latest generation vehicle, Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle – Advanced (FCHV-adv), achieved an estimated range of 431 miles on a single fill of hydrogen. In addition to fuel cell stack efficiency and range improvements, durability and cold temperature operation have greatly improved along with significant reductions in manufacturing and materials costs. Toyota’s current FCHV-adv nationwide demonstration program is placing more than 100 vehicles with demonstration partners by 2013, providing one of the largest fleets of active fuel cell vehicles in the country. The primary goal of the demonstration program is to spur infrastructure development prior to fuel cell vehicle market introduction in 2015. Successful infrastructure development will require collaborative efforts between manufacturers, government regulators, and business, similar to the partnerships formed to open the Torrance Shell hydrogen demo station.

“Vehicle demonstration programs and demonstration stations like the Torrance station are a critical next step in preparing the market for advanced technology vehicles and future fuels,” said Hostetter. “These innovative programs allow us educate, inform and prepare our customers for the future.”

AFC Energy (AIM:AFC), a world leading developer of alkaline fuel cells, announces that it has signed a binding Heads of Terms with N(2) telligence GmbH relating to the use of alkaline fuel cells for fire protection.

Under the terms of the agreement AFC Energy and N(2) telligence will work together on an exclusive basis, whereby AFC Energy will only supply the exhaust air from its alkaline fuel cell systems to N(2) telligence for fire protection and low oxygen environments and N(2) telligence will only source alkaline fuel cell exhaust air from AFC Energy’s alkaline fuel cell systems for fire protection and low oxygen environments.

N(2) telligence has licensed patents from Airbus in order to develop fire protections systems that use the exhaust air from fuel cell systems to create low oxygen environments. Such a system developed by N(2) telligence creates a low oxygen environment in a room reducing it from c.21% to 15%. At this level the air is still breathable but an open fire cannot spread.

Both parties believe that as this method of fire protection becomes more widespread it is likely to be actively supported by insurance companies and could be reflected in lower insurance premiums for those that adopt it.

The lowering of fire risk whilst simultaneously generating on-site, clean electricity offers the prospect of use in data centres, archive stores, hazardous materials stores, telecommunication equipment rooms, vaults, museums and boiler rooms. Such areas require a failsafe solution that protects against fire without impacting safe access for personnel.

Ian Balchin, Deputy Chairman of AFC Energy plc, commented:”The innovation at N(2) telligence opens up another avenue for AFC Energy’s fuel cells. Our alkaline fuel cell is being developed as a method of generating cost effective, clean electricity at up to 60% electrical efficiency. It also produces water and heat, now there are applications for the exhaust air and through N(2) telligence all of these have a commercial value.

Lars Frahm, CEO of N(2) telligence, commented: “N(2) telligence creates fire prevention systems based upon the fuel cell. We are delighted to be working with AFC Energy which offers the potential for low cost applications.”

A cartoon illustrates the potential uses of a new theoretical type of mobile technology that would use an aluminum alloy to convert non-potable water into drinking water while also extracting hydrogen to generate electricity. Such a lightweight, portable system might be used to provide power and drinking water to villages and also for military operations. (Jerry Woodall, Purdue University)

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Researchers have developed an aluminum alloy that could be used in a new type of mobile technology to convert non-potable water into drinking water while also extracting hydrogen to generate electricity.

Such a technology might be used to provide power and drinking water to villages and also for military operations, said Jerry Woodall, a Purdue University distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering.

The alloy contains aluminum, gallium, indium and tin. Immersing the alloy in freshwater or saltwater causes a spontaneous reaction, turning the water into steam and generating hydrogen and aluminum tri-hydroxide until the aluminum is used up. The hydrogen could then be fed to a fuel cell to generate electricity, producing potable water.

“The steam would kill any bacteria contained in the water, and then it would condense to purified water,” Woodall said. “So, you are converting undrinkable water to drinking water.”

Because the technology works with saltwater, it might have marine applications, such as powering boats and robotic underwater vehicles. The technology also might be used to desalinate water, said Woodall, who is working with doctoral student Go Choi.

A patent on the design is pending.

Woodall envisions a new portable technology for regions that aren’t connected to a power grid, such as villages in Africa and other remote areas.

“There is a big need for this sort of technology in places lacking connectivity to a power grid and where potable water is in short supply,” he said. “Because aluminum is a low-cost, non-hazardous metal that is the third-most abundant metal on Earth, this technology promises to enable a global-scale potable water and power technology, especially for off-grid and remote locations.”

The potable water could be produced for about $1 per gallon, and electricity could be generated for about 35 cents per kilowatt hour of energy.

“There is no other technology to compare it against, economically, but it’s obvious that 34 cents per kilowatt hour is cheap compared to building a power plant and installing power lines, especially in remote areas,” Woodall said.

The unit, including the alloy, the reactor and fuel cell might weigh less than 100 pounds.

“You could drop the alloy, a small reaction vessel and a fuel cell into a remote area via parachute,” Woodall said. “Then the reactor could be assembled along with the fuel cell. The polluted water or the seawater would be added to the reactor and the reaction converts the aluminum and water into aluminum hydroxide, heat and hydrogen gas on demand.”

The aluminum hydroxide waste is non-toxic and could be disposed of in a landfill.

The researchers have a design but haven’t built a prototype.

Writer: Emil Venere,

Tokyo–Tanaka Holdings Co., Ltd. (Holding company of Tanaka Precious Metals, Head office: Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Hideya Okamoto) today announced that one of its group companies Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K. (Head office: Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Hideya Okamoto), which boasts the world’s leading share in fuel cell catalysts, had been recognized as an “Elite Supplier of 2010″ by Ballard Power Systems Inc.(Head office: British Columbia; President & CEO: John Sheridan; “Ballard”), which is the world leading provider of fuel cells. This is the fourth consecutive time Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K. has received the award, and the company is proud to have the record of being the only one of Ballard’s approximately 100 worldwide to have received the award more than once.

The award was received because Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K. achieved the maximum score in the four areas of development capability, quality, on-time delivery and customer service for providing the fuel cell catalysts, and the company was highly recognized for its significant contribution to fuel cell development. The product that led to the award was the electrode catalyst for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC) used in fuel cell vehicles and household cogeneration power supplies. This technology is expected to be an environmentally friendly and new energy utilization technology that uses the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to generate high power output despite being compact and lightweight.

Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K. combines the precious metal catalyst technology and electrochemical technology that the company has cultivated over many years to develop highly active platinum catalyst used in PEFC cathodes and catalyst with excellent resistance to the poisoning characteristics of carbon monoxide (CO) in PEFC anodes. Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K. will continue to identify trends in the fuel cell market quickly and respond to customers’ needs, while working on the enhancement of research and development to reduce and recycle the scarce platinum used in order to lower costs and effectively utilize resources, and conducting development aimed at spreading the use of fuel cells in the future.

Evaluation Comment from Ballard

Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K. received a perfect score in all four evaluation areas of development capability, quality, on-time delivery and customer service. For both the fuel cell industry and Ballard, this made a significant contribution by demonstrating leadership in catalyst development while the industry seeks out technological innovation.

What is the Ballard “Elite Supplier Award”?

Every year, Ballard evaluates approximately 100 suppliers in the four areas of development capability, quality, on-time delivery and customer service, and suppliers that receive close to a perfect score are recognized as Elite Suppliers. Suppliers scoring over 85% are recognized as Preferred Suppliers.

For details of this release, please see:
http://pdf.japancorp.net/english/clientreports/4294/Tanaka0510.pdf

Air Products (NYSE:APD) has installed an award-winning Series 100 hydrogen fuelling station at the University of Glamorgan to assist in the development of their hydrogen energy research.

The Series 100 station is the University of Glamorgan’s second hydrogen fuelling station and is situated at their Glyntaff Campus. It will be fed exported hydrogen taken from the University’s facility at the Renewable Hydrogen Research and Development Centre. This introduction of a second station will help support the development of South Wales’ local infrastructure as the Government looks to establish a refuelling network for hydrogen and electric vehicles along the M4.

The University produces renewable ‘green’ hydrogen on campus through a process of electrolysis which uses solar power. Air Products has supplied hydrogen filling equipment to enable the locally produced hydrogen to be transported to other local hydrogen refuelling stations, including the facility at Glyntaff.

Commenting on the announcement, Ian Williamson, European Hydrogen and Bio Energy Director at Air Products and President of the European Hydrogen Association, said: “We are delighted to be providing our award-winning hydrogen station to the University of Glamorgan. The research and development they are carrying out in the field of hydrogen energy is extremely impressive.

“Renewably producing hydrogen is an important piece of the zero carbon transport jigsaw. The University’s onsite production of renewable hydrogen and projects such as our proposed waste-to-energy plant in Teesside which also has the potential to produce renewable hydrogen, clearly show that technology enabling the green production of hydrogen exists today.”

Jon Maddy who manages the University’s Hydrogen Centre commented, “This project extends our capability to support hydrogen vehicle research, development and deployment and is part of a coordinated approach to develop an early stage hydrogen infrastructure in the UK.”

“We are pleased that this is another demonstration of a successful academic/ industrial project that contributes to Wales’ and the UK’s plans to reduce carbon emissions from transport.”

As the UK makes further steps towards developing a low carbon transport system building on milestones such as the recent introduction of five hydrogen London buses, this announcement follows a recent visit from Greg Barker, Energy and Climate Change minister, to the US. As part of this visit, Mr. Barker was able to test drive Air Products’ hydrogen powered car and learn more about the technology.

The project has been part-funded by the University, the Department for Transport Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Grant Programme and the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government.

On-site gas generation firm secures $1.7M from U.S. Army TARDEC to develop larger hydrogen generation capability to support hydrogen vehicle fleets in Hawaii

Wallingford, CT– Proton OnSite has been awarded Phase II of a contract from the U.S. Army’s Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) for $1.7 million to provide hydrogen fueling infrastructure in Hawaii, and to further increase the efficiency and output potential of future commercial hydrogen stations.

Proton OnSite, formerly Proton Energy Systems, was awarded a Phase I contract for $1.8 million in November 2008, which provided for the development and testing of a prototype electrolyzer system capable of producing 65kg of hydrogen a day. This system eventually became the platform for the SunHydro fueling station in Wallingford, Connecticut, the state’s first commercial hydrogen refueling station.

That project ultimately resulted in a five-fold increase in net hydrogen generation over Proton OnSite’s previous systems, and a significant decrease in the cost of hydrogen fuel for hydrogen vehicle deployments.

Phase II of the TARDEC contract will allow Proton OnSite to develop and build a fully commercialized configuration of the FuelGen® 65 Electrolyzer, improving on the efficiency and performance breakthroughs gained in Phase I.

The electrolyzer is planned to be installed in a hydrogen fueling station on an Army base in Hawaii in early 2012 and will be used to provide fueling infrastructure to the expanding fleet of hydrogen vehicles being deployed to the island of Oahu.

In addition, the Phase II project will enable Proton to develop a larger cell stack design, which will result in significant decreases in hydrogen production cost and enable at least another two-fold increase in net hydrogen capacity of future hydrogen refueling stations, including SunHydro stations, which are set to be built around the Northeastern United States.

Robert Friedland, President and Chief Executive Officer of Proton OnSite, says the capabilities developed in Phase I, and those being developed now in Phase II have resulted in “another step towards reducing the cost of hydrogen fuel for our military partners and for current and future hydrogen vehicle owners.”

This news comes as average U.S. consumer gas prices moved up to $3.96 a gallon last week according to government figures, up more than $1 from May 2010’s prices.

“Proton OnSite is proud to continue to partner with TARDEC to develop and deploy this critical hydrogen fueling capability in a high value demonstration in Hawaii,” says Friedland. “By working with TARDEC to develop fueling infrastructure that directly supports the Department of Defense’s goals for energy security and sustainability, we have been able to significantly improve the scale and efficiency of our commercial products that will ultimately benefit all Americans.”

Proton OnSite says that the installation of this new station, as well as other hydrogen infrastructure projects under development in the state will help develop Hawaii’s commercial hydrogen vehicle infrastructure. “We believe Hawaii is set to become the epicenter of hydrogen vehicle activity in the United States,” adds Friedland.

The signing of the Phase II TARDEC contract continues Proton OnSite’s partnerships with government agencies. In addition to the new $1.7 million TARDEC contract, Proton has also been awarded in excess of $1.3 million this year from other government agencies to support the development of its hydrogen production technology.

Berlin/Cottbus — As part of the Cottbus week of the environment, the Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) yesterday commissioned a complex test stand developed and delivered by Heliocentris Energy Solutions AG and project partners. This system shows how electricity can be generated from renewable energies and then fed into the national grid or used for autonomous power supply solutions. From now on, the complex test stand will be used for research and training. In this way, Heliocentris is once again demonstrating its expertise in developing solutions and its strength in implementing them in the field of complex hybrid energy systems.

Dr Henrik Colell, CEO of Heliocentris Energy Solutions AG, on the significance of such systems: “Autonomous, distributed power supply solutions based on regenerative energies and suitable energy storage solutions are facing massive growth. It is therefore crucial that the very generation which is now studying at Colleges and Universities becomes familiar with, and develops an interest in optimising, these technologies. Only in this way can Germany leave nuclear power behind for good and further expand its expertise in this field.”

The complex test stand for regenerative energies consists of a small wind turbine as well as a photovoltaic and solar heat system. The incorporation of an electrolyser and a hydrogen storage makes it possible to save excess energy, and the fuel cell which is also integrated serves to convert the saved energy during times when there is little sun or wind. It can thus be shown how energy can be generated from wind and solar power and how this energy is fed into the national grid as well as how the energy generated can be used for isolated operation (autonomous power supply) by means of a hydrogen storage and fuel cells.

BOULDER, Colo.–Adoption of fuel cell powered products is gathering increasing momentum in a wide variety of application areas. The shift from an R&D based industry to a fully commercial one is well underway, though it has not been without its setbacks. Fuel cells are now being deployed for applications as diverse as residential power, off-grid mobile communications sites in Africa, low-carbon transportation, and electrical grid reliability. According to a new report from Pike Research, released today at the annual member meeting of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association, global fuel cell shipments doubled between 2008 and 2010, from approximately 7,500 units to more than 15,000 units annually during that period.

“but this is also a time when barriers to entry for new companies are decreasing. With the start of product standardization, the creation of new business models, and the increasing focus on product shipments, we fully anticipate the market opening up to many new entrants over the next 5 years.”

“The reasons for the groundswell of interest in fuel cells are as varied as the sectors that are implementing the technology,” says research director Kerry-Ann Adamson. “Industry and government leaders are finding that fuel cells are a highly effective tool for deploying reliable, clean power for stationary, portable, and transport applications.”

Adamson adds that the largest fuel cell unit growth has been in the stationary power sector, which represented approximately 60% of shipments during 2010. Demand for stationary fuel cells is being driven by a number of early adopter sectors including the Japanese market for residential units, power for grid-tied and off-grid mobile base stations globally, and combined heat and power (CHP) plants for a variety of markets, including hospitals and hotels. Portable fuel cells have had their ups and downs over the past two years, with a temporary spike in shipments created by the sale of 3,000 Toshiba Dynario external battery rechargers in 2009, followed by a sharp decline in total sales in 2010. Significant volumes for transportation fuel cells in cars and buses are still several years away as automakers gear up for fuel cell vehicle (FCV) launches in 2015, though shipments from the auxiliary power unit (APU) sector continue to increase year-on-year.

In the midst of this period of market evolution, the fuel cell competitive landscape is coming into clearer focus. With literally scores of companies having active development programs, Pike Research’s analysis indicates that a handful of market leaders and fast followers are beginning to emerge. The analysis shows that in 2010 less than a dozen companies accounted for the vast majority of global shipments. “The next few years will determine which of the current fuel cell companies will survive and thrive, and which will fall by the wayside,” says Adamson, “but this is also a time when barriers to entry for new companies are decreasing. With the start of product standardization, the creation of new business models, and the increasing focus on product shipments, we fully anticipate the market opening up to many new entrants over the next 5 years.”

Pike Research’s first annual “Fuel Cells Annual Report” analyzes the state of the global fuel cell industry, its key barriers and drivers, where the industry could be in 2017, and why 2015 is shaping up to be such a crucial point for the industry. This report is produced from extensive industry interviews as well as the Pike Research fuel cell forecast model. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Hydrogenics Corporation (Nasdaq:HYGS) (TSX:HYG), a leading developer and manufacturer of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products, today announced that the Company has received contracts for the delivery of seven electrolyzers to customers in Asia, Europe and South America. The electrolyzers will be utilized by food processing, metallurgy, and thermal power plants, with delivery expected over the next six to nine months.

“The industrial segment of our hydrogen generation business continues to benefit as economic conditions improve around the world,” said Daryl Wilson, Hydrogenics President and CEO.  “As the market leader in providing industrial electrolysis products, we are pleased and well positioned to see continued growth,” added Wilson.

ABOUT HYDROGENICS

Hydrogenics Corporation (www.hydrogenics.com) is a globally recognized developer and provider of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products and services, serving the growing industrial and clean energy markets of today and tomorrow. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Hydrogenics has operations in North America and Europe.

Sandia researcher Brian Somerday prepares to load a hydrogen pressure vessel into a laboratory furnace. Through the new International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER) and the Research, Engineering, and Applications Center for Hydrogen (REACH), Sandia hopes to expand its hydrogen research activities and engage the global hydrogen research community even more ambitiously than it has in the past.

LIVERMORE, Calif. — A new hydrogen research initiative based in Japan will leverage Department of Energy (DOE)-funded hydrogen research at Sandia National Laboratories’ California site and will likely become the first research effort to be rolled into a broader laboratory research umbrella aimed at increasing the laboratories’ hydrogen partnerships domestically and abroad.

Sandia’s Brian Somerday is playing a lead role with the International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER, pronounced “ICE-ner”), one of six research institutes that comprise the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) established by the Japanese minister of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology.

WPI provides support for research and development projects and encourages international collaboration among leading researchers. It is designed to encourage the development of research and development centers that attract leading scientists from around the world and advance high-caliber work.

Somerday serves as lead principal investigator for I2CNER’s hydrogen structural materials research area. For Sandia, I2CNER represents a concrete opportunity to engage the international community on hydrogen-related research even more ambitiously than it has in the past.

“Though Sandia’s hydrogen program has interacted with non-U.S. collaborators previously to address individual technical activities and information sharing, leadership in the I2CNER initiative provides an opportunity to coordinate with international experts to address big, complex problems,” said Daniel Dedrick, manager of Sandia’s hydrogen and combustion technology group.

One of the primary goals of the WPI, Somerday said, is to change the research university environment in Japan by fostering more direct collaborations with non-Japanese entities. Consequently, I2CNER – though based at Kyushu University in Japan – is unique in that its director is Professor Petros Sofronis of the University of Illinois, a longtime collaborator with Sandia. Sofronis has most recently been conducting hydrogen embrittlement research and development at the University of Illinois, funded by the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).

In addition, Somerday has already developed a number of research contacts in Japan and is planning on attending an I2CNER program review there in June. He and Dedrick are preparing to welcome Japanese researchers to Sandia’s California site as part of the I2CNER collaborative process.

I2CNER’s research goals, Somerday said, strongly overlap with Sandia’s interests. The institute’s technical areas include (in addition to the structural materials area that Somerday leads) hydrogen production, fuel cells, thermophysical properties, hydrogen storage materials and carbon capture and storage.

In the meantime, Dedrick is working with EERE to develop the Research, Engineering and Applications Center for Hydrogen (REACH) at Sandia’s California site, a project that would house I2CNER and other specific hydrogen research activities.

REACH, when it comes to fruition, will include three primary components. One will be to perform as an international research and development center for hydrogen, an objective supported by DOE since global collaborations are key to solving difficult problems in hydrogen. Secondly, REACH will feature a materials thrust, with a focus on new structural materials and predictive simulation. Finally, REACH will focus on engineering and applications, such as the award-winning fuel cell mobile lighting technology.

In the wake of the recently-completed DOE Metal Hydrides Center of Excellence led by Sandia, the new REACH effort exemplifies continued hydrogen science and technology leadership at Sandia. Somerday’s work with I2CNER dovetails perfectly with the long-term REACH vision, Dedrick pointed out.

“Our first goal with REACH is to have physical space within Sandia/California’s open campus, and we envision that REACH and I2CNER will work together within that space, such as hosting I2CNER researchers, co-organizing workshops on future trends, and other activities,” said Dedrick. Eventually, he hopes that REACH’s longer-term program development efforts will pay off and lead to new facilities on the Livermore Valley Open Campus (.pdf).

“Fortunately, we have a good network of collaborators and potential funding sources already identified, with some of them even knocking on our doors ready to go down the research path with us,” he said. “So this is a great opportunity to develop those relationships even more and turn ideas into real programs.”

Sandia National Laboratories is a multiprogram laboratory operated and managed by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. With main facilities in Albuquerque, N.M., and Livermore, Calif., Sandia has major R&D responsibilities in national security, energy and environmental technologies, and economic competitiveness.

From Jiayuguan to Almaty: a five-day trip with about 2.100 km and border crossing to Kazakhstan

Starting on May 3, the 20th leg of the F-CELL World Drive leads the participants from Jiayuguan, across the Chinese border towards Almaty in Kazakhstan. The route of the five-day trip runs about 2,100 kilometers throughout the Chinese west, until the tour crosses the border to Kazakhstan on May 7. In Almaty, the tour takes its time for a several days lasting stopover, therewith offering the local media the opportunity to experience fuel cell technology using the example of the B-Class
F-CELL.

By Brad Kane-Hartford Business

Wallingford gas supplier Proton Onsite is replacing its ambitious plans for an East Coast “Hydrogen Highway” with a more modest plan for hydrogen refueling stations clustered around the Northeast, its chairman says.

Proton Chairman Tom Sullivan says the target for a string of fueling stations for hydrogen fuel cell cars from Maine to Miami has been replaced by plans to stations around the Northeast.

Sullivan, who also founded the Lumber Liquidators flooring chain, made the announcement Tuesday morning at Farmington law firm Levy & Droney’s annual Connect 2011 breakfast at the New Britain Museum of Art.

A hydrogen-fueling cluster in one region makes people feel more secure in buying a fuel cell vehicle, Sullivan said.

The original concept behind the Hydrogen Highway was to increase use of hydrogen fuel cell cars; therefore, boosting Proton’s business of supplying hydrogen systems.

Proton’s sister company SunHydro operates the stations, which are powered by solar electric.

Sullivan said he doesn’t believe the SunHydro business model will become profitable in his lifetime, but he believes it is an important step toward moving the country into alternatively fueled vehicles.

The European Commission-backed Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH-JU) has published its fourth annual call for proposals. The call foresees a total of €200 million for research and development into fuel cells and hydrogen. The €109 million in Commission funding is matched by in-kind contributions from industrial partners. The 3 May call for proposals covers 36 topics and addresses key issues to foster market breakthroughs.

Topics are, like last year, divided into five application areas: transportation and refuelling infrastructure; hydrogen production and distribution; stationary power generation; and early markets, such as portable, micro-applications or handling vehicles. The fifth application area covers cross-cutting issues addressing non-technical barriers, such as life cycle assessment, codes and standards, socio-economic research, public awareness, training and more. Officials note that the deadline for applications is 18 August. Evaluation of proposals should be carried out in September with projects selected for contract negotiations being announced by the end of December.

In total, the joint undertaking has nearly €1 billion to be invested by 2013. The FCH-JU was established by a Council regulation, on 30 May 2008. It is a public-private partnership between the Commission, European industry and research organisations aimed at accelerating development and deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.

The FCH JU will hold a public information session on 12 May. Compulsory registration is via fchju@fch.europa.eu. A brokerage event, too, is being held, on 19 May in Berlin, with registration via secretariat@fchindustry-jti.eu.

Dantruck fuel cell forklift "3000 Power Hydrogen" with integrated H2Drive® from H2 Logic

The project HyLIFT-DEMO, co-funded by the European Joint Undertaking for Fuel Cells and Hydrogen FCH JU, already enters into its next phase, the selection of end users for its 30 hydrogen powered heavy duty fuel cell forklifts. The project will showcase the 2.5 tons forklifts at the CeMAT logistics fair in Hannover, Germany, from 2 – 6 May.

The overall purpose and ambition of HyLIFT-DEMO, started in January 2011, is to conduct a large scale demonstration of hydrogen powered fuel cell forklifts, which enables a following deployment and market introduction starting no later than 2013.

A hydrogen powered forklift with fuel cells combines the advantages of diesel / LPG and battery powered forklifts. Hydrogen exhibits the same consistent power and fast refuelling capability as diesel and LPG, while providing energy efficient and zero emission electric propulsion like batteries.

Nine partners from five European countries are commonly heading for the early market introduction of fuel cell forklifts:

The developer of fuel cell hybrid power systems H2 Logic and the forklift manufacturer Dantruck A/S have since 2006 collaborated on developing a new hydrogen powered forklift with a fully integrated H2Drive® fuel cell system from H2 Logic. The result is a new powerful 2.5 tons forklift for heavy duty applications, developed entirely to be powered by hydrogen. H2 Logic is establishing the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and will take care of its operation while the gases and engineering company Linde supports with advice in terms of hydrogen supply.

The research organisations SINTEF and JRC are performing accelerated tests on durability, vibration, shock and climate resistance on the next generation fuel cell system. The Technical University of Denmark will assist H2 Logic in the optimization of the fuel cell hybrid system. TÜV SÜD supports the third party safety certification of the fuel cell systems and the integration into the fork lifts as well as of the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. The European Hydrogen Association (EHA) in collaboration with the Italian Federation of Scientific and Technical Associations, FAST, is working towards writing a guidance document for conducting project activities on fuel cell forklifts, targeted towards regional and local actors, as a help for them in setting up own projects. EHA will also be collaborating in the organization of dissemination activities and workshops.

The project is coordinated by the consultancy Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik GmbH which will also carry out the project monitoring and assessment activities to report the performance of the hydrogen forklifts and the refuelling infrastructure and will assist in the development of the commercialisation plan by contribution of the experiences and lessons learned collected during the coordination of previous projects.

The main objectives of the HyLIFT-DEMO project are a 2 year demonstration of at least 30 units of 2.5-3.5 tons forklifts with a fully integrated 3rd generation fuel cell system and the demonstration of the associated hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at end-user sites accompanied by planning and ensuring the initiation of a commercial market deployment by end of 2013.

At the CeMAT logistics fair in Hannover both the newly developed zero emission hydrogen fuel cell system for forklifts H2Drive® as well as the 2.5 tons heavy duty hydrogen powered fuel cell fork lift will be showcased by H2 Logic (booth J01, hall 25) and respectively DanTruck A/S (outdoor booth FG L12).

In total H2Drive® is a feasible and sustainable alternative for customers using either diesel or LPG today.

”We are ready to showcase that fuel cells for forklifts is emerging as a competitive alternative on parameters such as performance, cost, service and in particular emissions,” states Sales Manager in H2 Logic, Steven Westenholz.

Market introduction has already begun in the U.S. and an increasing number of end users are opting for fuel cell forklifts offering an attractive value proposition whilst providing energy efficient and zero emission electric propulsion.

“In the U.S. there are already more than 1,000 fuel cell forklifts in daily commercial operation and Europe will be next”, summarizes project coordinator of HyLIFT-DEMO and project manager in LBST, Hubert Landinger, on the market opportunities of the fuel cell forklifts.

Brunnthal/Munich, Germany–In its annual readers’ survey, the readers of promobil, Europe’s largest mobile home magazine, have ranked the EFOY fuel cell among the top 3 of the best brands for the fourth time in a row. This year, with 24.2%, the EFOY fuel cell has achieved second place in the category power supply, as it did last year as well. EFOY thus retains its market position as most popular green power supply for mobile home owners. promobil’s annual readers’ survey highlights the most popular mobile home and equipment brands, based on a questionnaire of the magazine’s readership. The survey’s results directly reflect customer acceptance of the brands distinguished in this way.

With over 20,000 fuel cells sold to date, SFC stands for silent, lightweight and eco-friendly off-grid power supply solutions in recreational, industrial and defence applications. As a reliable partner for mobile home owners, the EFOY fuel cell automatically and independently charges the on-board battery around the clock, regardless of season or weather. EFOY fuel cells are available throughout Europe as standard or optional accessories through over 50 mobile home manufacturers. The corresponding 5 or 10 litre fuel cartridges are available at over 1,500 sales outlets in Europe and enable autonomy for weeks.

“We are very proud of the fact that our customers are reaffirming their trust in our product year after year,” says Dr. Peter Podesser, CEO of SFC Energy AG. “This demonstrates that the EFOY brand has now firmly established itself on the mobile home market. Anyone looking for a reliable and silent off-grid power supply for his or her mobile home will now want to seriously consider the EFOY fuel cell.“

For more information, visit www.efoy.com and www.sfc.com.

About SFC Energy AG
SFC Energy AG (www.sfc.com) is market leader in fuel cell technologies for mobile and off-grid power applications serving the leisure, industrial and defense markets. As one of Germany’s technology pioneers, SFC has won numerous innovation awards. SFC has alliances with leading companies in a wide range of industries.  Unlike most other fuel cell manufacturers, who are in the research and development phase or run subsidized demonstration projects, SFC has shipped more than 20,000 fully commercial products to industrial and private end users for more than six years, and has created a convenient fuel cartridge supply infrastructure. SFC is DIN ISO 9001:2008 certified. SFC is based in Brunnthal, Germany, and has a sales and technical service office in the U.S. SFC Energy AG is listed in the Prime Standard on the German stock exchange (WKN 756857).

Ohio is a National Leader in Fuel Cells, Home to More than 100 Companies

WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) today called for the Department of Energy’s continued support and investment in fuel cell and hydrogen energy programs. In a letter to Energy Secretary Steven Chu, the senators urged him to maintain funding for these two programs that spur long-term job creation and expansion of new clean energy technology.

“These successful energy programs—like the Stark State Fuel Cell Prototyping Center—are critical to Ohio’s economic development and in aiding our nation’s energy independence,” Brown said. “Fuel cell and hydrogen technologies are on the cusp of revolutionizing the way we use energy in Ohio and we should allocate all possible resources to encourage our state’s manufacturers, private sector investors, suppliers, and potential customers to embrace this promising new technology.”

“The State of Ohio offers the fuel cell industry unmatched growth potential, Ohio has a great supply chain, a skilled workforce, the R&D strengths, and an enviable partnership with the State of Ohio and the Ohio fuel cell industry,” said Pat Valente, Executive Director of the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition. “With continued Federal Support the industry could be creating hundreds of jobs over the next few years.  Without support Ohio competitive advantage could evaporate.”

“We are grateful to Senators Brown and Graham, and their 12 distinguished colleagues from across the country, for this forceful message of support to preserve American jobs and leadership in the fuel cell and hydrogen energy industry,” said Ruth Cox, president and executive director of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA). “The disproportionate budget cuts proposed by the DOE would seriously undermine American competitiveness in this core clean energy technology—the last such technology in which the U.S. has a technical and manufacturing lead. Our industry is proud to be creating jobs as part of America’s growing clean energy economy, and we are even prouder that so many notable Senators are standing up to ensure fuel cells and hydrogen energy remain an integral component of our clean energy portfolio.”

According to a report in Forbes Magazines, Ohio is a national leader in fuel cell development with more than 100 companies and organizations based in Ohio.

Today’s letter, joined by 12 senators, said that fuel cells and hydrogen energy systems—which are among the DOE’s most successful programs—must continue to play an important role in our nation’s energy diversification.

These programs have helped decrease the cost of hydrogen refueling infrastructure and fuel cells, including solid oxide fuel cells, while increasing fuel cell efficiency and durability, and familiarizing Americans with these new clean energy technologies. Because of these DOE programs, domestic manufacturers are on the verge of the full-scale commercialization of fuel cell systems and hydrogen energy technologies in stationary, backup power and material handling equipment applications.

Roll Royce Fuel Cell Systems, Inc. consolidated its fuel cell research and development activities at the company’s location at Stark State College of Technology in North Canton. In 2009, Brown secured $1 million for Stark State to upgrade the clean room at the Stark State Fuel Cell Prototyping Center. This project brings critical fuel cell technology to Ohio providing students with first-hand training opportunities to advance and commercialize a one-megawatt solid-oxide fuel cell, which when used in stationary power generation, will aid in smart-grid electric power.

Full text of the letter is below.

May 3, 2011

The Honorable Steven Chu

U.S. Department of Energy

1000 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20585-0001

Dear Secretary Chu:

We write today in support of the fuel cell and hydrogen energy programs within the Department of Energy (DOE). With the enactment of the Fiscal Year 2011 (FY11) Continuing Resolution, funding for DOE programs have been reduced by five percent for the remainder of the current fiscal year compared to the amount provided by Congress in FY10. We are concerned, however, that further cuts to these two programs would inhibit the long-term diversification of our nation’s energy portfolio and stunt the development of American engineered and domestically-produced energy systems powered by hydrogen and fuel cells.

We share your belief that reasonable investments in clean energy technology can spur job creation through the growth of new and emerging American industries.  However, funding reductions to fuel cell and hydrogen programs would discourage manufacturers, private sector investors, suppliers, and potential customers from fully embracing this promising new technology.

As you know, the fuel cell and hydrogen energy programs within DOE are among its most successful. Within the Office of Fossil Energy (OFE), the Solid-State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) has met or exceeded every benchmark established by Congress and DOE since its creation. This public-private partnership, in which industry has contributed three dollars for every dollar of government funding, has helped decrease the cost of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) tenfold, while dramatically increasing their efficiency and durability.

Additionally, we believe domestic manufacturers are on the verge of the full scale commercialization of fuel cell systems and hydrogen energy technologies in stationary, backup power and material handling equipment applications, thanks in part to the success of the Fuel Cell Technologies Program within the Office of Energy Efficient and Renewable Energy (EERE). In the case of mobile fuel cells, several auto manufacturers are planning for commercial fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) launches beginning in 2014-2015. This program is helping drive down the cost of fuel cell systems and hydrogen infrastructure, while familiarizing Americans with these new clean energy technologies.

Fuel cells and hydrogen energy systems must continue to play an important role in our nation’s energy diversification.  From new clean vehicle technology to stand-alone power generation for military installations, universities, and hospitals, fuel cell and hydrogen technologies are on the cusp of revolutionizing the way we use energy in the United States. While the Senate considers the Fiscal Year 2012 appropriations for your agency, we urge you to resist repurposing or cutting these programs that support true energy diversification.

We look forward to working with you on this critical issue.

Sincerely,

________________________                                                _________________________

Sherrod Brown                                                                       Lindsey Graham

United States Senator                                                            United States Senator

________________________                                                _________________________

Joseph I. Lieberman                                                                Ron Wyden

United States Senator                                                            United States Senator

________________________                                                _________________________

Max Baucus                                                                            Patty Murray

United States Senator                                                            United States Senator

________________________                                                _________________________

Charles Schumer                                                                     Jon Tester

United States Senator                                                            United States Senator

________________________                                                _________________________

Debbie Stabenow                                                                    Kirsten Gillibrand

United States Senator                                                            United States Senator

________________________                                                _________________________

Richard Blumenthal                                                                Amy Klobuchar

United States Senator                                                            United States Senator

________________________                                                _________________________

Maria Cantwell                                                                       Robert P. Casey, Jr.

United States Senator                                                            United States Senator