Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Industry Headlines | |
Plug Completes First Customer Fill of Liquid Green Hydrogen at its Georgia Plant | |
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On February 1, FCHEA member Plug announced it has completed the first fill of a Plug tanker with liquid green hydrogen produced at its Woodbine, Georgia, production plant. The achievement comes one week following the official commencement of operations at the plant. A Plug cryogenic trailer was filled with liquid hydrogen for use at Walmart, Amazon and Home Depot sites, enough liquid hydrogen to fuel 3,216 forklifts a day.
Plug’s Georgia plant currently operates eight 5-megawatt (MW) electrolyzers, the largest proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer deployment in the U.S. The plant can produce up to 15 tons per day of liquid green hydrogen and serves customers in the eastern U.S.
Click here for the full press release from Plug.
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Yamaha Unveils Hydrogen Fuel System for Marine Applications | |
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On February 14, FCHEA member Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. unveiled the world’s first hydrogen-powered outboard for recreational boats along with a prototype fuel system integrated into a vessel that the company plans to further refine for testing later this year.
Yamaha joined forces with Roush to develop the fuel system to power the new outboard and collaborated with long-time boat builder partner Regulator Marine to build a boat suitable for testing the prototype outboard. Together, the companies plan to begin testing the protype for viability on the water in the summer of 2024.
Click here for the full press release from Yamaha.
Click here to learn more about Yamaha's Marine Development.
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Bloom Energy Introduces Load Following Capability Solution | |
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On February 12, FCHEA member Bloom Energy announced a new flexible load following solution for its Energy Server platform. The "Be Flexible" offering can operate on either side of the meter while rapidly handling fluctuations in supply and demand for heavy power consumers.
Click here for more information from Bloom Energy.
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Plug and Uline Expand Partnership to Supply Hydrogen and Fuel Cells at Four Additional Sites | |
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On February 23, Plug and Uline, a distributor of shipping, industrial and packaging materials to businesses throughout North America, announced their expanded partnership to deploy Plug’s hydrogen infrastructure and fuel cell solutions at Uline’s new campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
This expanded partnership includes the integration of on-site hydrogen infrastructure with the installation of a 18,000-gallon hydrogen storage tank and 17 hydrogen dispensers to service four distribution centers within the campus. The partnership also includes the addition of 250 fuel cell forklifts.
Click here for the full press release from Plug.
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Nel Restructures Agreements with Nikola and Fortescue | |
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On February 2, FCHEA member Nel announced that it has realigned its previous supply agreement with FCHEA member Nikola to a new one for 110 alkaline stacks and related Balance of Stack equipment only. As a compensation for the changed scope, Nel will receive about $9 million.
Additionally, Nel announced that it will become FCHEA member Fortescue’s supplier for the Phoenix Hydrogen Hub’s 80 MW electrolyzer, which Fortescue acquired from Nikola. In return for updated guarantees and warranties for the equipment and changes in the scope of delivery, Nel will receive approximately $11 million from Fortescue.
Click here for the full press release from Nel.
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Plug Starts Production of Liquid Hydrogen at Tennessee Plant | |
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On February 6, Plug announced it has re-started operation of its hydrogen plant in Charleston, Tennessee, adding about ten tons per day (TPD) of liquid hydrogen supply back onto the U.S. market. Plug’s cryogenic trailer fleet will deliver liquid hydrogen from the Tennessee plant to Plug’s pedestal customers throughout North America, with a high-density of users clustered throughout the Midwest and along the East Coast.
Click here for the full press release from Plug.
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Neumann and Esser Announce Installation of 20,000 HP Compressor Along U.S. Gulf Coast | |
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Last Month, FCHEA member Neumann and Esser announced that its 20,000 horsepower (HP), 8-throw "Big Al" NEA compressor has been successfully installed and commissioned at its final destination along the U.S. Gulf Coast, where it is now actively compressing hydrogen gas. The second 20,000 HP, 8-throw compressor is currently undergoing installation and is also slated for commissioning this year.
Click here for more information from Neumann and Esser.
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Plug Finalizes Contract to Support Major U.S. Automobile Manufacturer’s Material Handling Operations | |
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On February 21, Plug announced it has finalized a contract to supply a major U.S. automobile manufacturer with hydrogen infrastructure and fuel cell solutions that will support material handling operations on its manufacturing campus. The manufacturing campus’ entire material handling fleet, including forklifts and tuggers, will run on Plug fuel cells. In addition to the fuel cell fleet, the agreement includes on-site hydrogen infrastructure, including two liquid hydrogen storage tanks and over 10 hydrogen dispensers to prepare for the expansion of hydrogen applications.
Click here for the full press release from Plug.
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Hyzon and New Way to Develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell Refuse Truck | |
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On February 6, FCHEA member Hyzon and New Way Trucks (New Way) announced a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to develop a fuel cell powered refuse vehicle for the North American market. Hyzon and New Way plan to start the advanced phases of truck development, with Hyzon supplying its advanced fuel cell technology and powertrain to be integrated into New Way’s Sidewinder XTR automated side-load refuse body.
Click here for the full press release from Hyzon.
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Baker Hughes Announces New Hydrogen Milestones | |
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On January 29, FCHEA member Baker Hughes announced several milestones to support the growth of the hydrogen economy, as part of the company’s broader strategy in new energy. The milestones include:
- Baker Hughes unveiled a new Hydrogen Testing Facility for validation of its NovaLT™ industrial turbines to run blends all the way up to 100% hydrogen. The new facility includes a test bench to allow full load testing, with complete fuel flexibility up to 100% hydrogen and features a 300-bar pressure and 2,450 kg storage capacity.
- Baker Hughes recently completed manufacturing and testing of its NovaLT™16 hydrogen turbines for Air Products’ Net-Zero Hydrogen Energy Complex in Edmonton, Canada. The NovaLT™16 turbines underwent full load testing at the newly unveiled Hydrogen Testing Facility.
- The company also reported progress on another key Air Products’ hydrogen project, with the delivery of the first two trains of advanced hydrogen compression solutions for the NEOM project in Saudi Arabia
Click here for the full press release from Baker Hughes.
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U.S. Department of Energy Announces $10.5 Million to Advance Hydrogen Combustion Engine Innovation | |
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On January 31, the U.S. Department of Energy announced 27 projects to receive $71 million to develop innovative and equitable clean mobility options, including $10.5 million for three projects focused on research, development, and demonstration of hydrogen combustion engines. These selections are part of a larger $131 million announcement by DOE's Vehicle Technologies Office centered on boosting the nation's battery supply chain and supercharging electric vehicle innovation.
Awardees working on hydrogen combustion engine innovation include:
- Cummins Inc., Columbus, Indiana, for the development of a high-efficiency, low emissions, heavy-duty hydrogen internal combustion engine;
- PACCAR Inc., Mount Vernon, Washington, for the development and demonstration of a heavy-duty hydrogen internal combustion engine;
- Powertrain, Plymouth, Michigan, for the development of a high-power, ultra-low emissions, heavy-duty hydrogen engine.
These internal combustion engine projects will support the use of hydrogen in the medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) transportation sector, thereby also supporting the use of hydrogen in MD/HD fuel cell vehicles.
Click here for the full press release from the U.S. Department of Energy.
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U.S. Department of Energy Announces $10 Million to Demonstrate Innovative Hydrogen Solution for Industrial Decarbonization | |
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On February 14, the U.S. Department of Energy announced $171 million for 49 projects across 21 states to reduce industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and accelerate the development of innovative decarbonization technologies. This includes $10 million funded by the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office to demonstrate hydrogen direct reduction at a steel plant in Toledo, Ohio.
Led by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this project will demonstrate a first-of-a-kind integration of a solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) with an industrial direct reduction shaft furnace, offering a unique opportunity to reintegrate waste heat into hydrogen generation. This hydrogen can be reutilized to produce direct reduced iron. Additionally, an SOEC does not require scarce platinum group metal catalysts for hydrogen production. The goal is to demonstrate at least 90% GHG emissions reduction potential for direct reduction ironmaking at a production capacity of 1.6 million tons per year.
Click here for more information from the U.S. Department of Energy.
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U.S. Department of Energy Announces $15 Million for 12 Projects Developing High-Energy Storage Solutions to Electrify Domestic Aircraft, Railroads & Ships | |
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On February 21, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $15 million for 12 projects across 11 states to advance next-generation, high-energy storage solutions to help accelerate the electrification of the aviation, railroad, and maritime transportation sectors. Managed by the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), the selected project teams will work on high-energy storage solutions, capable of catalyzing broad electrification of aviation, railroad, and maritime sectors.
In Newton, Massachusetts, Giner was awarded $1,500,000 to package hydrogen in a paste to power fuel cells, eliminating the need for high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks. The power paste—a mix of magnesium and hydrogen stored in a cartridge—would trigger the release of hydrogen gas when water is added. The paste is not flammable or explosive. The team will also update the system’s fuel cell to operate at lower humidity, making the approach more versatile and lower volume, improving the overall energy density of the design.
Click here for more information from the U.S. Department of Energy.
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PDC Unveils SimpleFuel Fast Hydrogen Fueling Station in Japan | |
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This month, Netz Kobe Toyota dealership in Miki City, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil their recently commissioned SimpleFuel Fast hydrogen fueling station, developed and installed by FCHEA member PDC Machines and IVYs Energy. The unit will be used to fuel hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles on-site at the dealership, including Toyota’s fuel cell vehicle, the Mirai. In attendance at the event was the Chairman and President of Netz Kobe, the Mayor of Miki and Governor of Hyōgo Prefecture, Motohiko Saitō, in addition to PDC Machines’ Executive Chairman and incoming FCHEA chair, Kareem Afzal, and PDC’s Regional Country Manager for Japan.
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(Left to right) Executive Chairman of PDC Machines, Kareem Afzal; Governor of Hyōgo Prefecture, Motohiko Saitō; Regional Manager for PDC Machines GK, Hisanori Shimakura (Source: PDC Machines) | |
Air Liquide and TotalEnergies Announced the Launch of TEAL Mobility | |
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On January 30, FCHEA member Air Liquide and TotalEnergies announce the creation of TEAL Mobility to accelerate the development of hydrogen for heavy duty trucks. TEAL Mobility aims to develop more than 100 hydrogen stations over the next decade, creating the first transnational European network - under the TotalEnergies brand. TEAL Mobility will be operating around 20 stations in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg and Germany starting in 2024.
Click here for the full press release from Air Liquide.
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ZeroAvia and flyv Partner on Clean, On-Demand Flight Across Europe | |
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On February 1, FCHEA member ZeroAvia and flyv announced that they have signed an agreement to explore powering flyv’s on-demand, low-cost flight operations using ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric engines. Flyv aims to tackle the limitations of conventional travel systems, under strain from escalating demand across many modalities. As part of the agreement, ZeroAvia and flyv will explore regional air mobility networks across Europe, exploring the potential economic and passenger benefits of introducing fuel cell-powered flight.
Click here for the full press release from ZeroAvia.
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Toyota and Chiyoda Corporation to Jointly Develop Large-Scale Electrolysis System | |
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On February 5, FCHEA member Toyota Motor Corporation and Chiyoda Corporation agreed to jointly develop a large-scale electrolysis system and construct a strategic partnership. The production and mass production technologies for electrolysis cell stacks using Toyota’s fuel cell technology and Chiyoda’s processing plant design technologies and large-scale plant construction technologies will be brought together to develop a large-scale electrolysis system. The goal is to contribute to achieving the government targets for the introduction of electrolysis equipment both in Japan and overseas as part of the Basic Strategy on Hydrogen formulated by the government.
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Highly integrated water electrolysis stack group produced by Toyota (Source: Toyota)
With the signing of this basic agreement on cooperation, the introduction of an electrolysis system in Hydrogen Park at the Toyota Honsha Plant will start in 2025. It will be expanded in the future to the 10 MW class and used for verification and development.
Click here for the full press release from Toyota.
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Doosan Bobcat Announces First-Ever 3-Ton Hydrogen Forklift | |
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On February 15, FCHEA member Doosan Bobcat announced its first-ever hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric forklift, with plans to put 30 in operation this year. The Doosan Hydrogen B35X-7P is a 3-ton Bobcat electric forklift equipped with a 20 kW fuel cell system. Set for delivery to the Korea Zinc Onsan refinery in Ulsan, Korea, the B35X-7P is the first to complete its R&D cycle and reach limited production status.
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Doosan Bobcat Hydrogen Forklift in Korea (Source: Doosan)
Click here for the full press release from Electrek.
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Singapore Hydrogen Cooperation Committee Releases Feasibility Report | |
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On February 22, FCHEA member Airbus announced results of an early technical feasibility study conducted as a part of the Singapore Hydrogen Cooperation Committee, a working group formed following the signing of the Cooperation Agreement by Airbus, Changi Airport Group, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and Linde in February 2022. The committee examined regional and local market demand and supply for hydrogen, the hydrogen supply chain and infrastructure requirements, and the potential considerations for establishing a successful hydrogen ecosystem for aviation in the city-state.
As part of the study, the committee has identified infrastructure scenarios that could support the progressive deployment of a large-scale supply of liquid hydrogen for aviation at Changi Airport in the longer-term future. Singapore’s aviation sector may consume up to 50 tons of liquid hydrogen daily from the 2040s, and up to 600 tons per day beyond 2050. These scenarios are based on future hydrogen aircraft with capacities of 100 to 200 passengers, operating range of 1000 to 2000 nautical miles, entering service between 2035 and 2040 in Singapore.
Click here for the full press release from Airbus.
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Plug Signs BEDP Contract for a 500MW Electrolyzer in Europe | |
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On February 2, Plug announced it has signed a contract to deliver a Basic Engineering and Design Package (BEDP) for a 500 megawatt (MW) electrolyzer project in Europe. The contract, signed on January 29, 2024, increases Plug’s total amount of BEDP contracts to 4.1 gigawatts (GW).
Plug started offering a Basic Engineering Design Package (BEDP) to the market in 2022. The BEDP provides the engineering and plant integration details to allow a full plant front-end engineering design (FEED) study to proceed purposefully and efficiently to understand, in detail, the capital and operating expenditures associated with running a potential plant.
Click here for the full press release from Plug.
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Topsoe Signs Agreement for Ammonia to Hydrogen Project in South Korea | |
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On February 19, FCHEA member Topsoe announced it has signed an engineering agreement with Approtium, a South Korean industrial supplier of hydrogen, to deliver its ammonia cracking technology, H2RETAKE.
Topsoe will deliver its technology to Approtium’s landmark project in Ulsan, South Korea. The facility is projected to produce 75,000 metric tons of hydrogen annually.
Click here for the full press release from Topsoe.
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Honeywell To Power World's First Commercial-Scale Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier Project | |
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On February 13, FCHEA member Honeywell announced that ENEOS, a Japanese energy company, will develop the world's first commercial-scale Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) project using Honeywell's technology at multiple sites. The LOHC solution enables the long-distance transportation of clean hydrogen and can help meet the growing requirements for hydrogen use across various industries by leveraging existing refining assets and infrastructure.
Click here for the full press release from Honeywell.
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Technip Energies Invests in the United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund | |
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On February 19, FCHEA member Technip Energies announced a strategic investment in the United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund (UAVSFF). The UAVSFF is strategically designed to leverage cross-industry support, providing start-ups working on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) research, production and technology, with both financial and strategic capital.
Click here for the full press release from Technip Energies.
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AGC to Build Facility for Fluorinated Ion-Exchange Membranes Suitable for Green Hydrogen Production in Japan | |
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On January 30, FCHEA member AGC announced that it will construct a new production facility for its FORBLUE™ S-SERIES, a fluorinated ion-exchange membranes suitable for producing green hydrogen at its Kitakyushu Site in Kitakyushu City, Japan. AGC will invest approximately 15 billion Yen ($101 million) for the new facility, which is scheduled to start operation in June 2026.
Click here for the full press release from AGC.
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About the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Connection
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Press releases and story ideas may be forwarded to Connor Dolan and Karen Quackenbush for consideration at cdolan@fchea.org and khall@fchea.org respectively.
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The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) is the leading industry association in the United States representing more than ninety leading organizations advancing production, distribution, and use of innovative, clean, safe, and reliable hydrogen energy. Based in Washington, DC, FCHEA’s mission is to facilitate the adoption of and expand the markets for innovative, clean, safe, and reliable uses of hydrogen and fuel cells. FCHEA members represent the full global hydrogen and fuel cell supply chain across a range of applications and pathways from transportation, power generation, industrial use, and more.
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