FuelCellsWorks

Basel, Switzerland – Huntsman Advanced Materials, a division of Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN),  announced it was awarded the JEC Award for innovative materials at the JEC Show in Paris, France. Huntsman received the award for the innovative use of its composites in fuel cell applications developed in cooperation with its US-based customer GrafTech International.

This latest development from Huntsman’s Advanced Materials division ─ bipolar plates made from graphite composite materials manufactured using a Huntsman epoxy resin ─ is in line with other award winning Huntsman solutions and offers important advantages to those developing the next generation of fuel cells:

• High temperature resistant resin systems for automotive and stationary power applications, because fuel cells operate at higher temperatures to improve efficiency;

• Strong chemical resistance to avoid degrading in the presence of electrolytes such as glycols or concentrated phosphoric acid;

• Low leachable ionic levels in the resin systems to avoid damage to the fuel cell; and

• An acetone based system to facilitate high volume graphite composite manufacturing.

André Genton, President of Huntsman’s Advanced Materials division, commented: “At Huntsman, our commitment to innovation provides a rich pipeline of new products and applications. We are especially pleased when our innovative chemistry provides solutions to address the issues that affect us all, such as the global need for more efficient and effective fuel cells.”

In December 2008, another solution from Huntsman Advanced Materials was awarded the Gold Innovation
Award at the Euromold Show. The award was won for Huntsman’s new Araldite® Digitalis machine, which is a new rapid manufacturing machine capable of producing large numbers of parts simultaneously at rapid speed and with high accuracy.

EnerFuel High Temperature Fuel CellEner1, one of the leading lithium ion battery companies, announced plans to develop fuel cell stacks for use in electric vehicles as range extenders through a subsidiary company called EnerFuel.

Currently, the fuel cell stack has been tested in concept form by automakers including Ford and General Motors. Ener1 is working hard on the project and has stated that they have made great progress on their high temperature fuel cells.

The fuel cells are designed to be incorporated into electric vehicles as range extender units. According to the company, the fuel cell stack has been installed in a vehicle and has been under testing since December of 2008.

The system consists of a stack, electronics, and a hydrogen storage tank. It adds an additional 175 pounds onto an existing platform and returns 20kWh to the vehicle’s existing battery system.

The fuel cell system delivers consistent power output on increasing the efficiency of a standard electric vehicle. Ener1 is working on systems with output of 3-15kW. The power is enough to maintain battery charge and therefore extend the range of EVs.

Byron McCormick Resigns from DoE Panel Protesting Fuel Cell Funding Cuts

WASHINGTON, DC –Recently retired General Motors fuel cell executive J. Byron McCormick resigned from the U.S. Energy Department’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee to protest Secretary Steven Chu’s decision to zero out DoE’s transportation fuel cell budget.

In an e-mail today to Chu, McCormick, until last year GM’s executive director of fuel cell activities (H&FCL Jan. 09), wrote that given his “experience of developing, manufacturing and fielding batteries, EV’s, hybrid vehicles, fuel cells, electric propulsion systems and fuel cell vehicles, and understand the technical, regulatory, environmental and business issues involved, I am both perplexed and confused by your decision to zero the budget.

“Like my colleagues from the other global OEM’s who wrote me this weekend I’ve spent the last 35 years of my life developing real hardware, fielding real hardware, learning the lessons that the customers and real experience teach us and developing business understandings as to what it takes to make a sustainable/viable business with products customers will purchase.”

He added, “I also know that there are many well meaning passionate advocates who do not have that relevant experience and make their cases based on idealized models or non-realistic or scientifically supportable assumptions. So, I in no way mean to demean them or you in my disagreement with your decision.

Wrote McCormick, “However, since I have recently retired to New Mexico, and am as a result being very selective as to where and on what pursuits I spend my time and energy, I have decided to resign from HTAC and focus my attention/experience/knowledge with those who will be moving ahead to make it happen.

“I want to wish you the best of luck in developing an energy policy for the United States.”

Utrecht, the Netherlands – Yellow&Blue Investment Management leads €10 million financing round in P21 GmbH to support the rollout of energy solutions for mobile operators to cut fuel costs and increase the use of renewable energy. Greener energy solutions are needed because billions of liters of diesel are consumed each year supplying electricity to mobile networks in regions with limited or no access to the grid. According to London-based GSM Association 70-80% of the total rural towers in operation in 2012 will be relying on diesel while 50% of new towers installed in 2012 in emerging markets could be powered by renewable energy.

Yellow&Blue, a venture capital firm specializing in clean energy investments, has led the financing round together with P21 management and existing investors Target Partners and Conduit Ventures.

P21 was established in 2001 through a management buy-out from Vodafone and currently provides the hydrogen- owered PEM fuel cell system to mobile operators and equipment suppliers to assure uninterrupted electrical power supply for telecom towers and base stations (BTS). Recently the company has expanded its product portfolio with energy saving solutions. P21 operates in the Middle East & Africa, Asia and Europe where it is implementing its solutions that optimize the use of diesel generator, fuel cell systems and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. P21’s products and services address a rapidly growing market opportunity.

Wolfgang Essig, CEO of P21: “We are excited to have Yellow&Blue as a new shareholder and are keen to leverage their experience building international operations. By lowering costs and effectively integrating renewables we have created strong demand for our energy management solutions. This funding will help accelerate commercial rollout with key customers in our target markets.”

Dr. Albert Fischer, Managing Director of Yellow&Blue: “I have been impressed by the team and their understanding of local level energy needs. P21 energy solutions are helping mobile network operators cut costs, increase renewable energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Waldemar Jantz, Chairman of the Board of P21 GmbH and representative of the largest shareholder, Target Partners in Munich, affirms: “With Yellow&Blue P21 has found a strong partner, which has excellent knowledge in the clean energy sector.” John Butt, Managing Director of Conduit Ventures Ltd., London, adds: “Together with P21’s solid investor base they contribute significantly to accelerate and broaden the business in P21’s global markets.”

P21 GmbH

Headquartered near Munich, P21 GmbH develops, produces and markets energy management solutions for the telecommunications industry. P21 has successfully proven the capability of its technology in various field tests with international mobile-telephony providers since 2004. On the basis of its patented hydrogen-powered PEM fuel cell systems, P21 is already a leading supplier of energy solutions to assure uninterrupted electrical supply. P21 broadened its portfolio of services in 2009 to include other products and solutions which contribute toward efficient energy savings and cost reductions, as well as toward reduced CO2 emissions. Founded in 2001, P21 currently employs a staff of 55 people. P21 cooperates worldwide with renowned partner enterprises in the telecommunications and energy industries, as well as with sub-deliverers that have the relevant know-how to market P21’s energy management solutions onsite and to accompany the installation and service process.

WRC driver Henning Solberg is not used to being in the passanger seat. But on the first leg of the EVS Viking Rally he had to give up his usual seat for H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon of Norway.

The Crown Prince took the drivers seat on the first leg of the EVS Viking Rally

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO– Hydrogenics Corporation (TSX:HYG)(NASDAQ:HYGS), a leading developer and manufacturer of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products, today reported first quarter 2009 results. Results are reported in US dollars and are prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

Financial Highlights

- Revenues were $5.5 million for the first quarter of 2009, a decrease of 35% from the first quarter of 2008, excluding Test Systems.

- Gross margin was 30% for the first quarter of 2009, an increase of 13 percentage points from the first quarter of 2008.

- EBITDA loss was $3.8 million for the first quarter of 2009, a reduction of $0.1 million or 3% from the first quarter of 2008.

- Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments were $15.7 million at March 31, 2009, a $7.0 million sequential quarterly decrease from the fourth quarter of 2008 reflecting: (i) $3.7 million of non-cash working capital; and (ii) a $3.8 million EBITDA loss; partially offset by (iii) $0.5 million of other items.

- Order backlog was $17.7 million, more than 80% of which is anticipated to be delivered and recognized as revenue in 2009.

“We continued to take appropriate steps this quarter to conserve cash and streamline our operations in the current economic environment,” said Daryl Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer. “While Hydrogenics’ gross margin improved, revenues declined versus the first quarter of 2008 due primarily to the timing of certain projects within our OnSite Generation business unit. This was expected, as was the seasonal working capital impact on our cash flow, but the Corporation maintains a solid backlog and is experiencing strong quoting activity across our client spectrum. As we stated last quarter, the global economic slowdown has impacted the cycle time of new and existing projects, including in excess of $2.0 million which shifted from the first quarter to the second quarter. However, in spite of the factors noted above, we see improving traction within both OnSite Generation and Power Systems – recently recording a number of wins that position the Corporation for revenue expansion in the quarters to come. We remain cautiously optimistic about the second half of 2009.”

Results for the first quarter of 2009 compared to the first quarter of 2008

Revenues, exclusive of our Test Systems business unit, were $5.5 million, a decrease of 35%, reflecting lower revenues in our OnSite Generation business unit due to the timing of project deliveries, partially offset by increased revenues in our Power Systems business unit.

Gross profit, expressed as a percentage of revenues, was 30% (17% in the first quarter of 2008) attributed to operational improvements, product cost reductions and product mix.

Cash operating costs, a non-GAAP measure, defined as selling, general and administrative expenses, and research and product development expenses less stock-based compensation expense, were $5.3 million, a 4% decrease from $5.5 million in the first quarter of 2008. Cash operating costs for the first quarter of 2009 include $0.6 million of costs associated with further business streamlining initiatives as well as $0.2 million of costs attributable to our Test Systems business unit.

Net loss was $4.0 million, an 8% decrease from $4.3 million in the first quarter of 2008.

Liquidity

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments were $15.7 million as at March 31, 2009, a $7.0 million sequential quarterly decrease from the fourth quarter of 2008 reflecting: (i) $3.7 million of non-cash working capital; and (ii) a $3.8 million EBITDA loss; partially offset by (iii) $0.5 million of other items.

Order backlog

Order backlog as at March 31, 2009 was $17.7 million, as follows (in $ millions):

                           Dec. 31,      Orders         Orders      Mar. 31,
                              2008     Received      Delivered         2009
                           Backlog                                  Backlog
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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OnSite Generation           $ 14.6        $ 0.8          $ 3.7       $ 11.7
Power Systems                  7.6          0.2            1.8          6.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                       $ 22.2        $ 1.0          $ 5.5       $ 17.7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

We expect to deliver and recognize as revenue, more than 80% of our total order backlog in 2009.

Conference Call Details

Hydrogenics will hold a conference at 10:00 a.m. ET on May 13, 2009 to review the first quarter 2009 results. The conference call number is 800-769-8320. A live webcast of the call will also be available at www.hydrogenics.com.

The webcast will be archived on the site, and investors will be able to access an encore recording of the conference call for one week by calling 416-695-5800, conference ID #7482145. The encore recording will be available two hours after the conference call has concluded.

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.

Pira International and CoreTec Ventures Fuel Cell Summit Hamburg: Buy One Registration and get another Registration Free

Leatherhead — Acknowledging the challenging economy and tightening corporate travel budgets, Pira International is offering the opportunity to buy one registration spot and get another free for a colleague or guest at the Fuel Cell Summit on 23-25 June 2009.

To maximize exposure, exhibit spaces are also available for £299, making it possible for companies to promote their latest achievements even in difficult financial times.

Recognizing that the fuel cell and hydrogen industries are looking to stay on top of funding opportunities, the 2009 program in Hamburg, Germany will focus on case studies, financial opportunities and policy updates. “Today – more than ever – the issue of funding is vital to the fuel cell industry and to the survival of small independent developers in particular,” says Phil Doran of CoreTec Ventures and co-producer of the event.

The conference is being produced in association with Fuel Cell Europe and the sessions are being chaired by Phil Doran of CoreTec Ventures, Jean Marc Tixhon of Fuel Cell Europe, and Bob Rose of the U.S. Fuel Cell Council. The agenda will include presentations from Fuel Cell Europe, The Carbon Trust, Masterflex Brennstoffzellentechnik, HyCologne and the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Network of North Rhine Westphalia as well as many others.

“Pira International wants to encourage the development of the industry and we recognize that in these difficult economic times, business contacts are more important than ever.” says Valerie King of Pira International. “We hope that by offering our own ‘economic stimulus plan’ we can help members of the industry to participate in this event.”

To learn more or to register for the event at the discounted rate, please visit the website at www.fuel-cell-summit.com and click the buy one, get one free option for the conference fee or contact Valerie King at +1 207 781 9616 or at valerie.king@pira-international.com.

About Pira International
Pira International is a leading information services provider that specializes in giving industry executives strategic information and analyses pertaining to advanced materials and technologies driving the development of innovative products. We serve niche segments of the lighting and displays, high-performance pigments, fillers and fibers, energy and advanced materials, and electronic materials and devices industries by producing international conferences and publishing focused, relevant reports on which actionable business decisions can be based.

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Pira International
Caroline Potapa
44 1372 802101

On-Site production plant based on SCT-CPO (Short Contact Time Catalytic Partial Oxidation), a propriety process of Eni S.p.A realised and tested in August 2008 goes in operation. Designed for a through put 20 Nm³/hr the plant can be operated in continuous as well as intermittent mode. Based on the needs of the FCV fleet in operation at Mantova, it is planned to operate the on-site plant in short campaigns of 4-5 days each with intermission in between. Alternative means for consuming hydrogen such as a stationary fuel-cell unit are planned at the service station for the future (beyond Zero Regio) where the plant will be operated in continuous mode.

SOUTHBOROUGH, MA; Protonex Technology Corporation (LSE: AIM: PTX and PTXU), a leading provider of advanced fuel cell power systems for portable, remote and mobile applications, today announced that David A. Ierardi has joined the Company’s executive team as Vice President of Operations.

Mr. Ierardi has over 25 years of global operations and manufacturing experience with specific capabilities in new product introduction, logistics, supply chain management, quality, cost reduction, and contract manufacturing selection and management.  Mr. Ierardi replaces Protonex’ prior VP of Manufacturing, Ronald Rezac.

‘Dave will be instrumental in establishing and scaling the Company’s manufacturing efforts,’ said Scott Pearson, President and CEO of Protonex. ‘We look forward to his expertise and leadership as we introduce new products, engage new markets and grow the business.’

Prior to joining Protonex, Mr. Ierardi has held senior level positions at RSA-the security division of EMC, Telco Systems, Integral Access and Lucent Technologies and has set-up manufacturing operations in multiple locations in the United States, Europe and Asia. Mr. Ierardi holds a Masters degree in Computer Integrated Manufacturing from Brigham Young University and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lowell.

The Dutch fuel cell manufacturing  firm NedStack has signed a contract with Australia’s Nalok Enterprises P/L to deliver a 30kW hybrid drive – consisting of a hydrogen fuel cell system and batteries – by 2010. In addition to delivering the materials, NedStack has also committed to a knowledge transfer whereby Nalok engineers will attend a fuel cell systems training in the Netherlands in September 2009.

According to the firm’s press release, this is NedStacks second commercial maritime application. Earlier this year, the fim delivered two fuel cell systems for Amsterdam’s first hydrogen-operated canal boat.

Kick-starting the hydrogen economy will require cheap ways to produce vast quantities of the gas. But rather than building a new and costly plants, societies could modify existing gas powered stations instead, say Dutch and French chemists.

It is the latest proposal in a long line aimed at solving a problem that is the main barrier to a cleaner, low-carbon, hydrogen-fuelled future. However, the new idea is not without its problems: critics say retrofitting gas plants would be inefficient, but agree that the hydrogen-generation hurdle will only be surmounted using existing fossil fuel technology.

Although cheaper fuel cells and other technology needed to convert hydrogen to power are fairly advanced, there is currently no way to cheaply generate the large quantities of hydrogen needed.

Gadi Rothenberg’s team at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, working with colleagues at the University of Lyon 1 in Villeurbanne, France, say that because energy markets are conservative, only pragmatic solutions that use the existing fossil-fuel infrastructure are likely to succeed.

So the team has developed a catalyst it says could be placed in the combustion chamber of a methane-burning power plant which would allow it to produce hydrogen with little modification.

Read the Entire Article Click HERE

ZOLDER –Solvay Umicore Zero Emission Racing Team, which is competing in the Formula Zero Championship, has set an unofficial new record with their hydrogen powered vehicle. At the Belgian Circuit Zolder, the students from Leuven drove an 1/8 mile in 10,4 seconds. Which was much faster than the official record of 11,6 seconds. Unfortunately due absence of a FIA representative, the record attempt could not be registered as an official new world record.”

Toyota’s Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle – Advanced (FCHV-adv) has arrived in the United States, and several vehicles have recently been delivered to Toyota partners for real-world testing. UC Irvine and UC Berkeley were recent recipients, as was the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP).

What makes this version of Toyota’s FCHV different from the first generation?

Thanks to results of tests conducted by Toyota’s network of global partners, including the CaFCP, on the first-generation FCHV, FCHV-adv’s fuel-cell system was improved to increase cruising distance and allow for low-temperature starts.

A challenge for fuel-cell vehicles has been operating at low temperatures. The FCHV-adv can start and operate at temperatures as low as minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning the vehicle can be used in a wide variety of conditions and climates. Fuel-efficiency for the FCHV-adv has been improved by 25% over the first-generation Toyota FCHV through improving fuel-cell-unit performance, enhancing the regenerative brake system and reducing energy consumed by the auxiliary system. The FCHV-adv is equipped with Toyota Motor Corporation-developed 70-MPa high-pressure hydrogen tanks that make it possible to travel more than 500 miles on a single fueling, which is more than double that of its predecessor.

Researchers at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics in China and the National University of Singapore have improved the performance of ammonia borane (AB) as a material for hydrogen storage—potentially for on-board storage in a vehicle—by developing a new method for doping AB with nanosized Co- and Ni-based catalysts.
Experimental results showed that the catalyst-doped AB samples can release approximately 5.8 wt% H2 at a temperature as low as 59 °C. Moreover, the dehydrogenation does not bring any detectable borazine or foaming.

A paper on their work was published online 27 April in the ACS journal Chemistry of Materials.

Ammonia borane (NH3BH3) has been of interest as a hydrogen storage material for a number of years because of its high hydrogen content (19.6 wt%). In 2007, an independent technical review panel convened at the behest of the US Department of Energy to consider the technical status and progress of R&D on the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) for on-board vehicular hydrogen storage unanimously recommended a “no-go” to further funding for the development of that material, while also suggesting further work on ammonia borane. (Earlier post.)

However, dehydrogenation—releasing the hydrogen—from AB usually required temperatures of more than 100 °C, making it too hot for polymer-based fuel cells. Other issues with its use were the release of other gases which could poison the hydrogen and instability (rapid expansion or turning into foam).

Ping Chen and colleagues doped a two mole percent Co- or Ni-based catalyst to AB using a co-precipitation method they developed. With the only added weight to AB being the 2.0 mol % catalytic additives, the hydrogen capacity of the system is not sacrificed significantly.

Resources

Teng He, Zhitao Xiong, Guotao Wu, Hailiang Chu, Chengzhang Wu, Tao Zhang and Ping Chen (2009) Nanosized Co- and Ni-Catalyzed Ammonia Borane for Hydrogen Storage. Chem. Mater. DOI: 10.1021/cm900672h

StatoilHydro and the HyNor partnership are pleased to announce the official opening of the Norwegian hydrogen highway, HyNor, on 11 May 2009 at StatoilHydro’s new hydrogen station at Økern in Oslo.

HyNor was opened by Norway’s transport minister, Liv Signe Navarsete.

HRH Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of Norway joined the first stage of the EVS Viking Rally, from Oslo to Lier, together with internationally renowned racing car driver Henning Solberg.

Oslo city chief commissioner Erling Lae, opened StatoilHydro’s new hydrogen service station at Økern, and Ms Navarsete opened the hydrogen station at StatoilHydro’s service station in Lier.

Since 2003, StatoilHydro has been the driving force behind HyNor’s goal to establish a hydrogen transportation infrastructure along the nearly 600-kilometre route between Oslo and Stavanger.

The first hydrogen station was opened at Forus in Stavanger in 2006, the second in Porsgrunn in 2007, and now the two new stations are open in Oslo and Lier. HyNor has some 50 partners and manages a fleet of more than 50 hydrogen vehicles made by Mazda, Toyota and Think.

“We are very pleased to open up this hydrogen infrastructure for testing and demonstrating hydrogen cars. By doing this, we nurture our ambition to help implement hydrogen as a fuel in the transport sector,” says StatoilHydro’s head of new energy, Alexandra Bech Gjørv.

The EVS Viking Rally vehicles are the first to drive the Norwegian hydrogen highway. The rally commences with Prince Haakon racing together with the famous Norwegian racing car star Henning Solberg.

Fourteen hydrogen vehicles, two plug-in hybrid cars and 14 battery electric vehicles are starting in Oslo and will reach the beginning of the EVS (Electrical Vehicle Symposium) 24 in Stavanger on 13 May.

Events will take place along the way in Porsgrunn, Grimstad, Arendal, Kristiansand, Lyngdal and Egersund. Another 10 battery electric vehicles will join the rally in Egersund.

Hydrogen may grow significantly as an alternative transportation fuel and stored stationary energy source. One of hydrogen’s big advantages is that it can be produced from many power sources, and can be efficiently produced and used without emitting any pollutants. In addition, hydrogen cars possess many of the same qualities found in today’s conventional automobiles.

“As a future clean transport alternative, hydrogen and fuel-cell technology have big potential. Hydrogen is potentially a game changing transportation fuel,” says Ms Bech Gjørv.

GARDNERVILLE, NV,– SymPowerco Corporation (PINKSHEETS: SYMW) CEO John Davenport announced today that the company has signed a Letter of Intent (”LOI”) with Texas businessman Steven Humphries and Hoss Motor Sports, Inc. (”HMSI”) for the acquisition of a majority interest in HMSI, the manufacturer of Ultimate Terrain Vehicles (UTV). Humphries has entered into an agreement to purchase 70% of HMSI and has signed a Letter Of Intent to assign his purchase of HMSI to SymPowerco Corp.

HMSI developed the very first UTV that can be used 2000 feet underground by the mining industry and has been involved in the design and manufacturing of various types of rescue, construction and sport utility vehicles. HMSI plans to market the vehicles to state agencies and emergency responders for disaster relief and other emergency purposes.

Mr. Humphries noted that HMSI is in the process of purchasing a manufacturing facility in Dumas, Arkansas. HMSI plans to relocate its operations within the next 30 to 60 days to the facility, which consists of over 380,000 square feet on 30 acres. HMSI is projecting revenue of $8,400,000 over the next 12-18 months and expects to be profitable within the first 90 days of moving to its new operations in Dumas, Arkansas.

Mel Robinson, CEO of HMSI, stated, “We are pleased to be able to join forces with Mr. Humphries and with SymPowerco Corp to take the Hoss products to the next level. The primary focus of the company has been directed toward the Search and Rescue type units including bomb squad, ambulance, fire and underground mining vehicles. HMSI vehicle designs include a variety of power train configurations including four wheel drives, on-demand gas and diesel/hydraulic drives, all-wheel drive and several models of motorcycles and motor scooters.”

Stated SymPowerco President, John Davenport, “We at SymPowerco are very excited to have signed this Letter of Intent with Mr. Humphries and Hoss Motor Sports, Inc. SymPowerco’s Flowing Electrolyte Direct Methanol Fuel Cell and Hybrid Power System technologies are intended for the types of vehicles marketed by HMSI. The SymPowerco technologies would provide HMSI with the option of Hybrid Power Systems for its vehicles and would provide vertically integrated marketing capabilities for SymPowerco.”

SymPowerco Corporation develops advanced fuel cell and power delivery systems for the rapidly growing personal transportation and portable power system markets being created by today’s energy and environmental challenges.

Yasushi Kawamori has a power plant in his backyard. Not the kind that belches clouds of CO2 into the atmosphere, but the kind that’s small (about the size of a refrigerator and a suitcase placed side by side), quiet (a faint thumping is just audible) and emits a fraction of the carbon dioxide a coal-fired plant would. The system uses a hydrogen fuel cell to convert natural gas into electricity; heat from the reaction generates hot water for himself, his wife and their two children. It’s called a fuel cell cogeneration system, and Kawamori is more than happy to have it in his backyard. “We’re making electricity at our own home, and the heat from that electricity gets used, so it’s really efficient,” he says. “I like that it’s cost-effective and good for the environment.”

To Read Full Article, Please follow this link- http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/62/japanese-fuel-cell/all

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced that actress and environmental youth leader, Q’Orianka Kilcher, took delivery of the FCX Clarity hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle on May 7 at Honda of Santa Monica. Kilcher completed a two-year lease term as one of the original FCX customers.

“Since my first car was the Honda FCX, I am proud to say that I have never pumped a gallon of gasoline,”said Kilcher.”As a young person, I feel it is my responsibility to always try my best to think about the consequences of my actions and choices as a consumer, and the impact they have on our planet.”

Kilcher, winner of numerous environmental youth awards, is the world’s youngest FCX Clarity owner at 19 years old. The zero-emissions vehicle can be refueled at a Shell hydrogen station in West Los Angeles, which is the first retail hydrogen station to produce hydrogen from water via a roof-mounted electrolysis unit.

The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle. Propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in the fuel cell, the vehicle’s only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is more than two times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile.

Sacramento, Calif. — Secretary Chu’s decision to remove hydrogen R&D and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle demonstration programs from the Department of Energy’s 2010 budget request is a great disappointment and must be reconsidered.

“Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have progressed to the point where some automakers are ready to begin early commercialization,” said CaFCP’s executive director, Catherine Dunwoody. “Stopping federal investment at this point is like a coach pulling back an Olympic athlete who has trained for years, just as the trials begin. We can’t wait for the next round. We’re ready to go.”

Working together, scientists and engineers from industry, government and academia have consistently met or exceeded the DOE Hydrogen Program’s ambitious goals for energy efficiency, vehicle range, system durability, and reduced cost both in the lab and on the road. It’s surprising that a program that consistently meets its goals and shows tremendous progress would have its funding deferred.

Dunwoody continued, “We are on our way toward commercially viable zero-emission vehicles that will meet Americans’ needs for full function, long range vehicles using domestically produced fuel that cuts greenhouse gases by 50% or more.”

“I invite Secretary Chu and President Obama to drive one of the 300-plus hydrogen fuel cell vehicles automakers and transit agencies have already placed on the road. We can deliver passenger FCVs to their doorsteps in Washington DC, and they can fuel at the Shell hydrogen station nearby. Like the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have driven in these vehicles, their experience will convince them to participate in the final stretch of bringing these clean, fuel-efficient vehicles to market.”

In March of this year, the California Fuel Cell Partnership released a plan for the first phase of an early commercial market for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The “action plan” includes real numbers of fuel cell vehicles that the automakers are planning to place in California – 4,300 by 2014 and nearly 50,000 by 2017. It calls for a network of retail hydrogen stations to provide fuel for the first fuel cell vehicle customers. The State of California marked their continued support for hydrogen by committing $40 million toward these retail stations.

CaFCP Contact:
Roy Kim
(714) 423-0099
rkim@cafcp.org