FuelCellsWorks

(The Hartford Courant – McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX)

Tom Sullivan, the founder of Lumber Liquidators, a hardwood floor retailer, plans to build an East Coast highway stretching from Maine to Florida.

But it won’t be made from asphalt or oak, but from hydrogen.

SunHydro, the first public hydrogen fueling station in Connecticut, and the first station on Sullivan’s planned East Coast Hydrogen Highway, will open Friday at 10 a.m. in Wallingford. The privately funded “highway” of SunHydro stations would allow someone to drive a fuel cell car from Miami to Madawaska, Maine.

The SunHydro station will be able to refuel about 10 fuel cell vehicles with hydrogen each day, said Sullivan, the founder of SunHydro and owner of Proton Energy Systems, also in Wallingford. Proton will produce the pressurized hydrogen to fill the vehicles’ fuel

tanks. The company uses water and electricity to produce hydrogen, said Robert Friedland, its president and chief executive.

“We use an electric current to split the water molecule into hydrogen and oxygen,” Friedland said.

The alternative fuel, already used for power plant generation and manufacturing, is being used to power everything from golf carts to passenger cars and tractor-trailers.

And to boost the number of hydrogen-powered cars on the road, SunHydro reached an agreement with Toyota this summer to place 10 fuel cell vehicles

in Connecticut and New York as part of a nationwide program to introduce 100 of the vehicles to consumers over the next three years.

The automaker hopes to mass-produce a hydrogen-powered vehicle within the next five years.

“The placement of the fuel cell vehicles in the Connecticut market will increase awareness of fuel technology and spur development of much-needed infrastructure prior to our planned market introduction in 2015,” said Craig Scott, Toyota’s advanced technology vehicle manager.

The Toyota Advanced Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle, or FCHV, is actually an electric car powered by a fuel cell rather than a battery, like the Toyota Prius or Nissan Leaf.

“It can accelerate in about 10 seconds from zero to 60 mph,” Friedland said. The cost of a fill-up would average about $60.

Three or four of the Toyotas, which have a range of about 350 miles, will stay at the SunHydro station, next to Proton, Friedland said.

The remainder of the Toyota Advanced Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles will be placed with people at local universities and private companies and government agencies.

“We’ve developed the capacity of the station to recharge all of the vehicles and a hydrogen-powered commuter van used by the town of Hamden,” Friedland said.

Next year, Sullivan plans to open SunHydro stations in Boston and New York with the eventual goal of creating an East Coast network.

“Right now, I can drive to Boston and back on a tank of hydrogen from Wallingford,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan became interested in hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles after reading a New York Times article several years ago. The article mentioned that Proton was about to be auctioned off in two days.

“I looked at it on Monday and had a bid in Tuesday,” Sullivan said. “GM, Honda, Toyota and other car companies have spent millions developing hydrogen cars, but there was no fueling infrastructure. I said, ‘What the hell, I’ll build a couple of stations and see what happens.’ “

At the Austria Tec Week within the scope of Expo Shanghai 2010, AVL presents an electric vehicle with a fuel cell range extender. The substantial advantage of the AVL Fuel Cell Commuter (AVL FCC) is its continuous availability due to the significantly reduced charging time: refueling with hydrogen only takes a few minutes, while compared to that, charging a battery takes a few hours. These time savings become possible with a small fuel cell in the range extender. This future-oriented technology in the AVL FCC is the result of a research project conducted in conjunction with Tongji University, which is supported with financial means from the climate fund.

AVL Fuel Cell Commuter (AVL FCC)In the long term, the international automotive industry is aiming at environmentcompatible, sustainable mobility, which is to be achieved with CO2-neutral energy sources. Besides hydrogen, this also includes bio-fuels as well as “green” power as part of a future energy vector. As a reliable partner of the automotive industry, AVL supports this intention with the development of highly efficient drives using these energy sources.

Battery laboratory opened

In China, the demand for electrification of vehicles is high. At the AVL Shanghai Tech Center, a state-of-the-art battery laboratory with testing equipment, simulators and associated automation systems was opened recently. Therewith,

in the area of battery development, the company takes another step towards electrification of the powertrain. With this laboratory, AVL will be able to increasingly offer the customers services directly on site.

AVL has been engaged in successful business activities in China for more than three decades. The first project with a Chinese customer started in 1974 and in 1987 the first AVL office opened in Beijing. At present, AVL in China has around 250 employees.

AVL is the world’s largest independent company for development, simulation and testing technology of powertrains (hybrid, combustion engines, transmission, electric drive, batteries and software) for passenger cars, trucks and large

engines. The high-tech company AVL employs 4.300 people worldwide. Turnover in 2009 was 590 million Euro.

Perth, Australia–Linc Energy Ltd (ASX:LNC) (OTCQX:LNCGY) is pleased to announce it has exercised its option to acquire 10 per cent of AFC Energy (LON:AFC) (PINK:AFGYF), a UK-based and London Stock Exchange AIM market listed hydrogen fuel cell company focused on the development and construction of low cost hydrogen fuel cells for the cleanest power generation.

Linc Energy has invested GBP2.97 million to acquire 10 per cent of AFC Energy at a discount of 7.5 per cent to the 30 day VWAP, equalling an exercise price of 17.72 pence per share, which represents a discount of approximately 45 per cent to AFC’s closing share price of 32.25 pence on 13 October 2010.

By exercising its option to acquire an interest in AFC Energy, Linc Energy has secured the perpetual global rights to the combined application of AFC’s fuel cell technology and its Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) process. This deal also provides Linc Energy with exclusive rights to the application of AFC’s fuel cell technology in combination with any other industrial process within Australia.

Ian Balchin, Chief Executive Officer of AFC said, “We are delighted that Linc Energy has exercised its option and we look forward to working closely with them to integrate our technologies to enable the cleanest, low cost power generation from UCG.”

Linc Energy views the purchase of the AFC stock as a way to support the commercialisation of AFC’s fuel cell technology in a meaningful way, whilst also gaining the advantage of direct ownership and participation in management.

Linc Energy Chief Executive Officer Peter Bond said, “The key reason for taking a strategic position in AFC Energy is to secure a long-term exclusive agreement for the development of smart, low cost hydrogen fuel cells for power generation from UCG. Linc Energy’s UCG process can produce enormous volumes of inexpensive hydrogen. Our investment in AFC reiterates the clear synergy between the technologies and our commitment to the commercialisation of UCG to hydrogen fuel cell power generation.”

About Linc Energy Limited:

Linc Energy Limited (ASX:LNC) (OTCQX:LNCGY) is an innovative, forward-thinking company developing a significant energy business based on the production of cleaner energy solutions.

Linc Energy has successfully combined two known technologies, Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) and Gas to Liquids (GTL) and has demonstrated its vision of being a leading supplier of a new source of cleaner liquid transport fuels for the future.

UCG technology provides access to coal, deep underground and by in-situ gasification produces a high quality synthesis gas (syngas) containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Aboveground, in the GTL process, syngas is processed via Fischer-Tropsch technology to produce high quality, sulphur free synthetic hydrocarbons.

Linc Energy plans to combine its UCG and GTL technologies commercially at sites in Australia and around the globe as it realises its vision of becoming the world’s leader in providing cleaner synthetic diesel and jet fuels from stranded coal resources.

UCG produced syngas can also be used as a feedstock to generate gas turbine combined cycle power, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

With significant coal deposits suitable for UCG technology, Linc Energy can provide alternative sources of liquid fuels and power generation well into the foreseeable future.

Linc Energy represents a new future for liquid fuels production and high efficiency energy generation.

SAN ANTONIO-The premiere gathering of the fuel cell industry, the annual Fuel Cell Seminar and Exposition, will be held on October 19-21 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. The seminar provides a forum for energy professionals on the front lines of this technology to share ideas and reach out to other alternative energy leaders while educating citizens about fuel cells and their environmental benefits.

“This seminar is important because it gives the public a chance to see fuel cells in action as working technology,” said Dr. Shannon Baxter-Clemmons, Executive Director of the South Carolina Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance and one of the seminar’s lead organizers. “This year, we’re also creating a working group with leading representatives of the natural gas industry to combine the cleanest burning fossil fuel with the cleanest known power generator.”

The 2010 Fuel Cell Seminar and Exposition offers one of the most extensive programs dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of fuel cells and fuel cell related products. In addition to exploring a new alliance with the natural gas industry, this year’s gathering features several workshops, including Renewable Resources for Fuel Cells, Fuel Cell Fundamentals and Technology and Fuel Cells 101 for business leaders. Other highlights include a U.S. Department of Energy-sponsored roundtable of early market success stories from companies such as Sysco Food Services and Pepperidge Farm as well as the Dr. Bernard S. Baker Student Award for those who have demonstrated significant leadership in promoting the overall advancement of fuel cell technology. The purpose of the Dr. Bernard S. Baker Student Award for Fuel Cell Research is to encourage and recognize exceptional students in the field of fuel cell related technologies.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet fuel cell and green energy experts, ranging from researchers in Denmark and Korea to representatives of the U.S. Department of Defense. These industry experts will share experiences based on real world scenarios and answer questions about fuel cell implementation and operating costs. Another draw is a gathering of more than 50 industry-leading exhibitors, available online at www.fuelcellsseminar.com/exposition/exhibitor-list.aspx.

Fuel cells are a clean and renewable power generation technology that amplifies existing power sources cleanly and efficiently. Unlike batteries, fuel cells are not discarded and will not take up space in a landfill.

The South Carolina Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance is coordinating the 2010 Fuel Cell Seminar and Exposition. For more information about the Fuel Cell Seminar in San Antonio, visit www.fuelcellseminar.com or contact (803) 737-8031. Media inquiries: Riley Communications, (803) 227-0914.

BOSTON–SiEnergy Systems LLC, a Harvard spin-off company commercializing novel solid oxide fuel cells using nanometer scale oxide thin films, will be exhibiting at the 2010 Fuel Cell Seminar and Exposition to be held in San Antonio, TX from October 18^th to 21^st. The company will display prototype thin film micro fuel cells at booth B207. General Manager, Vincent Chun, and Principal Scientist, Masaru Tsuchiya, will be available to discuss SiEnergy’s recent breakthroughs.

SiEnergy Systems recently made breakthroughs in scaling power output of nanometer thin film micro-solid oxide fuel cells. The technology uses silicon-based micro fabrication to create SOFCs with nanometer scale electrolytes that operate at low temperature, and are scalable to meet various power requirements. The “Silicon Energy” reduces the size and cost of SOFCs, and brings their use in mobile energy applications within reach. SiEnergy is seeking investors and industrial collaborators to develop fuel cell stacks to target high end commercial and military mobile power applications.

Those interested in setting up business or media meetings at the Fuel Cell Seminar and Exposition, please visit booth B207 or contact Masaru Tsuchiya at masaru.tsuchiya@sienergysystems.com.

About SiEnergy Systems, LLC

SiEnergy Systems is a privately held startup company formed by Allied Minds, Inc. to commercialize proprietary micro solid oxide fuel cell technology developed in Prof. Shriram Ramanathan’s lab at Harvard University.

ITM Power (AIM: ITM), the energy storage and clean fuel company, is pleased to announce that the HICE (Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine) vans developed in collaboration with Revolve Technologies have recently achieved Euro VI spark ignition emissions levels.

Tested at Millbrook Proving Ground, the vehicle produced just 0.07g/km NOx over the NEDC drive cycle; better than the proposed 2014 Euro VI emissions standards. The vehicle does not utilise any emissions control device, and achieves this low level by close calibration of fueling and spark timing. No factor allowing for the deterioration of these devices has been applied to the result.

The two HICE Ford transit vehicles will now undergo some minor drivability changes in order to improve the power, and therefore load handling capability of the vans for light commercial use. The vehicles will then support ITM Power’s HFuel® product on a number of field trials in early 2011 as part of ITM Power’s recently announced HOST programme.  

ITM Power CEO, Graham Cooley commented: “The HOST trials will not only demonstrate ITM Power’s hydrogen production technologies, they will also demonstrate the safe handling and conditioning of hydrogen, and how it may be applied to daily transport. Having a vehicle platform capable of meeting the very high expectations of today’s fleet operators is essential in order to demonstrate that hydrogen is viable here and now”  

Revolve Technologies MD, John Mitchell commented: “It has been very exciting working with ITM on the HOST project as it has allowed further developments of the HICE Transit vans, helping us to develop the NOx control strategies to achieve the low NOx results we have known the technology is capable of, whilst improving performance and fuel economy. With this programme we have only completed a limited emissions study and with further work it should be possible to reduce the NOx levels even further to a stage where they would be difficult to measure with today’s emissions equipment giving us a vehicle with zero emissions.”  HOST will begin in 2011, and comprises the operation and refueling of two Revolve Technologies hydrogen Ford Transit vehicles, with hydrogen produced on site at the point of use, at sites operated by participating companies and in the Gateway to London development area. Local authorities Sheffield City Council and the London Borough of Camden and companies including DHL Supply Chain, London Stansted Airport, The Forestry Commission, Scottish Water, SSE (Scottish & Southern Energy) and Vestas Wind Systems AS are participating in the programme. 

 

 

HOST provides each partner with a one week free trial of HFuel and the Revolve HICE transit vehicles, and an option to lease both HFuel and vehicles for additional week(s). The demonstrations are 100% managed and operated by ITM personnel in liaison with site owners’ operations and management.

As part of the HOST programme ITM Power is actively seeking both technical partners interested in storing renewable energy, and commercial partners seeking to trial zero carbon fleets.

CAESAREA, Israel – Emefcy Limited, a global leader in Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) implementation for wastewater treatment, today announced it has been named in the prestigious 2010 Global Cleantech 100, produced by the Cleantech Group. The list is produced as part of the Global Cleantech 100 program, run in collaboration with the Guardian News.

Emefcy’s MEGAWATTER(TM), a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) system, generates electricity or hydrogen by harnessing the energy inherent in the organic compounds in wastewater and uses it as fuel.

The Global Cleantech 100 is unique as it highlights the most promising private clean technology companies, those companies which are the most likely to make the most significant market impact over the next 5-10 years, in the eyes of the world’s cleantech experts.

The answer is derived by the Cleantech Group, who draws on its own data and research, and combines it with the weighted qualitative judgments of both hundreds of cleantech industry insiders, and the viewpoints of a 60-strong, international expert panel.

“The second Global Cleantech 100 shines a spotlight on which companies and which technology areas the global innovation community is currently most excited about, from a commercial standpoint,” said Richard Youngman, MD, Europe & VP, Global Research at Cleantech Group

Emefcy stands out as a promising startup company recognized by Global Water Intelligence as one of 10 technologies that will save the world. CNET acknowledged Emefcy as one of the 5 companies that will contribute to the reduction of the world dependence on fossil fuel. Sustainable World Capital described Emefcy as a Cleantech startup that one should keep its eyes on and Artemis -BlueTech Summit qualified Emefcy as a top 50 water technology company.

“We are honoured to be one of the Global Cleantech 100. The growing interest in Emefcy’s breakthrough technology enhances our confidence in Emefcy’s ability to revolutionize the energy economy of wastewater treatment by utilizing the organic contamination in wastewater as a new source of renewable energy,” said Eytan Levy, CEO at Emefcy

About Emefcy

Emefcy was founded in 2008 with a vision of fundamentally changing the economics of wastewater treatment. The systems developed by Emefcy produce electricity or hydrogen directly from the treatment of different types of wastewater. They also provide a unique treatment solution for heavily loaded organic wastewater with high salinity, which existing treatment technologies fail to treat efficiently.

The full list of Global Cleantech 100 firms is available online, on the websites of the Cleantech Group (http://cleantech.com/GlobalCleantech100.cfm) and the Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/globalcleantech100).

MAUMEE, Ohio — Dana Holding Corporation (NYSE: DAN) announced today that it has earned the Gold Award at the 10th annual f-cell Congress in Stuttgart, Germany, honoring the company’s technological advancements in polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) products.

Developed for the global fuel-cell market, Dana’s metallic bipolar plate technology illustrates the ‘f-cell’ award criteria as a new fuel cell offering with potential for practical application.  Dana’s design and development process allows for a high level of product customization, based on individual customer needs.

“Dana is committed to providing best-in-class engineering and manufacturing expertise to the evolving fuel-cell industry,” said Dwayne Matthews, vice president and general manager of Dana’s Power Technologies Group.  ”To be recognized by f-cell judges — a panel composed of our industry peers — is an honor and a testament to the innovations underway at Dana.”

Dana’s mobile PEFC stack technology, under development for more than 10 years, offers improved performance, including high power density in a compact, lightweight unit that can be used in a variety of applications, including vehicular, portable, and small stationary units.  PEFC components feature integrated seals and advanced coatings that increase reliability and product life expectancy.  Technology benefits also include lowered leak rates, high durability, and low costs.

This is the fifth major award Dana has received for its continued development in metallic bipolar fuel cell plates.  The company has also been recognized by General Motors, PSA Peugeot Citroen, and the Bavarian government.

About f-cell Congress

The f-cell Congress is an international event that brings together more than 700 fuel cell industry professionals from more than 20 countries and four continents.  The 2010 f-cell Congress offers a unique opportunity for industry professionals to discuss current developments and new markets in the portable, mobile, and stationary applications of fuel cell energy.  For information, please visit www.f-cell.de.

About Dana Holding Corporation

Dana is a world leader in the supply of driveline products (axles and driveshafts), power technologies (sealing and thermal-management products), and genuine service parts for light and heavy manufacturers.  The company’s customer base includes virtually every major vehicle manufacturer in the global automotive, commercial vehicle, and off-highway markets.  Based in Maumee, Ohio, the company employs approximately 22,000 people in 26 countries and reported 2009 sales of $5.2 billion.  For more information, please visit www.dana.com.

Units to Run Material Handling Equipment at Newly Constructed Manufacturing Facility

 LATHAM, N.Y. — Plug Power Inc. (Nasdaq:PLUG), a leader in providing clean, reliable energy solutions, today announced it is deploying a fleet of 86 GenDrive™ fuel cell units with customer, BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC. The power units will be used at BMW’s newly constructed Greer, South Carolina automotive manufacturing plant in class-1 sit-down counterbalance, class-2 reach and class-3 rider pallet trucks. The lift trucks are manufactured by The Raymond Corporation and Crown Equipment Corporation.

Plug Power’s GenDrive units competed against lead-acid batteries and fast charge batteries to be deemed the best power source for BMW’s material handling fleet. GenDrive is able to offer BMW increased productivity of its lift truck fleet as well as a more efficient use of its facility space. Operational costs are reduced as a result of decreased operator and vehicle downtime. GenDrive fuel cells can be fueled by truck drivers in 60 to 180 seconds. On average, it takes specialized maintenance personnel 20 minutes to change out a depleted lead-acid battery.

BMW will also see reduced greenhouse gas emissions by using GenDrive power units in its operations. Because GenDrive is powered by hydrogen, the only byproducts are heat and water. The removal of toxic lead-acid batteries from this new facility also creates a safer environment for employees as well as the community and helps fulfill BMW’s commitment to a hydrogen based economy.

BMW Manufacturing’s new 1.2 million sq. ft. assembly plant is being built north of its already-operational production facility. “With proven benefits to BMW’s business and an existing hydrogen infrastructure in place, there is a high potential to convert the entire campus to GenDrive-powered material handling vehicles over the next three years,” said Andy Marsh, Plug Power’s CEO.

“BMW is pleased to work with partners that share our commitment to clean production. The implementation of a hydrogen fuel cell based application for our material handling equipment helps solidify BMW’s position as the leading, sustainable automotive manufacturer,” stated Robert Hitt, Department Manager of Public Affairs for BMW Manufacturing. 

Linde North America, a member of The Linde Group, one of the world’s largest hydrogen energy producers, is supplying the indoor hydrogen fueling system to power the trucks.

Mike Beckman, vice president of Linde’s alternative energy team, said, “Linde’s partnership with Plug Power allows us to use our expertise in alternative energy technology and supply systems to deliver safe, clean and efficient hydrogen fueling to BMW and other manufacturing and warehouse customers.”

About Plug Power Inc.

The architects of modern fuel cell technology, Plug Power revolutionized the industry with cost-effective power solutions that increase productivity, lower operating costs and reduce carbon footprints.  Long-standing relationships with industry leaders forged the path for our key accounts, including Wegmans, Whole Foods, and FedEx Freight.  With more than 1,000 units in the field and over 1.5 million hours of runtime, Plug Power manufactures tomorrow’s incumbent power solutions today. Visit us at www.plugpower.com.

ReliOn develops solution with hydrogen providers and tier one telecommunications customers

Spokane, Wash.: ReliOn, the leading provider of high reliability fuel cell solutions for backup power applications, today announced the development of a bulk hydrogen refueling solution for fuel cell installations. This capability provides customers with the ability to have longer runtimes and greater storage of hydrogen fuel at their sites. Refueling is accomplished by on site refilling of the hydrogen storage container. Bulk refueling opens larger markets to fuel cell installations by extending the time between refills and making refueling safe, fast and convenient for customers.

There are multiple advantages of hydrogen as a fuel. Hydrogen does not have a shelf life. It can reside in storage containers indefinitely, which means that unlike fuels like diesel, hydrogen can be used to either frequently or infrequently provide energy regardless of when a power outage occurs. With hydrogen, there is also no issue of ground contamination in the event of spillage. Fuels like propane and diesel, which are heavier than air, can cause costly pollution or safety issues if a leak occurs. Hydrogen is lighter than air and dissipates easily. Because hydrogen and fuel cells do not cause pollution, they can be used in locations where environmental concerns are at the forefront. Fuel cells are a source of clean energy, delivering power to customer sites without the risk of ground contamination, CO2 emissions and fuel spillage. With a hydrogen fuel cell, the only emissions at the point of use are water and warm air.

Bulk hydrogen refueling is currently being used by ReliOn customers as part of a Department of Energy (DoE) Market Transformation Program. This program has resulted in a significant number of new fuel cell deployments where backup power of 72 hours or more is required. Critical to the success of this program has been hydrogen supplier commitment to deliver the bulk hydrogen to locations in several regions around the United States. Together, ReliOn and multiple tier one telecommunications customers have successfully deployed these bulk storage units. The storage and refueling solution may be used with any stationary fuel cell product.

Gary Flood, ReliOn President and CEO commented, “Because fuel cells provide highly reliable, clean energy, they are being deployed as an alternative to diesel generators at a growing number of locations where backup power is a critical requirement. Additionally, the availability of the bulk refueling solution offers customers a safe, reliable solution for longer runtimes.”

About ReliOn:

ReliOn is a leader in the development and marketing of modular Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell products. The company markets commercially available fuel cell products using its patented Modular

Cartridge Technology®. ReliOn products are available domestically and internationally for commercial and

industrial backup applications in the 50-Watt to 12-kilowatt range. ReliOn fuel cells are certified to multiple safety and performance standards. www.relion-inc.com <http://www.relion-inc.com/> .

A smart diesel reformer and a tolerant fuel cell are the core components of a new type of electric power supply unit. Environmentally friendly and flexible, the unit could be a serious contender in the market for generators in electric vehicles and other applications.

Destination Yachts said it is the first builder in the US to use a hydrogen fuel system to power its boats. The Indiana builder is currently building a houseboat with propulsion components by Hydro-Phi Solutions.

The system, which is attached to a combustion engine, will produce 40 per cent of the energy to run the boat. It works by converting hydrogen and oxygen from water into power.

“You’re using water from the lake the boat is in,” Sheldon Graber of Destination Yachts told local media. “It takes the hydrogen out of that water and puts the water that is left over back into the lake.”

According to Hydro-Phi Solutions’ website, the system can be fitted to any combustion engine. The company says it will reduce carbon emissions by as much as 50 per cent, while increasing fuel economy by as much as 60 per cent.

Graber told WTHI that Destination intends to continue to develop other new technologies. “In today’s economy if you aren’t leading and setting the standard someone else is there knocking at your door and we’re trying to sure we stay ahead of them,” he said. “It’s about paying attention to what’s in the market, finding those systems and putting them into your boats.”

The US$400,000 houseboat will be shipped from Indiana to Lake Powell in Arizona.

BMW Manufacturing Co. announced today that it is implementing a new alternative fuel platform to use Hydrogen Fuel Cells to power their material handling equipment. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklifts, tuggers and stackers will be used in BMW’s new assembly hall that produces the new BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle^®.

Fuel cells take stored chemical energy, such as hydrogen in this case, and convert it into electrical energy through two internal electrochemical reactions. The only byproducts of hydrogen fuel cells are heat and water, making this energy choice more efficient than other more conventional energy sources.

“BMW has taken another important step to affirm our global commitment to sustainability with a project such as this in Spartanburg,” said Josef Kerscher, President of BMW Manufacturing. “There’s a clear vision and determination to reach our goal of using renewable energy as much as possible throughout the plant site.”

Implementation of this new technology has been done in concert with partners from Linde North America and Plug Power.

Mike Beckman, vice president of Linde’s alternative energy team, said, “We have partnered with BMW to work toward our companies’ shared goal of implementing cost-effective, alternative energy solutions that reduce emissions. BMW’s selection of Linde to supply the hydrogen and fueling system is testament to our significant capabilities, leading technologies and dedicated professionals who worked closely with BMW to implement the fueling solution.”

“We are proud BMW has selected to work with Plug Power as they continue to solidify their position as a leading sustainable automotive manufacturer,” said Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power Inc. “The proven productivity increases on the manufacturing floor through the use of GenDrive will give BMW a further competitive advantage in the global automotive marketplace.”

Installation of a storage and distribution center within BMW’s existing Energy Center, an 11 Megawatt facility, along with six on-site fueling stations were recently completed by BMW at their only North American manufacturing facility in South Carolina. The hydrogen used for this project was manufactured at the most sustainable source within Linde’s network.

Initially, the hydrogen-powered material handling fleet will consist of more than 85 pieces of equipment, making it one of the largest hydrogen fuel-cell fleets in the U.S. In addition to the many other benefits, fuel cells offer a much longer operating life than lead-acid batteries. Fuel cells provide continuous power with no loss of power as the tank nears empty as opposed to battery-powered equipment that run slower as the battery nears empty. These units, when full, run on a 2 kilogram fuel tank and run for 8-10 hours. Fuel cell units can be refueled by a driver in less than three minutes at an on-site hydrogen fueling station. On average, it takes about 20 minutes to re-fuel a depleted battery.

Since hydrogen is the only source of energy for the fuel cells being used in the new facility, BMW Manufacturing estimates that this project will avoid 1.8 million kilowatt hours per year of electricity consumption at the plant that would have been used to charge a battery-powered fleet.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell fleet is the perfect complement to BMW’s successful Landfill Gas to Energy initiative started in early 2003. BMW powers approximately 50% of the plant’s total energy requirements using methane from a local landfill, a previously wasted resource.

Implementation of the landfill gas program reduces CO2 emissions by 92,000 tons per year. To date, the landfill gas project has saved BMW an annual average of $5 million in energy costs.

MURRAY HILL, N.J. & NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J–BMW’s auto manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina is getting greener and cleaner, thanks in part to a hydrogen fueling system provided by Linde North America.

Linde North America is a member of The Linde Group, one of the world’s largest hydrogen energy producers and a leader in developing alternative fuel technologies. BMW Manufacturing Co. is a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich, Germany and is the global producer of the BMW X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupe.

Linde is supplying a hydrogen fueling system with six indoor dispenser stations to support more than 85 pieces of material handling equipment operating inside BMW’s plant. The lifts and trucks deliver process parts to assembly machines throughout the plant.

The trucks are having their lead acid batteries replaced with hydrogen fuel cells from Latham, N.Y.-based Plug Power Inc., the leading provider of hydrogen based fuel cells in the material handling market.

“Linde wants to bring hydrogen into use as an everyday fuel. This will improve environmental sustainability, lower emissions and reduce our dependence on foreign fuel,” said Mike Beckman, vice president of Linde’s alternative energy team.

Beckman said, “Hydrogen already is one of the most promising alternative fuels. Because of the way it is produced, the hydrogen we supply to BMW is truly green, with only a small carbon footprint incurred during shipping.” The hydrogen is a by-product of a sodium chlorate plant; Linde purifies, compresses and liquefies it using electricity produced from renewable hydropower.

BMW has just completed a 1.5 million square foot expansion and renovation of its Spartanburg plant in order to produce the new BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle. Production began in September.

This is the first time BMW has used hydrogen fueled fork lift trucks in any of its plants. “BMW is pleased to work with partners that share our commitment to clean production. The implementation of a hydrogen fuel cell-based application for our material handling equipment helps solidify BMW’s position as the leading sustainable automotive manufacturer,” stated Robert Hitt, Department Manager of Public Affairs for BMW Manufacturing.

BMW is able to boost productivity in two ways: Refueling these trucks with hydrogen takes an operator less than three minutes, compared with 15-20 minutes to change out a battery. Also, fuel cells do not degrade over time, as do lead-acid batteries when they begin losing their charge toward the end of a shift. BMW also is able to reduce its total electricity demand, since no battery recharging is required, and eliminate the environmental disposal costs for lead acid batteries.

Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power, said, “We are pleased BMW has selected Linde as the hydrogen provider at their new manufacturing facility. “Linde is a leader in the safe production, handling and supply of hydrogen and it makes sense they would be chosen to work with BMW to help them achieve their sustainability goals.”

Linde is a leading supplier of hydrogen fueling systems, having equipped over 70 stations in 15 countries. In the U.S., Linde has supplied stations for fork lift trucks at distribution centers for large retail, soft drink and food service companies.

BMW is using Linde’s Ionic Compressor fueling system, which has been used extensively in Europe for cars and buses and now is being introduced to North America. “The Ionic Compressor is a step-change for hydrogen fueling. It is a high-efficiency, high-throughput, low-maintenance and low-noise compression solution that fuels vehicles quickly and safely,” Beckman said.

The Linde Group is a world leading gases and engineering company with almost 48,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2009 financial year it achieved sales of EUR 11.2 billion (USD 15.3 billion). The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards sustainable earnings-based growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services.

Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. Linde is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

Lockheed Martin is working to make fuel generators rugged enough for military applications

The DoD has more than 100,000 generators or “gensets” deployed around the world.  Gensets are major consumers of fuel in the battlefield, providing power for warfighters in theater ranging from lighting and air conditioning to powering computers, radios and other command and control systems. Fuel to operate the gensets is not cheap. By the time the fuel reaches deployed troops, the cost ranges from tens to hundreds of dollars per gallon. And, the troops who transport the fuel are some of the most exposed in the battlefield. Fuel Cells offer an efficient, pollution-free alternative to convert fuel into electricity. Unlike the combustion engines in today’s diesel generators, Fuel Cells use a chemical reaction to produce electricity – resulting in one-third to half the amount of fuel needed. This emerging technology offers the potential of reduced emissions and higher fuel efficiency. Photo Solid oxide fuel cell generator prototype for military applications    To advance the commercialization of Fuel Cell technology, the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC) awarded the team of Stark State College, Lockheed Martin and Technology Management Inc. (TMI) a $1.7 million contract to further develop fuel cell technology and to develop a prototype system to reduce fuel consumption. “The SOFC genset is cleaner, more efficient and more cost effective than existing military gensets, potentially saving billions in fuel costs.” Steve Sinsabaugh, Lockheed Martin fellow.  Stark State will serve as the prime. Lockheed Martin and TMI will work to develop a more rugged fuel cell genset capable of withstanding harsh military environments. Utilizing the core technology developed by TMI, the team has built multiple full-cell-powered gensets operating on the military’s high sulfur JP-8 standard fuel – a unique technological achievement. The test generators demonstrated more than 675 hours of operation, including 100 hours of continuous operation in August 2010.

The Third Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking Stakeholders General Assembly will be held 9 to 10 November 2010 in Brussels, Belgium.

The event will be focused on the move from fuel cell and hydrogen technology demonstration to market rollout. The assembly will feature the presentation of an ambitious study on commercialising fuel cell vehicles to be published this year by a wide, global coalition of companies across the value-chain. Based on corporate technological and cost data, the study provides a reliable comparative assessment of the business case for fuel cell vehicles.

In the plenary sessions, prominent speakers from the industry, public sector and the research community will offer insights into strategies and instruments for commercialisation of fuel cell and hydrogen applications around Europe and overseas. Project presentations will detail the latest technical developments in the field, while specific sessions on the Joint Undertaking’s progress and future strategy will provide the opportunity to have an in-depth view of the programme and participate in shaping its future development and priorities.

The assembly is an annual event aimed at informing all interested parties about the activities of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking and acquiring feedback for future planning of the programme. It is also a key platform for European and global stakeholders across sectors to come together to examine and assess the current position of this emerging industry, exchange ideas on next steps and make contacts.

* Cheaper ceramic materials brings fuel cell costs down

* 50 kilowatt fuel cell block tests to begin next year

* Big fuel cells to challenge gas, coal turbines by 2015

By Kwok W. Wan

CRANLEIGH, England – Huge hydrogen fuel cell stacks capable of providing thousands of homes with green power may arrive in a few years thanks to cheaper component parts, developer AFC Energy told Reuters.

Although hydrogen fuel cell technology has been around for decades, commercialisation has been restricted as expensive platinum was needed to make the catalyst, a problem AFC said it has overcome by using low-cost ceramic minerals instead.

“You can buy these ceramic catalyst materials, which used to be around 30 pounds a gram, at around 30 pence per gram, which has changed the economic argument,” AFC technical director Gene Lewis said. This compares to around 34.60 pounds per gram for platinum.

The alkaline fuel cell developer plans to test a 50 kilowatt block next year, which is designed to be connected to others to build huge stacks. AFC said it plans to demonstrate a stack with output capacity in the megawatt range in the next 18 months.

“That leaves plenty of time to scale up. For tens of megawatts for the chloralkali industry in 2013, and hundreds of megawatts from 2015 onwards,” AFC founder Howard White said.

“We see no reason why it can’t be commercialised by next year.”

Through a chemical process, fuel cells generate electricity without producing climate-warming carbon emissions by consuming hydrogen, with heat and water as byproducts.

Hydrogen can be produced from processing natural gas — with the carbon removed and buried — and is also produced in some chemical manufacturing such as the chloralkali process.

AFC, based in Cranleigh in south England with a staff of around 25, estimated the capital cost of the fuel cell will be under 400,000 pounds ($635,300) per megawatt hour of output.

“This is substantially less than a fossil fuel turbine based plant,” White said.

TWO CONSORTIUMS

AFC is part of two consortiums that are developing large fuel cell power projects in Britain.

One, with clean technology company B9 Coal and utility Powerfuel, aims to install up to 300 megawatts (MW) at Powerfuel’s planned 900 MW integrated gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) Hatfield power plant.

Powerfuel intends to convert coal into a carbon-less synthetic gas (syngas) to burn in the Hatfield plant as well as process it to produce hydrogen for the cells.

The other project with B9 Gas and Rio Tinto Alcan’s 500 megawatt Lynemouth coal-fired plant in northeast England would also use syngas from underground coal seams to make hydrogen to power the fuel cell.

While there are a number of large above-ground commercial facilities that produce syngas from coal similar to the Hatfield project, there are only a few small underground syngas projects which the Lynemouth plant plans to use.

And although taking the carbon out of syngas to produce hydrogen is an established process, it involves high capital investment and also lowers the energy content of the resulting hydrogen compared to the source fossil fuel.

Industry observers say the extra process may mean burning the syngas to rotate gas and steam turbines as a cheaper way to generate power unless the price of carbon — as traded through the European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) — is high enough to encourage hydrogen production to feed into fuel cells.

(Editing by William Hardy)

The two companies extend partnership to create new company based in Riyadh; joint company venture to include manufacturing and covers the entire Arab world

 RIYADH– Proton Energy Systems, the global leader in on-­‐site hydrogen generation and control systems, announced today at POWER-­‐GEN Middle East a joint venture with SupplyCore Middle East to provide on-­‐site hydrogen generation and control solutions to Saudi Arabia, the largest economic market in the Arab world, as well as the rest of the other Arab nations in the region. The agreement extends the initial partnership established by the two companies in 2009 to create a new company and now covers sales, installation and service of their hydrogen generation and control equipment for all Arab nations, which also includes some manufacturing in Saudi Arabia. The new entity will be called Proton Energy Arabia.

“We are excited to enhance our relationship with SupplyCore Middle East and provide our hydrogen generation solutions to businesses, manufacturers and government entities in the Middle East region and beyond,” said Rob Friedland, president and chief executive officer for Proton Energy Systems. “The agreement demonstrates Proton Energy Systems’ commitment to the region, further solidifies our position as a global leader in on-­‐site hydrogen generation and control systems, and better positions us to support growth in this rapidly expanding market.” Proton Energy is the global leader in on-­‐site hydrogen generation.

Proton Energy Systems designs and manufactures proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrochemical systems that do not utilize any hazardous chemicals to make hydrogen from water producing safe, pure, reliable on-­‐site hydrogen to meet global hydrogen requirements. With more than 2,000 systems installed in 60 countries on all seven continents, Proton Energy Systems is creating value around the world.

Supporting The Power Generation Process

Recognizing the importance of supporting power generation processes, Proton Energy Systems entered into the joint venture with SupplyCore Middle East to provide Arab World organizations in the power, oil and gas sector the ability to meet on-­‐site hydrogen requirements ranging from grid-­‐level support for energy storage, to turbine generator cooling in power plants. This announcement comes shortly after the commissioning of a hydrogen generation unit at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Additionally, Proton Energy Systems and SupplyCore Middle East recently sold on-­‐site hydrogen generation technology to the Saudi Electric Company and plan to commission this unit in October. -­

 “The need for power generation in Saudi Arabia has grown the past few years and will continue to expand as supply tries to keep pace with demand in the coming years,” said Sattam Al-­‐ Suwailem, president and chief executive officer of SupplyCore Middle East. “We are very pleased to expand our partnership with Proton Energy Systems, a proven international energy leader, as it enables us to improve upon current power generation solutions in the region.”

NUCRET director and Northeastern professor Sanjeev Mukerjee Photo by Mary Knox Merrill

The latest in a series of federally-funded programs supporting the university’s three major research themes – health, security and sustainability – Northeastern’s Center for Renewable Energy Technology (NUCRET) has received six federal grants totaling more than $8 million to conduct research that will primarily focus on powering the next generation of electric cars and consumer products.

The Department of Energy (DOE) awarded Northeastern the majority of the funds, including a four-year, $6.38 million grant to develop a cost-effective and energy-efficient non-platinum based fuel cell catalyst for electric vehicles. The new technology would replace internal combustion gas engines with fuel cells.

“Global challenges, such as sustainability, call for leading research universities to provide innovative solutions,” said President Joseph E. Aoun. “Northeastern is responding to this call across a range of fronts, including our pathbreaking work to develop renewable energy. This work exemplifies our use-inspired approach to research, which continues to gain support from important federal agencies.”

NUCRET director and Northeastern professor Sanjeev Mukerjee and his team are collaborating on the project with a host of universities and National Laboratory and other partners, including the chemical firm BASF, Los Alamos National Lab and Nissan. The goal is to develop a more affordable fully electric vehicle that would hit the market between 2016 and 2018, Mukerjee said.

As a global focus to integrate more sustainable living practices continues to gain momentum, increasing electric cars’ availability and affordability in the marketplace—and the technology to build them—has become a stronger point of emphasis for both American and foreign automakers.

For Mukerjee, who has been researching this field for 20 years, this DOE grant “represents the greatest opportunity for engendering a breakthrough.”

“These grants put Northeastern at the forefront of materials science,” said Mukerjee, professor of chemistry and chemical biology. “Our leadership role will define the future development of these materials for years to come.”

The DOE also provided NUCRET with two additional grants. One will support a collaboration with the University of North Florida and Johnson Matthey to develop portable methanol fuel cells for consumer applications. This next generation of fuel cells would enable laptops and other devices to run for months without being recharged.

The other grant will support a partnership with General Motors to develop ultra-low platinum loading catalysts for automotive fuel cell applications.

Additional support includes:

• Defense University Research Instrumentation Grant (DURIP) from the Department of Defense’s Army Research Office to augment existing facilities with new laboratory equipment.

• Grant from Dupont as a part of a DOD program for the development of cost effective non-platinum based Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells for soldier power applications.

• Grant from the U.S. Army’s Communications-Electronics Research, Development, and Engineering Center to conduct fundamental studies on materials for lithium-air batteries.

“Improving the efficiency and lowering the cost of advanced materials will lead to a new generation of fuel cells for efficient and clean energy conversion,” said Melvin Bernstein, vice provost for research at Northeastern. “Through its significant grant support DOE and DOD have recognized the importance of the cutting edge material science and engineering research being carried out at NUCRET in achieving this national goal”

NUCRET researches ways to develop renewable energy through an interdisciplinary team of chemists, physicists, engineers, economists and policy analysts. Its collaborators include worldwide partners from the Czech Republic to China dedicated to clean energy and water.

The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT) of East Hartford, CT, today announced an expansion of its “Local and State Partnership Building Program” which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The expanded “Roadmap” program will provide specific guidance to states throughout New England, New York, and New Jersey to facilitate the implementation of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. CCAT will implement the “Roadmap” in conjunction with another new program sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to enhance and expand an emerging electrochemical energy storage cluster centered in the Northeast United States.

The hydrogen and fuel cell industry in the region has been recognized as a world leader in the research, design, and manufacture of hydrogen and fuel cell related technology. The region is currently home to a diverse supply chain of over 170 companies and organizations.  The development of guidance documents or “roadmaps” will assess market conditions for fuel cell and hydrogen technology; examine solutions to promote hydrogen and fuel cell deployment in each of the states; and assess strategies to enhance domestic production of hydrogen and fuel cell technology for increased employment and economic development. 

“Through this grant expansion, CCAT will be leveraging resources to better serve the hydrogen and fuel cell industry in the Northeast. Creating “market pull” through roadmap activities coupled with providing support services to small businesses in this industry cluster provides a comprehensive formula for business creation and job growth.” commented Elliot A. Ginsberg, President and CEO of CCAT.

It has been estimated that the global fuel cell/hydrogen market, when mature, could exceed $43 billion annually, and require an employment base of tens of thousands. This global demand for the fuel cells is based on a market demand for clean and efficient energy utilization for transportation and power markets. 

“This technology is primarily developed and manufactured here in the region as a product for global export,” Joel Rinebold, Director of Energy Programs at CCAT said. “The investment of resources to support the hydrogen and fuel cell industry is appropriate and justified for economic growth, job creation, energy management, and enhanced environmental performance.”

On behalf of the HyNor Oslo Buss project, Ruter has selected the Belgian company Van Hool to supply five hydrogen buses, following competitive tendering.

Fuel cell bus from Van Hool

The University of Birmingham and the University of Warwick have been awarded a £650,000 research grant by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for a collaborative project developing new materials for a highly efficient class of fuel cells.

The new project will run for three and half years from October 2010 and involve academic investigators Dr P.R. Slater and Prof C. Greaves (University of Birmingham), Dr J.V. Hanna and Prof M.E. Smith (University of Warwick).

The research will investigate novel doping strategies to improve the performance of electrolyte and electrode materials for use in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell systems. The funding will also support a postdoctoral researcher and a PhD student, along with some equipment to expand the synthesis and testing facilities at Birmingham.

This project is part of a larger investment under the Birmingham Science City initiative by Advantage West Midlands and ERDF (The European Regional Development Fund) in the research infrastructure of the West Midlands region. The universities of Birmingham and Warwick are partners in a Science City Research Alliance (SCRA) working across the fields of Advanced Materials, Translational Medicine and Energy Efficiency.

The EPSRC-funded project will also utilise equipment gained through the Advanced Materials projects to deliver the objectives of this research. The team at Birmingham will investigate the synthesis and electrical characterisation of the materials, while at Warwick the environment of the dopants will be examined in detail through NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) measurements.

Dr Peter Slater said “The funding through AWM and ERDF has proved instrumental in enhancing the facilities at Birmingham and Warwick, and developing closer links between the two universities. This EPSRC funded project is a consequence of this investment and reinforces the collaboration between the Birmingham Chemistry SOFC team and Warwick Physics NMR team, offering the potential for significant advances in materials performance for next generation Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.”

Round Led by Tata Limited, with Continued Participation by Polaris Venture Partners;

Dr. Ralf Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, to Join Board

Cambridge, Mass– Sun Catalytix Corporation (Sun Catalytix), an energy storage and renewable fuels company, today announced the completion of its $9.5 million Series B Funding Round led by Tata Limited (Tata), with participation from existing investor Polaris Venture Partners as well as other investors. The funds raised in this financing will support continued development of the company’s breakthrough catalyst technology. Dr. Ralf Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, has joined the Sun Catalytix board as a representative of Tata.

“The funding secured in this round will enable Sun Catalytix to continue to move its technology forward and to deliver prototypes,” said MIT Professor and Sun Catalytix Founder Daniel Nocera. “We are delighted to have attracted Tata, a global and visionary company, as an investor and to have the continuing strong support of Polaris Venture Partners.”

The Sun Catalytix technology utilizes innovative catalysts made of earth-abundant elements that split water and generate hydrogen and oxygen from water and renewably-generated electricity in benign and simple operating conditions. By eliminating expensive precious metals and substantially reducing balance of plant costs, Sun Catalytix’ technology promises to enable the conversion of electrical, solar or wind energy to storable energy at transformative cost targets. Sun Catalytix systems target the generation of hydrogen from water at significantly lower costs for industrial applications, for energy storage, and for use as a renewable fuel through internal combustion engines or fuel cells.