People can achieve improved sustainability in many ways, but the decarbonization of heavy equipment would undoubtedly represent significant progress. Hydrogen is one of the primary things making that goal possible.
In the face of the evolving climate crisis, the need for clean, affordable, and efficient fuel is greater than it has perhaps ever been. However, nowhere is that need more urgent or more important than in the healthcare industry.Â
Years ago, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a report outlining the advantages of hydrogen school buses. Fuel cell technology has improved dramatically since then, though hydrogen-powered vehicles remain relatively rare. That could change as these buses enter the market in 2023.
Multiple projects are currently receiving backing from the National Renewable Energy Lab and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to test the effectiveness of hydrogen fuel cells. Caterpillar Inc. and Plug Power are some of the companies working with Microsoft to push the limits of a potentially revolutionary renewable energy source.
The energy sector is investing heavily in new technologies to modernize the power grid. As the population grows and energy demand increases, building grid resilience is a top priority for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and other key stakeholders.
Most people think of electric cars as the only alternative to the internal combustion engine that relies on fossil fuels, but they aren’t the only option. Hydrogen fuel cells are beginning to find a niche in the clean energy industry, though they don’t have the same support as EVs.Â
As day turned to night on December 13th FCEV owners in the Sacramento area found their already challenging fueling situation getting even worse. According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) there are about 1,000 FCEV owners in the greater Sacramento area, and under the best of circumstances there are only three hydrogen stations where residents and people passing through the area can fill-up. The West Sacramento station is owned by Iwatani and the other two are owned by Shell.
The world is organizing its talents and materials to pursue a decarbonized future. This transition is happening faster in some industries than others. Until recently, heavy mining machinery was trailing behind in implementing clean energy. However, fuel cells could completely change the balance of power in this industry and beyond.
People are increasingly interested in hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. However, they recognize the associated production methods still have room for improvement regarding their impact on the planet. For example, hydrogen is vital for ammonia production, but facilities still use fossil fuels to make it. Similarly, other manufacturing methods involving hydrogen require rare metals that are expensive or in short supply.
On August 25th in Richmond, California Chevron held a Road to Zero event which brought together different organizations across the hydrogen and fuel cell industry, and it allowed the public to come and learn more about the industry and how it is the keystone to decarbonizing the global economy.
