USA

Researchers devise method for predicting performance of catalysts in fuel cells.

Key takeaways:

• High cost of catalysts. Platinum is the best catalyst for hydrogen fuel cells, but its rarity makes it expensive.
• Finding alternatives. The new method quickly identifies which alloys — combinations of platinum and other, less expensive metals — are likely to achieve the best results in fuel cells.
• Cutting the cost. High-performing alloy catalysts could ultimately make hydrogen fuel cell vehicles more affordable.

• Kore’s modular system diverts organic waste from California landfills and converts it into carbon negative hydrogen and renewable natural gas (RNG).

LOS ANGELES — Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced that Kore Infrastructure has successfully begun testing and demonstrating its carbon-negative, waste-to-energy modular system at the utility’s Los Angeles facility.

• 15,000 pounds-per-square-inch double block bleed and hand valves offer redundant protection from high pressure and superior sealing technology to avoid leaks.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J — Emerson has launched the TESCOM™ Anderson Greenwood Instrumentation H2 Valve Series for hydrogen applications up to 15,000 pounds-per-square-inch (psi) (103.4 megapascal (MPa)). The new solution reliably isolates process pressure in high pressure gas applications such as hydrogen fueling stations and tube trailers, reducing fugitive emissions and improving safety.

DELTA, Utah — The coal plant is closing. In this tiny Utah town surrounded by cattle, alfalfa fields and scrub-lined desert highways, hundreds of workers over the next few years will be laid off — casualties of environmental regulations and competition from cheaper energy sources.

• New manufacturing plant to produce gigawatts of clean power and green hydrogen, bringing hundreds of new full-time careers to Bay Area.
• In addition, Bloom recently showcased a new R&D facility and is adding a dedicated hydrogen facility to support the energy transition and emerging hydrogen economy.

California based Biliti Electric Inc, a fast-growing e-mobility company with presence across the globe, has unveiled the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) powered electric three-wheeler vehicle – FastMileTM.

Dive Brief:

• Members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources showed interest in developing new, hydrogen-specific infrastructure as well as in converting existing natural gas pipelines to move hydrogen, during a hearing Tuesday. Some Republican senators expressed concern that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission would use any authority to regulate hydrogen to also curtail natural gas development.
• “It appears there is uncertainty today around which federal laws apply to interstate hydrogen infrastructure, and about which federal agencies could or should be involved in siting this infrastructure and setting service rates,” committee Chairman Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said, adding that Congress should set up an “effective” regulatory framework for hydrogen infrastructure.
• While an energy attorney testified that FERC may already have the authority to regulate hydrogen pipelines, other industry leaders said the most important thing Congress could do is create hydrogen-specific tax credits.