ARB Awards $7.6 Million for Three New Hydrogen Stations

These new stations will increase publically accessible infrastructure in preparation for increased hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from General Motors, Honda and others. Two stations are located in the greater Los Angeles area, and the other near Oakland, in Northern California. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles are one of the more promising vehicle technologies that will allow California to meet its air quality, energy independence and 2050 greenhouse gas reduction goals.

$2.7 million will help co-fund the station in Fountain Valley, CA located at the Orange County Sanitation District Facility. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. will be installing a new 350/700 bar station that will dispense 100% renewable hydrogen produced from digester gas from waste water utilizing a molten carbonate fuel cell. The station co-located with CNG dispensing and will provide up to 100 kg/day dispensing seven days a week.

$2.2 million was awarded to California State University, Los Angeles who will operate a 60 kg/day station using electrolysis powered by 33.3% renewable solar and wind energy. The station will be built on the east edge of the campus, adjacent to the EV charging station and complement the universities Power, Energy and Transportation curriculum.

$2.7 million was awarded to the Alameda-Contra Costa County Transit District to establish, operate and maintain a new 350/700 bar hydrogen station in Emeryville, CA. The station will have the capacity to dispense at least 60 kg/day of hydrogen derived from 100% renewable resources. A new photovoltaic array will provide some of the electrical load. The station will be co-located with a second hydrogen facility that will dispense an additional 120 kg/day exclusively for transit and heavy duty vehicle use.

All three stations are due to be fully operational by the end of 2009.