Hydrogen Research Database Available Online
Wednesday, November 30, 2005

"The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Solar Energy Center recently released a database of hydrogen research projects throughout the state. Created by the Florida Solar Energy Center and maintained by University of Central Florida, the database lists projects from Florida universities that are conducting hydrogen research. “This database allows companies and universities worldwide to explore hydrogen research projects underway in Florida, which can lead to more corporate investment, new jobs and additional research.” The first of its kind, the hydrogen database identifies research being conducted at universities statewide, including the University of Central Florida, Florida International University, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Florida State University, University of South Florida and University of West Florida. Additional research projects and project updates, whether by public or private universities, industry or government agencies, will continue to be added to the database. In addition, the database allows companies and industry leaders to tap into the expertise and research currently underway at Florida’s academic research institutions." Source: fuelcellsworks.com

posted by Frank @ 10:27 PM, ,


BP invests in hydrogen economy

"BP has announced plans to spend £4.6 billion over the next ten years on renewable and low-carbon power sources, including the development of hydrogen-based energy. The announcement sees the world's second largest oil firm double its investment in wind, solar, hydrogen and cleaner gas power. Included in the plans are provisions for a hydrogen plant at Peterhead in Scotland, with another plant bringing total capacity from the energy source 30mW to 450mW." Source: matthey.com

posted by Frank @ 10:26 PM, ,


India Considers a National Hydrogen Proposal
Tuesday, November 29, 2005

"India's Minister for Non-Conventional Energy Sources Shri Vilas Muttemwar called upon all stakeholders to join hands with the Government to implement the National Hydrogen Energy Road Map, which is hoped to provide sustainable energy security to its citizens and place India in the forefront of a new global hydrogen energy economy. The Road Map highlights hydrogen production based on steam methane reformation, coal gasification, nuclear energy, biomass, biological and renewable energy methods; it explores specifics of hydrogen energy including storage, transport, delivery, applications, safety, standards and codes, capacity building and awareness. Goals of efficiency in hydrogen storage, which includes gaseous, liquid and solid state, were identified by the Road Map as well as useful cycle life, compactness and cost to be achieved by 2020." Source: renewableenergyaccess.com

posted by Frank @ 9:11 PM, ,


Berwickshire coast plays host to hydrogen economy

"The traditional fishing village of Eyemouth, on the exposed Berwickshire coastline, is playing host for the next twelve months to the cutting-edge of twenty-first century technology. Today, Eyemouth took its place on the world stage of hydrogen technology by hosting the first installation of a Home Energy Centre in the UK. The installation has come about through the ambitions of a European consortium seeking to bring forward-looking hydrogen solutions into present-day reality, and to extending the boundaries of using hydrogen by deploying it in a residential setting. A newly built family house, belonging to Berwickshire Housing Association (BHA), has provided an ideal ‘live’ domestic venue for the installation of a prototype hydrogen-powered fuel cell, which uses a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane and separates out hydrogen from natural gas to make heat and power. The consortium, comprising BHA, Aberdeen-based siGEN, Baxi Group, Scottish Power and Scottish Enterprise, wants to test the capacity of the new technology to meet the energy demands of daily family life. The fuel cell is expected to produce 100% of the heating requirements and 70% of the electricity needs of an average household. In addition to assessing the fuel cell’s performance in a ‘live’ situation over the next year, the trial of the prototype will be closely monitored by the Carbon Trust to assess how the technology might help to reduce global carbon emissions." Source: fuelcelltoday.com

posted by Frank @ 9:10 PM, ,


NHA Hydrogen Conf. 2006 and Hydrogen Expo US
Sunday, November 27, 2005

"The NHA Annual Hydrogen Conference 2006 will be held on March 12-16, in Long Beach California. Join us at the longest-running hydrogen conference in the U.S! We expect over a thousand attendees and hundreds of exhibitors. We'll be featuring technical workshops on industry issues, as well as high-level international keynote speakers. We'll also be sponsoring the popular "Ride 'n' Drive" event, featuring hydrogen ICE and Fuel Cell vehicles from a variety of manufacturers." Source: renewableenergyaccess.com

posted by Frank @ 8:59 PM, ,


Danish scientists develop hydrogen storage tablet

"At the Technical University of Denmark, scientists have moved closer to establishing hydrogen as a major fuel source, as they have developed a storage tablet that will enable transport of hydrogen in solid form. "Should you drive a car 600 km using gaseous hydrogen at normal pressure, it would require a fuel tank with a size of nine cars. With our technology, the same amount of hydrogen can be stored in a normal gasoline tank", says Professor Claus Hviid Christensen, Department of Chemistry at DTU." Source: sciencedaily.com via newenergyreport.org

posted by Frank @ 8:57 PM, ,


Hydrogen region to appear in Europe

"Sixteen European universities are cooperating to create a hydrogen transport zone called “Zero region” in Europe. The project provides industrial hydrogen production (about 30 million tonnes a year) and the establishment of a network of hydrogen fuel stations in parts of Italy and Germany, Efir Inform reported. Project partners will cooperate in technical support development, such as industrial systems hydrogen storage and transportation hydrogen full cell vehicles." Source: bellona.no

posted by Frank @ 8:57 PM, ,


Kyoto Eyes Garbage-Based Hydrogen For Power Generation

"Japan's ancient city Kyoto has launched a pilot project to generate electricity by fuel cells that use hydrogen derived from raw garbage of households as a power source. There are already research projects on biomass power generation, but this is the first attempt in Japan to produce hydrogen from raw garbage for use in fuel-cell power generation. Organizers of the project, also participated by Kyoto University and the Environment Ministry, aim to put their garbage-based power generation scheme into practical use in 2013. The project uses a daily 3 tons of raw garbage to produce biogas made up primarily of methane gas, for conversion into hydrogen." Source: fuelcellsworks.com

posted by Frank @ 8:56 PM, ,


IHS Preparing After-Market Hydrogen Supplement Device for Vehicles

"Innovative Hydrogen Solutions, Inc. (IHS) of Canada has been developing an electrolysis unit that extracts hydrogen and oxygen from water and adds it into the air intake of a vehicle, to increase fuel economy by anywhere between 10% and 30%, depending on the vehicle. Other benefits cited include reduced emissions, increased torque and prolonged engine life -- all from a device which they call the H2 N-Gen™. Apparently, the hydrogen enables a more complete burn of the fuel, whether it be gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas. While they are presently targeting the trucking industry, they envision this technology to apply to "any internal combustion engine," not just of vehicles and trains, but of generators, such as are found in some municipal power plants." Source: pesn.com

posted by Frank @ 8:55 PM, ,


Hydrogen-Driven Bus to Run in Beijing

"Hydrogen-powered buses are on track to run in the Chinese capital city, Beijing, soon. The Peoples' Daily reported Thursday that the first group of Daimler-Chrysler-manufactured buses will employ hydrogen as fuel. Relevant departments hope that the bus routes will set an example for other Chinese cities and promote more ecological-friendly vehicles." Source: chinabroadcast.cn

posted by Frank @ 8:54 PM, ,


Beijing tries hydrogen fuel cell passenger cars
Thursday, November 24, 2005

"BEIJING Public Transportation Corp yesterday received three new fuel cell passenger cars from leading automaker Daimler-Chrysler. The three new cars, prototypes of the "green" vehicle fleet serving the Beijing Olympics, will be used in Beijing's high-tech zone, or Zhongguancun Area, for public transport in an 8.19-kilometer route. The experimental commercial use of the fuel cell cars is believed to be the first of its kind in any developing country. The Beijing Public Transportation Corporation has prepared all facilities for hydrogen refilling, which is vital for fuel cell cars, data collection systems, training for drivers and service management." Source: shanghaidaily.com

posted by Frank @ 11:08 PM, ,


Company wants to build hydrogen plant in NE Indiana

"A company that recycles waste into hydrogen plans to spend more than $100 million to build a plant in northeastern Indiana, a project that an official said could create about 150 jobs. ForeverGreen Enterprises Inc., wants to build the plant in an industrial park in Butler, 30 miles northeast of Fort Wayne, company co-founder Randy Cole said Tuesday. The plant would be the 3-year-old company's first and be operating by next year, he said. The Clifton, N.J.-based company recycles hazardous waste into hydrogen, a fuel used by many industrial firms. ForeverGreen uses chemical reactions to break down paints, oils and other waste into basic elements, including hydrogen, Cole said." Source: miamicountylife.com

posted by Frank @ 11:08 PM, ,


Home Hydrogen Refueling Technology from Honda
Tuesday, November 22, 2005

"The Home Energy Station III from Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in conjunction with technology partner Plug Power Inc., provides heat and electricity for the home as well as fuel for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle. More compact and efficient than two previous Home Energy Station models, this third-generation unit uses natural gas as its base energy source, thereby providing high overall energy efficiency and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. "The third generation of Honda's Home Energy Station continues to push the limits with its innovative technology," said Ben Knight, vice president of Honda R&D Americas. "The combination of home energy generation and home refueling offers an attractive alternative to gasoline and takes us one step closer to a truly viable hydrogen-based transportation system."" Source: renewableenergyaccess.com

posted by Frank @ 8:43 PM, ,


India aims big with hydrogen transport

"The Indian government has announced plans to put one million hydrogen-powered cars on its roads by 2020. The government claims that a variety of vehicles ranging from small, two and three wheel vehicles to cars, buses and vans will be fitted with fuel cell engines in the next 15 years. The scheme, which is projected to cost £3.2 billion, will also include the development of fuel cell based generating systems that will provide 1,000 MW of power for the country. Non-conventional energy sources minister Vilas Muttemwar said: "India is poised to be in the forefront of hydrogen energy technologies because the country is uniquely endowed with a strong science and technology base and advanced industrial infrastructure."" Source: matthey.com

posted by Frank @ 8:42 PM, ,


IOC hydrogen generation unit goes on stream

"Indian Oil Corporation has commissioned a critical hydrogen generation unit (HGU) at its Panipat refinery as part of the ongoing Rs 4,300-crore refinery expansion project. The expansion involves doubling its capacity from 6 million tonnes to 12 million tonnes per annum. The HGU is the first major unit of the refinery expansion project to go on stream. With a capacity of 140,000 tonnes per annum, it is the largest hydrogen unit in the country and also the largest plant in the world licensed by Haldor Topsoe of Denmark." Source: business-standard.com

posted by Frank @ 8:42 PM, ,


Honda sees hydrogen growth
Monday, November 21, 2005

"Car maker Honda has revealed that there are a growing number of hydrogen fuelling stations cropping up across the US. According to the firm, there are now 25 fuel stations across the country that are equipped with the facilities to pump hydrogen direct into fuel cell and hybrid vehicles, as the clean energy begins to take off. Described as safer than pumping petrol or diesel into a car, hydrogen filling stations are set to become increasingly popular because of the growing interest in green technologies, particularly among business fleets as companies look to cut emissions to comply with government regulations. Honda's count of refuelling stations has found that 16 of the current 25 in the US are located in California, where strict rules on emissions apply." Source: www.platinum.matthey.com

posted by Frank @ 10:58 PM, ,


Panel submits hydrogen energy road map

"Hydrogen can well be the answer to India's rapidly growing energy demand, with an official committee headed by industrialist Ratan Tata on Monday submitting a road map that calls for Rs. 25,000 crore investment in the coming years to tap this energy source. The steering group on hydrogen energy, set up by the Union Government under the chairmanship of the Tata group chief, projected an investment of Rs. 24,000 crore for creating infrastructure for hydrogen production, its storage, transportation and distribution, besides Rs. 1,000 crore for research, development and demonstration. Presenting the `National Hydrogen Energy Roadmap' to Minister for Non-Conventional Energy Sources Vilas Muttemwar, Mr. Tata said: ``The whole world, and certainly India, will face increasing shortage of hydrocarbon and so we have to look at alternative forms of energy... The document reflects the problems and attempts to define a road map.''" Source: hindu.com

posted by Frank @ 10:57 PM, ,


Learning Center aims to fuel enthusiasm for hydrogen power First stakeholders meeting held at OCC

"Officials at the Hydrogen Learning Center want people to learn about hydrogen - as an alternative fuel source. "Through the five universities and colleges that are stakeholders in New Jersey, we want to engage the next generation. Let them become familiar with hydrogen fuel cell technology," said Nora Lovrien, spokeswoman for the learning center, part of the Bloustein School at Rutgers University. The center held its first stakeholders meeting Wednesday in the technology building at Ocean County College, with about 50 attendees representing businesses, nonprofit organizations, academia and state government." Source: fuelcellsworks.com

posted by Frank @ 10:56 PM, ,


Augie student works on hydrogen fuel cell project

"An Augustana College junior recently found himself in the midst of the nation's competitive mad dash to develop a hydrogen fuel cell that will efficiently and affordably power automobiles. Michael Amolins, a 2003 graduate of Sioux Falls Lincoln High School, spent his summer as a research student at Argonne National Labs near Chicago testing a variety of compounds in fuel-cell electrodes. Within 10 years, the nation wants to have affordable vehicles on the market that operate on hydrogen fuel cells, Amolins said. However, nothing has been found to be as effective in producing electrodes as solid platinum, which is costly. That's why Amolins and other top chemistry students were selected to spend 10 weeks at Argonne, a laboratory operated by the University of Chicago and the U.S. Department of Energy. There, they assisted scientists by running chemical reactions on carbon-based electrodes that can be produced at a much lower cost." Source: siouxcityjournal.com

posted by Frank @ 10:55 PM, ,


New energy economy emerges from lab
Sunday, November 20, 2005

"Plenty of experimental diesel and gas engines still run inside the Combustion Research Facility at Sandia National Laboratories, with the lab's signature lasers measuring fuel mixing, burn efficiencies and more. But more and more, scientists are turning to work on hydrogen engines, fuel cells and biofuels.Instead of gasoline, the engine burns an invisible compressed gas, hydrogen, with virtually zero air emissions. The engine gets better efficiency than a gasoline engine, White said, and a hydrogen-burning car is likely to be cheaper and longer lasting than a hydrogen fuel-cell car. "You can do it a lot cheaper than a fuel cell. You don't have to have this renaissance of revolutionary technologies," he said." Source: insidebayarea.com

posted by Frank @ 9:45 PM, ,


Power plant for hydrogen production

"Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas on Saturday inaugurated "the pioneering power plant for the production of hydrogen with the use of aeolic energy at the Keratea Energy Park," as stated in a press release by the Development Ministry. In his speech, Sioufas expressed "satisfaction" over the fact that "our country's research community, along with the private sector, pioneer in the research and development of technologies in the much promising sector of hydrogen. He further expressed certainty that "the apparent Hydrogen Economy will create new economic activity and new jobs."" Source: ana.gr

posted by Frank @ 9:45 PM, ,


Hydrogen embrittlement not a substantial threat

"Hydrogen-conversion expert, and clean-fuel specialist, Tai Robinson, responds to assertion that when hydrogen gas dissolves into the structure of certain metals such as aluminum & steels, it can cause cracking and failure of metal components. Embrittlement is not a substantiated threat. It takes specific circumstances to reproduce this phenomenon. I have available copies of Dr. Roy McAlister's book "The Solar Hydrogen Civilization" that covers this subject. Steel tanks are still in use today to hold hydrogen that were first hydrostatically tested in 1917 and earlier. Hydrogen is also transported in steel pipelines around the world without this problem. I am aware of situations that can cause embrittlement, but not in aluminum." Source: pesn.com

posted by Frank @ 9:44 PM, ,


Hydrogen expo heralds California progress

"The development of fuel cell technology as a major growth industry will receive a significant boost with the hosting of the Hydrogen Expo in the US next year. Held in California, the centre of ongoing hydrogen and fuel cell initiatives, the event will bring together some of the industry's leading figures and aims to showcase the latest technologies and ideas in the sector. The US state has recently increased its commitment to hydrogen and fuel cell development with the signing of a bill designed to fund new projects, build new buildings and purchase fuel cell vehicles. The development of fuel cell vehicles is expanding in California, with more than 100 vehicles operating in the area and around 16 hydrogen stations running." Source: matthey.com

posted by Frank @ 9:43 PM, ,


Rensselaer Researchers Test Polymer Membrane for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Applications
Thursday, November 17, 2005

"Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers have started a new fundamental research project on the component that is often referred to as the heart of a fuel cell – the polymer membrane. Researchers are testing a new type of polymer membrane, created at Rensselaer, for potential use in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell and hydrogen applications. The project is funded by a projected three-year, US$900,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. "Fuel cells have great potential to contribute to energy solutions, but basic research is needed to better understand how parts of the system can be optimized so that fuel cells can be further developed into applied technologies," says Brian Benicewicz, professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Rensselaer, director of the New York State Center for Polymer Synthesis at Rensselaer, and principal investigator for the project." Source: fuelcelltoday.com

posted by Frank @ 9:20 PM, ,


The Hydrogen Economy: Which Way Forward for the South?

""If the future is still `hydrogen’," notes Prof. Mytelka, "...countries will need to make some tough decisions now: on whether to wait until all pieces of the system are in place or to take action; how to build a path today that does not compromise change in the future; how to incorporate a range of options - gasoline, natural gas and hydrogen without wasteful investment." This requires that governments, both in the North and South, must start to build public awareness of all the choices available now, to enable consensus building on the best way forward for individual countries. The consensus at the meeting was that the South should not make the jump yet, but must start now to put the conditions in place to enable it to leapfrog into a hydrogen economy - when the time is right, and on its own terms. This will require that developing countries make, and be supported in efforts to understand these technologies, and to monitor the lessons being learned in industrialized countries so as to plan for their own participation." Source: innovations-report.com

posted by Frank @ 9:18 PM, ,


Building a better hydrogen trap

"Using building blocks that make up ordinary plastics, but putting them together in a whole new way, University of Michigan researchers have created a class of lightweight, rigid polymers they predict will be useful for storing hydrogen fuel. The work is described in the Nov. 18 in today's (Nov. 17) issue of the journal Science. The trick to making the new materials, called covalent organic frameworks (COFs), was coaxing them to assume predictable crystal structures—something that never had been done with rigid plastics." Source: umich.edu

posted by Frank @ 9:17 PM, ,


Mass. takes first big step away from foreign oil

"Trying to keep up with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Massachusetts officials moved forward today toward promoting hydrogen and fuel cell technology. The House of Representatives today passed omnibus legislation designed to provide short-term and long-term solutions to rising energy costs. Among the long-term solutions is a section of the bill offered by State Rep. Barry R. Finegold (D-Andover) that establishes the 'Massachusetts Fuel Cell Partnership.' This intends to accelerate the development and deployment of commercially viable fuel cell and related hydrogen production. Hydrogen technology is widely-viewed to be the alternative to fossil fuels." Source: townonline.com

posted by Frank @ 8:42 PM, ,


GM Daewoo to Join GM's Hydrogen Car Project

"GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co., the third-largest automaker in South Korea, plans to participate in the hydrogen fuel cell project being pushed by its parent General Motors Corp., the company's president said Wednesday. GM Daewoo will conduct a feasibility study on whether it can apply GM's hydrogen fuel cell technology to its vehicles, Nick Reilly said in a news conference here. The company's goal is to be a leader in South Korea in the development of environmentally friendly cars through the cooperation with GM, he added. The automaker will seek to apply GM's technology to the condition of the country's roads, and then take part in technical developments related to hydrogen-powered fuel cell cars, another company official said." Source: fuelcellsworks.com

posted by Frank @ 8:41 PM, ,


Connecticut company sued over hydrogen fuel cells

"A Bozeman firm has sued companies that manufactured and sold hydrogen fuel cells, saying they didn't work as promised. Zoot Enterprises, which employs 160 people and processes credit information for banks and other financial institutions, filed the lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court in Butte. The lawsuit against PPL Energy Services Holding and FuelCell Energy Inc. of Danbury, Conn., said the cells don't work as promised and asks to cancel an agreement to pay PPL $2.4 million. The suit also seeks damages to be determined by a jury. Chris Nelson, chief executive officer of Zoot Enterprises, said the fuel cells were supposed to be the company's sole source of electricity." Source: newsday.com

posted by Frank @ 8:40 PM, ,


HyRadix On-Site Hydrogen Equipment Chosen by Asian Manufacturer
Wednesday, November 16, 2005

"HyRadix, Inc. announced today the sale of an Aptus(TM) on-site hydrogen generator to a manufacturer in Asia. For this project, HyRadix will supply one Aptus generator to provide 100 Nm3/hour of high-purity hydrogen produced from natural gas. This hydrogen will be used in the customer's existing oils hydrogenation facility. "This sale represents further validation of the economic value the Aptus generator offers to industrial hydrogen consumers," said Robert Gray, President and CEO of HyRadix. "The design simplicity and operational flexibility of the HyRadix Aptus technology makes on-site production of high-purity hydrogen more economical at lower capacities than previously available. The Aptus hydrogen generator is well suited for oils hydrogenation and we are pleased to have been selected for this project"." Source: businesswire.com

posted by Frank @ 8:46 PM, ,


Hydrogen Expo Means Business in California

"Hydrogen and fuel cell initiatives from California have been enviously looked at around the globe. This movement gained new momentum when Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 76 this summer, which provides the first portion of funding to implement the California Hydrogen Highway Network (CA H2 Net). The Golden State has offered fertile grounds for many projects in mobile, stationary and portable applications of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and continues to open up business opportunities for domestic and international suppliers alike. The next Hydrogen Expo US, held on March 12 to 14, 2006 with the National Hydrogen Association's (NHA) Annual Hydrogen Conference in Long Beach, CA is the meeting place for vendors and buyers of this growth market." Source: evworld.com

posted by Frank @ 8:45 PM, ,


Technologies Of The Year -- Harvesting Hydrogen

"The Purdue researchers first started toying with a new way to produce hydrogen for fuel cells in October 2004. The approach: Combine the two known processes. Their early experiments yielded encouraging results. "We combined these two reactions into one single setup in which both reactions occur simultaneously," Varma says. "What we've done is replaced the activation of the borohydride reaction with water, and instead of being done with a catalyst, it is done with the heat that is liberated by the second reaction. We call the chemical mixture to carry out both reactions a triple borohydride-metal-water mixture. The researchers envision a system in which pellets of hydrogen-releasing material would be contained in disposable credit-card-sized cartridges, which would be available where consumers buy batteries. A computer chip would automatically detect when the battery needed to be recharged, activating a new pellet until all pellets on the cartridge were consumed. Once the pellets were used up, a new cartridge would be inserted into devices such as cell phones, PDAs, notebook computers, digital cameras, handheld medical diagnostic devices and defibrillators." Source: industryweek.com

posted by Frank @ 8:42 PM, ,


Truckers Choose Hydrogen Power

"hipernoico writes to tell us Wired News is reporting that hundreds of semi trucks now on the roads are being partially powered by hydrogen. From the article: "These 18-wheelers make hydrogen as they go, eliminating the need for high-pressure, cryogenic storage tanks or hydrogen filling stations, which, by the way, don't yet exist. These truckers aren't just do-gooders. They like Canadian Hydrogen Energy's Hydrogen Fuel Injection, or HFI, system because it lets them save fuel, get more horsepower and, as a bonus, cause less pollution."" Source: slashdot.org

posted by Frank @ 8:42 PM, ,


Alternate Energy Corp. Files Hydrogen Production Process Patent
Tuesday, November 15, 2005

"Alternate Energy Corp, a small-scale developer of Hydrogen production systems, said Monday that it has filed a provisional patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in connection with its proprietary process of producing pure hydrogen." Source: axcessnews.com

posted by Frank @ 8:04 PM, ,


Home Hydrogen Refueling Technology Advances

"Further advancing its vision of a gasoline- and emissions-free transportation future, Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in conjunction with technology partner Plug Power Inc., today introduced the Home Energy Station III, which provides heat and electricity for the home as well as fuel for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle. This third generation unit, located at the company's North American headquarters in Torrance, California, is more compact and efficient than previous Home Energy Station models. Following Honda's strategy to develop intermediate as well as longer-term alternatives to traditional energy sources like gasoline, the Home Energy Station III uses natural gas as its base energy source. In keeping with the path established by early generation systems, Home Energy Station I and Home Energy Station II, the Home Energy Station III is designed to work in a home-based refueling environment and is able to supply a sufficient amount of hydrogen to power a fuel cell vehicle, such as the Honda FCX, for daily operation while providing electricity for an average-sized household. A goal of this energy station is to provide high overall energy efficiency and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the more effective use of natural gas. Home Energy Station III is roughly 30 percent smaller than its predecessor (Home Energy Station II) with an approximate 25-percent increase in electrical power output. Overall performance increases with more energy-efficient operation, increased hydrogen storage and production capacities, and a faster start-up time of about one minute. Additionally, hydrogen storage and production capacity are both improved by about 50 percent with the use of a new, high-performance, natural gas reformer. The Home Energy Station III is also able to function as a backup power generation system during power outages by using the hydrogen in the storage tank to power the internal fuel cell, providing as much as 5 kilowatts of electrical power to the home in normal and emergency conditions." Source: prnewswire.com

posted by Frank @ 8:03 PM, ,


EPOD Announces Enviromech Hydrogen System Sale for General Motors' Challenge X Project Entry

"EPOD International Inc. (OTC BB: EPOI) (FRANKFURT: EDU.F), through its wholly owned subsidiary, Enviromech Industries Inc., announces the sale of a powerPACK™ Hydrogen Fuel System to the University of Waterloo for the General Motors' Challenge X Project. Enviromech Industries Inc. ("Enviromech"), a leader in the design, production and sale of alternative fuel systems for the transportation and power generation industries, will supply the hydrogen fuel system for the University of Waterloo's winning entry in the General Motors and U.S. Department of Energy organized Challenge X competition. The University of Waterloo won overall at Challenge X for their fuel-cell-powered Chevrolet Equinox design in the first year of the three-year competition. Waterloo will now build their design for entry into the mule vehicle test phase being held by General Motors in the summer of 2006. Further information on the Challenge X project may be found at www.challengex.org. Enviromech will learn valuable information about the hydrogen system requirements for the General Motors vehicle platform and receive widespread advertising exposure. The powerPACK™ Hydrogen Fuel System will be delivered to Waterloo in March 2006." Source: marketwire.com

posted by Frank @ 8:02 PM, ,


California is host to renewable fuels revolution
Monday, November 14, 2005

"Craig Childers is the first person to admit there is a renewable fuels revolution going on in the Golden State and with the highest number of motorists in the United States, California is currently debating which is the best way to power cars long into the 21st century. A number of methods have been tested and evaluated in California, including biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, propane, electric and hydrogen. This was happening long before the price of gasoline spiked in September, according to Childers. He said that because his state is on the cutting edge of environmental issues, Hurricane Katrina only reinforced what the California Air Resources Board has been working on a number of years. Childers, who works for the ARB, said renewable fuels research and testing will continue at a rapid pace and will become more refined in the next couple of years. "Hydrogen is looking more like the preferred fuel of the future," Childers said. "Should the knowledge that hydrogen will someday work mean that we should stop all other work and investment on nearer-term alternatives is the billion dollar question." He said retail cost comparisons between hydrogen vs. electricity or alcohol (E-85) are yet to be determined since hydrogen isn't commercially available. However, there are demonstration fueling stations located in several parts of California including San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, San Bernardino, Palm Springs, Los Angeles and San Diego." Source: minotdailynews.com

posted by Frank @ 8:53 PM, ,


University of Arkansas at Little Rock for Research into Hydrogen Technology

"Senator Mark Pryor Thursday announced $1.4 million to support research at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock that could lead to new breakthroughs in alternative energy technology. Pryor said he and other Arkansas delegation members were able to secure $900,000 to support research into hydrogen technology and $500,000 for solar energy technology at UALR’s Nanotechnology Center of Excellence. The research dollars were included in the Fiscal Year 2006 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which is expected to be voted on by the Senate and sent to the President for his signature by the end of the week." Source: fuelcellsworks.com

posted by Frank @ 8:52 PM, ,


U.S. Army Awards Quantum Follow-On Contract for Hydrogen Refueler
Wednesday, November 09, 2005

"Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., (Nasdaq: QTWW) today announced that it received a contract from the U.S. Army's National Automotive Center (NAC) for an additional HyHauler Plus(TM) transportable hydrogen refueling station. This contract represents an expansion of Quantum's Mobile Hydrogen Infrastructure program with the U.S. Army that will demonstrate "in-time" solutions to meet emerging hydrogen fuel demand as fuel cell technologies are deployed throughout the military as part of the 21st Century Base initiative. The Quantum manufactured HyHauler Plus(TM) is a large trailer-mounted hydrogen fuel dispensing system, specifically designed to provide fast fills in less than 3 minutes. The HyHauler Plus(TM) utilizes an on-board electrolyzer to generate hydrogen from water and electricity. The complete refueling system includes the electrolyzer, a high-pressure hydrogen compressor, high-pressure hydrogen storage cascade, user-friendly dispensing system, and integrated balance-of-plant. The easy-to-use dispensing system interfaces with the vehicle utilizing an on-board touch screen control system. The Quantum-Tecstar developed hydrogen refueler can be towed by a full-size pickup truck. "The HyHauler Plus(TM) demonstrates a modular and transportable solution for providing hydrogen refueling infrastructure for fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen internal combustion engine powered vehicles, and portable power systems," said Dennis Wend, Executive Director of the NAC. "We have been very pleased with the performance of the first Quantum unit and look forward to siting both systems at military bases to demonstrate hydrogen infrastructure solutions that could support fuel cell technologies as they are deployed."" Source: prnewswire.com

posted by Frank @ 8:19 PM, ,


City gets $2M for ethanol-to-hydrogen fueling station

"An energy and water appropriations bill passed today grants a $2 million stipend to the City of Chicago to build the world’s first ethanol-to-hydrogen fueling station. U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) and Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.), who secured the funding in the House and Senate respectively, announced the news in a press release issued late Wednesday. The new technology at the fueling station, which is slated to begin construction some time next year, will convert renewable liquid ethanol into hydrogen gas. The city will use the station to fuel a test-fleet of five hydrogen powered vehicles. Hydrogen is a renewable resource with virtually infinite quantities. “Vehicles running on hydrogen are pollution free and emit only water,” Rep. Emanuel said in a statement." Source: fuelcellsworks.com

posted by Frank @ 8:18 PM, ,


Hydrogen Solar Ltd. Named Business Leader on the 2005 "Scientific American 50"

"Hydrogen Solar Ltd. has been named by Scientific American magazine as a 2005 Scientific American 50 Business Leader for its contributions in the commercial development of technology for producing hydrogen with Tandem Cells™. Hydrogen Solar Ltd has been named Business Leader because of work over the past year in commercialising carbon-free hydrogen generating technology using solar energy. Led by CEO Dr David Auty, the team has succeeded in industrializing the original concepts, advancing the efficiencies of the Tandem Cells, and scaling up the technology to a commercial demonstrator level. The technology has the capacity to address significant existing hydrogen markets and a future hydrogen economy." Source: fuelcellsworks.com

posted by Frank @ 8:16 PM, ,


Robotic Assembly of Fuel Cells Could Hasten Hydrogen Economy

"Echoes of a “hydrogen economy” are reverberating across the country, but a number of roadblocks stand in the way. One of the biggest, experts say, is the high cost of manufacturing fuel cells. A new research project at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute aims to tackle the challenge of mass production by using robots to assemble fuel cell stacks. The project, which will combine the resources of Rensselaer’s Flexible Manufacturing Center (FMC) and Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS), was recently supported with a major research equipment award from the Robotics Industries Association (RIA). As one of four universities selected in a nationwide competition, Rensselaer will receive three new industrial robot systems to help develop a flexible robotic process to produce fuel cell stacks." Source: newswise.com

posted by Frank @ 8:16 PM, ,


Fairchild International to Acquire Hydrogen Production
Tuesday, November 08, 2005

"Fairchild International announced negotiations to acquire a worldwide license to proprietary technology for the production of low-cost 99.9% pure hydrogen. The technology will work in conjunction with the company's gasification technologies to create hydrogen energy from bio-waste, low-grade coal, wood waste, and municipal and industrial garbage/waste products. The inventor of the technology is considered a leading expert in gasification and hydrogen energy technology. "The acquisition could make us a major player in the hydrogen power industry," said Robert Klein, Fairchild president. Once acquired, the technology will offer a hydrogen substitute to industrials that are currently powered by high-priced natural gas. It will maintain Syngas's net-zero airborne emissions and will qualify for greenhouse-gas credits as well as Kyoto protocol credits. Fairchild's wholly owned subsidiary Syngas Energy, will acquire the licenses." Source: renewableenergyaccess.com

posted by Frank @ 9:26 PM, ,


Kyoto Eyes Garbage-Based Hydrogen for Power Generation

"The City of Kyoto on Monday launched a pilot project to generate electricity by fuel cells that use hydrogen derived from raw garbage of households as a power source. There are already research projects on biomass power generation, but this is the first attempt in Japan to produce hydrogen from raw garbage for use in fuel-cell power generation, according to Kyoto officials. Organizers of the project, also participated by Kyoto University and the Environment Ministry, aim to put their garbage-based power generation scheme into practical use in 2013. The project uses a daily 3 tons of raw garbage to produce biogas made up primarily of methane gas, for conversion into hydrogen. From 3 tons of raw garbage, the project organizers expect to produce 500 to 600 cubic meters of hydrogen, enough to generate electricity to sustain two households for one month." Source: fuelcellsworks.com

posted by Frank @ 9:26 PM, ,


The focus is on fuel at Tokyo Auto Show
Monday, November 07, 2005

"From Mazda’s car that promises to use hydrogen to run a rotary engine to a General Motors sports utility vehicle powered by fuel cells, carmakers are competing at the Tokyo Motor Show to send car buyers a message: They have learned the lessons of the Prius. At the Mazda stand, models in miniskirts draped themselves over the Premacy, a minivan with a rotary engine fueled by hydrogen that is supposed to go on sale in the U.S. as early as 2008." Source: thedailyjournalonline.com

posted by Frank @ 9:23 PM, ,


Conference highlights use of hydrogen

"Today an ice resurfacing machine called the Ice Bear will sweep the rink inside Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, N.D., for an audience that cares more about hydrogen than hockey. The demonstration of the zero-emission resurfacing machine – powered by a hydrogen fuel cell instead of fossil fuels – will showcase a conference on the potential of hydrogen energy for the area’s economy. The conference, at the Energy and Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota, will highlight hydrogen research projects and explore their commercial potential." Source: in-forum.com

posted by Frank @ 9:22 PM, ,


The Scottish Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Association
Sunday, November 06, 2005

"The Scottish Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Association (SHFCA) would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on four key areas of our activities: membership, programmes and our forward vision. Fuel Cell Seminar Palm Springs 14th –18th November 2005 SHFCA is undertaking a branded mission to Fuel Cell Seminar this November. Under the umbrella of SHFCA, 6 companies and Scottish Development International (SDI) and UK Trade & Investment (UKT&I) will be exhibiting. The 6 companies are: CMR Fuel Cells Ltd. ; Fuel Cell Markets Ltd; Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd; SiGEN Ltd.; Cenergie Corp.; Luichart. All participants are members of SHFCA." Source: fuelcellsworks.com

posted by Frank @ 9:17 PM, ,


Hydrogen fuel cell promises users longer battery life
Saturday, November 05, 2005

"Researchers at Singapore's Nanyang University have developed a long-life fuel cell that runs on hydrogen." Source: newenergyreport.org

posted by Frank @ 10:40 AM, ,


Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will hit the market in 10 to 15 years

According to Jeremy Bentham, chief executive at Shell Hydrogen, fuel cell vehicles will debut between 2015-2025, but the projection comes with some qualifications, most importantly, the cost factor, which could easily push commercialization of fuel cell vehicles further into the future." Source: newenergyreport.org

posted by Frank @ 10:39 AM, ,


Department of Energy grants fuel hydrogen research at UGA

"Incorporating nanostructures may lead to more efficient hydrogen production and storage, according to researchers from the University of Georgia and the University of California, Santa Cruz who have secured $1.35 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to work on clean energy technologies. Yiping Zhao, assistant professor in the department of physics and astronomy at UGA and a recognized expert in the fabrication of nanostructures, is the principal investigator on the hydrogen storage aspect of the multi-institution project. The grants cover two distinct projects based on nanoscale materials on which the researchers will collaborate; one is for generating a solar cell device to produce hydrogen and one is using nanomaterials to safely store the hydrogen. Both projects are dependent on the materials to be designed and fabricated by Zhao at UGA, which will then be characterized and tested by Jin Zhang at UCSC. Researchers also involved are Mathew D. McCluskey from Washington State University for the hydrogen storage project and Wei Chen from Nomadics, Inc., in the hydrogen generation project. The grants are among 70 hydrogen research projects funded through a $64 million DOE initiative aimed at making vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells available, practical and affordable to American consumers by 2020. Generating hydrogen from solar energy  using it as a transportation fuel with only clean water as a byproduct  would completely bypass fossil fuels as an energy source. Still, significant technological barriers continue to block this reality." Source: eurekalert.org

posted by Frank @ 10:37 AM, ,


Massachusetts Hydrogen Coalition Reports Local Companies Receiving More than $50 Million in Venture Capital

""The clean energy movement in Massachusetts is beginning to generate significant venture capital," said Brad Bradshaw, President of the Massachusetts Hydrogen Coalition (http://massH2.org). "Several local companies, including Protonex, Green Fuel Technologies, Konarka, and Lilliputian, among others, have collectively raised more than $50 million in venture funding in just the past 18 months. By 2014, the market for renewable energy is projected to grow at $100 billion, according to independent analyst firm CleanEdge, Inc." Mr. Bradshaw added, "This is just the beginning of a significant Massachusetts business segment driven by hydrogen, fuel cell and other clean energy technologies. At the November 7th Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Summit in Boston, Governor Mitt Romney will meet with the Massachusetts Hydrogen Coalition, opening a dialogue that will lead to expanded clean energy Activities in the Commonwealth."" Source: fuelcellsworks.com

posted by Frank @ 10:33 AM, ,


Chemist seeks way to make hydrogen stick

"A chemist at Washington University in St. Louis hopes to find the right stuff to put the element hydrogen in a sticky situation. Lev Gelb, Ph.D., Washington University assistant professor of chemistry, prepares theoretical models of molecules that may be used to store and transport hydrogen gas. "The idea here is to create materials composed of molecules hydrogen likes to stick to," said Gelb. "If hydrogen stuck to these particles you could carry around the substance, along with the hydrogen." Such a substance would have to be relatively light-weight and very porous, having a high surface area, in order to adsorb as much hydrogen as possible. Then it is hoped that the hydrogen can be removed at the site of combustion by applying some low-energy force such as a vacuum. "The problem is that as far as we know, nothing is sticky enough without being too heavy," said Gelb." Source: wustl.edu

posted by Frank @ 10:30 AM, ,


Toyota invests $2m in US hydrogen storage research

"Toyota Motor Corp. is investing $2 million over the next two years in work with the Savannah River National Laboratory in Georgia to develop hydrogen fuel storage systems for cars, through its Toyota Technical Center USA subsidiary. The Savannah River Laboratory had a key role in manufacturing nuclear weapons and remains the only site in the US that processes tritium, a radioactive form of hydrogen." Source: autoindustry.co.uk

posted by Frank @ 10:28 AM, ,


Korea develops hydrogen container for fuel-cell cars
Wednesday, November 02, 2005

"A new type of hydrogen storage container received approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation in September and is now commercially available, the Ministry of Science and Technology said yesterday. The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials and Innocom Co. said that they succeeded in commercializing a composite high-pressurized hydrogen storage container - the world's second following the United States. The hydrogen storage container, normally used in portable air breathers and natural gas vehicles, has received plenty of global attention since its use has expanded to hydrogen fuel-cell cars for use as the hydrogen fuel tank." Source: koreaherald.co.kr

posted by Frank @ 6:20 PM, ,


Construction could start in the spring on $3 million hydrogen lab

"The director of the University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center says construction is expected to start in the spring on a 3 million National Center for Hydrogen Technology. Groenewold said fund raising is in high gear to pay for the proposed hydrogen center and the research activities it will hold. He expects the hydrogen lab will generate about $50 million in research contracts in the short term." Source: grandforks.com

posted by Frank @ 6:19 PM, ,


Grant awarded for solar hydrogen cells

"Altair Nanotechnologies Inc., in collaboration with the University of Nevada Las Vegas Research Foundation (UNLVRF), has received a $2.5 million Phase III grant award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the joint development of solar hydrogen generation cells and materials. Altairnano (Reno, Nv.) will receive $750,000 for collaborative research and development efforts through its subcontractor agreement with UNLVRF beginning Oct. 1, 2005, and continuing through December 2006. Altairnano's nanocrystalline metal oxide materials are key components to the overall effectiveness of the hybrid cell being developed under Phase II of the grant." Source: eetimes.com

posted by Frank @ 6:18 PM, ,


Turning wind into hydrogen
Tuesday, November 01, 2005

"A new partnership between Xcel Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden raises an intriguing possibility about America's energy future. Xcel sells electricity made by wind turbines, and NREL develops cutting-edge "green" energy technologies. Wind energy has stubbornly remained more expensive and less reliable than traditional power sources. A key problem always has been how to store wind energy so it can be used to make electricity at any time. That puzzle might be solved if Xcel and NREL can engineer affordable ways to make hydrogen from wind turbines. The physics are well known: Wind turbines generate electricity, and electricity is used to break apart water molecules, leaving just oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen can be stored in battery-like fuel cells or burned in combustion engines similar to those that use natural gas or propane. (Despite its reputation, hydrogen isn't more dangerous than other, commonly used flammable fuels such as natural gas, propane and gasoline.)" Source: fuelcellsworks.com

posted by Frank @ 9:14 PM, ,