The California Energy Commission announced this month it will invest $46.6 million to speed up the development of publicly accessible hydrogen refueling stations in order to promote a consumer market for fuel cell vehicles. “Transitioning to low- and zero-emission mobility is critical to meeting air quality goals and to reducing the emissions that lead to climate change,” said Energy Commissioner Janea A. Scott.
The recommended funding awards to eight applicants (Air Liquide, FirstElement Fuel, HyGen Industries, ITM Power, Linde, the Institute of Gas Technology, HTEC and Ontario CNG Station Inc.) include six 100% renewable hydrogen stations and will add 13 new locations in Northern California, 15 in Southern California, all strategically located to build a network along major corridors and in regional centers, and one mobile refueler. In addition, there are nine stations in operation and 17 currently under development.
Moreover, Toyota will collaborate with FirstElement and with Linde (both potential recipients of the funding) to support the construction of new hydrogen refueling stations in California. “Most importantly, we are showing the future owners of this amazing technology that Toyota is helping to ensure that hydrogen refueling will be available, no matter what car brand is on the hood,” said Bob Carter, senior vice president, Automotive Operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS).
In accordance with the terms of the agreement with Toyota, FirstElement will work to develop an integrated and reliable network of fueling stations across California in target market locations approved by Toyota. Regarding the other alliance, Linde plans to build a hydrogen station near the Toyota San Francisco Regional Office, a location that will serve local and regional customers, as well as serve as an important connector site between the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Source: California Energy Commission/Toyota
