The January 2019 issue of the Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) newsletter includes stories in these categories:
- In the News
- Funding Opportunities and Requests for Information
- Webinars and Workshops
- Studies, Reports, and Publications.
In the News
A Look Back at 2018 for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
In case you missed it, 2018 was a year full of accomplishments and exciting news for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) and the hydrogen and fuel cells research community. These are just a few examples of the hydrogen and fuel cell highlights that took place in 2018.
- More than 6,200 fuel cell cars are on the road and 39 hydrogen stations are open to the public.
- The H2@Scale research and development (R&D) consortium launched more than 20 projects for which industry and labs are collaborating on hydrogen production, storage, and delivery R&D to unlock hydrogen's potential in enabling a more resilient and flexible energy system.
- For the first time, the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program's Annual Merit Review and Peer Review Meeting (AMR) included a panel on FCTO's collaboration with federal agencies and states to enable hydrogen and fuel cell applications.
- The International Partnership for Hydrogen in the Economy (IPHE), an international partnership with 18 country members and the European Commission, elected the United States as Chair.
- The research community and the private sector came together in a DOE workshop to address the potential of hydrogen and fuel cells for trucks and heavy-duty applications.
DOE Announced Collaboration with Michigan to Advance Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
FCTO announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). This MOU will enhance collaboration on hydrogen and fuel cell R&D with the state of Michigan to promote private investment and domestic job creation. Through this MOU, MEDC will leverage capabilities at DOE's national laboratories to enhance analysis and data collection to guide future R&D.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Launches its New Supercomputer, Eagle
Earlier this month, DOE, NREL, and industry partners commemorated the launch of the Eagle, the newest version of NREL's largest supercomputer at NREL's Energy Systems Integration Facility. The Eagle has more than tripled NREL's computing capability compared to their previous supercomputer, can carry out 8 million-billion calculations per second, and recycles 97% of its own waste heat for use throughout the building. Attendees also got to see the lab's sustainable data center demonstration that uses an automotive hydrogen fuel cell to power a computing rack. This is one example of how fuel cells can provide reliable power beyond transportation applications.
Early Bird Registration for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program Annual Merit Review Ends on March 3
The Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program will hold the AMR April 29–May 1, 2019, in Crystal City, Virginia. You can register using the early-bird rate until March 3. Everyone who attends any portion of the AMR, including invited reviewers, must register in advance. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. We encourage you to make your hotel reservation early.
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Funding Opportunities and Requests for Information
Energy Department Announces Notice of Intent to Issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement on H2@Scale
DOE announced a Notice of Intent (NOI) to issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to advance the H2@Scale concept. View the NOI. The focus of H2@Scale is to enable affordable and reliable large-scale hydrogen generation, transport, storage, and utilization in the United States across multiple sectors. EERE plans to issue the FOA in early 2019 via the EERE Exchange website. If applicants wish to receive official notifications and information from EERE regarding this FOA, they should register in EERE Exchange.
Webinars and Workshops
Webinar February 7: Addressing Challenges to Water Splitting Materials for Hydrogen Production through HydroGEN AWSM, a Multi-Lab Collaboration
On Thursday, February 7, FCTO will present a live webinar titled "Addressing Challenges to Water Splitting Materials for Hydrogen Production through HydroGEN AWSM, a Multi-Lab Collaboration." This webinar will provide an overview of HydroGEN, part of DOE's Energy Materials Network. HydroGEN, a six-lab consortium, aims to accelerate the discovery and development of advanced water splitting materials (AWSM) for sustainable hydrogen production. Researchers from NREL will discuss the consortium's technical capabilities as well as ways for industry to collaborate with them on key R&D challenges including efficiency, durability, and cost of these materials. Register for the webinar.
Visit our website to see webinar archives or workshop presentations.
Studies, Reports, and Publications
NREL Published the "Fuel Cell Buses in U.S. Transit Fleets: Current Status 2018" Report
NREL's report, published annually and funded by FCTO, summarizes the progress of fuel cell electric bus (FCEB) development in the United States and discusses the achievements and challenges of introducing fuel cell propulsion in transit. The report provides a summary of results from evaluations performed by NREL. This annual status report combines results from FCEB demonstrations, tracks the progress of the FCEB industry toward meeting technical targets, documents the lessons learned, and discusses the path forward for commercial viability of fuel cell technology for transit buses.
DOE Published Record on Hydrogen Cost Status
This record, titled "Current Status of Hydrogen Delivery and Dispensing Costs and Pathways to Future Cost Reductions," estimates the levelized cost of hydrogen delivery from centralized production to fueling stations and dispensing into fuel cell electric vehicles in current markets. It also outlines examples of future pathways that could achieve DOE's targets.
HTAC Posted Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Educational Resources
The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee (HTAC) posted hydrogen and fuel cell educational resources on their website. View the HTAC outreach modules.