Addressing Potential Near Term Demand Gaps in Hydrogen Infrastructure
Tony Androsky, U.S. Fuel Cell Council


On Tuesday, January 8th, the US Fuel Cell Council held a forum/workshop addressing the potential near term demand gaps in hydrogen infrastructure. The meeting was held at the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) office in Diamond Bar, CA. Participants included vehicle OEMs, energy providers, officials from several California state government agencies, the US Department of Energy as well as other critical stakeholders. The SCAQMD event was the second formal meeting of this USFCC Transportation Working Group (TWG) lead initiative.

The TWG has been studying hydrogen infrastructure needs for the ramp-up of hydrogen vehicle fleets currently underway. Tracking hydrogen highway related state initiatives is integral as hundreds of fuel cell vehicles will be arriving between now and 2010. In order for the hydrogen economy to attain full traction, “compelling” hydrogen stations must be built, they must be in the right place and they must be operating as liability free, open access stations. Integral to this effort is the establishment of enabling codes, standards and recommended practices. Sound coordination is desperately needed. This initiative is providing that coordination.

The Council’s TWG’s position reads that since the first "critical mass" of fuel cell vehicles will be in California, California needs to be addressed first. Then, in short order, other states and regions will be identified and addressed as the need arises. In parallel, a national infrastructure, in accordance with initiatives already underway by the US government, must be coordinated as well. Minutes and presentations from the meeting are posted on the Council’s TWG public website: http://www.usfcc.com/usfcc/wgroup_trans.html

The TWG consists of automotive OEMs/suppliers, fuel cell OEMs/suppliers, hydrogen and energy producers/providers, federal & state government organizations and others. For further information on this initiative as well as other activities of the Council’s Transportation Working Group contact Tony Androsky at androsky@usfcc.com.