US DOE deploys 1,000 HFC Buses to establish a Fuel Cell Hub. Silver is Cheaper and Better Catalyst than Platinum.
Silver leads all Asset Classes in 2024, Up 23% in past 6 months
We’ve written over 100 articles in past 6 months on how Silver is the #1 metal for conducting all Energy.
So here we go again.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the signing of a $12.6 billion agreement, including up to $1.2 billion from the DOE and $11.4 billion in public and private matching funds, to accelerate clean hydrogen projects throughout California.
Within the plan, an initiative aiming to deploy over 1,000 fuel cell buses is in place.
New Flyer hydrogen buses have been ordered so far in California by Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and San Francisco Bay Area’s AC Transit. In California all new sales of transit buses must be zero-emission by 2030 in the state.
Fuel cell bus figures grew strongly in 2023 in the USA, showing a 76% increase (from 211 to 327 units) according to CALSTART report.
2023 data highlights California‘s continued leadership in the nationwide adoption of Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs), with a count of 1,946, representing 32 percent of all ZEBs across the country. It’s no surprise, as all new sales of transit buses must be zero-emission by 2030 in the state.
ARCHES’ 1,000-Bus Initiative goes live
This funding supports the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) in establishing a leading hydrogen hub in the state and aims to significantly reduce California’s dependence on fossil fuels, paving the way for a carbon-neutral economy by 2045. Selected last October as one of seven recipients of the DOE’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs), ARCHES is pioneering a national network connecting clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and infrastructure, marking a crucial milestone in advancing sustainable energy solutions across the United States. Notably, ARCHES is the first of the H2 Hubs to successfully secure a contract with the DOE, allowing it to advance to Phase 1 planning activities.
As a key partner of the ARCHES team, the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) is proud to spearhead ARCHES’ 1,000-Bus Initiative. This ambitious project involves deploying more than 1,000 fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) across 13 California transit agencies over the next five to eight years. It also includes the construction or upgrade of 19 refueling and maintenance facilities essential for supporting these buses.
CTE’s California office will be engaged in developing the strategic plan for and executing the deployment of 5,000 Class 8 fuel cell electric trucks and their supporting infrastructure.
“We are honored to be a part of the ARCHES team and contribute to the country’s growing hydrogen economy,” said Dan Raudebaugh, Executive Director, CTE. “The DOE’s substantial investment underscores the importance of hydrogen as a key component of our clean energy future. CTE is dedicated to driving innovation and collaboration to support our shared vision of a sustainable, zero-emission U.S. transportation system.”
Silver is the Go To Metal over Platinum
Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, and Toyota Research Institute have made a significant breakthrough in making hydrogen fuel cells more affordable and practical. The team discovered that by substituting some of the expensive platinum group metals (PGMs) in fuel cell catalysts with cheaper silver, they could achieve an equally effective fuel cell at a much lower cost. This innovation not only reduces the overall expense of fuel cell production but also simplifies the chemical process of applying the catalyst to the cell's electrodes.
Fuel Cell Energy Superior to Electric Vehicles
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), including cars and trucks, offer significant advantages due to their fast refueling times, zero emissions, and superior torque characteristics. Unlike battery electric vehicles that can take 30 minutes to several hours to charge, FCEVs can be refueled in about 5 minutes, comparable to conventional gasoline vehicles. This rapid refueling is particularly beneficial for long-haul trucking, where minimizing downtime is crucial for operational efficiency.
FCEVs produce no harmful tailpipe emissions, emitting only water vapor and warm air, making them an environmentally friendly option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. Additionally, fuel cell systems provide high power output and quick acceleration due to the instant torque delivery characteristic of electric motors, which is especially advantageous for heavy-duty trucks carrying large loads. These combined benefits make fuel cell technology an attractive option for both passenger vehicles and commercial trucking applications, particularly for long-distance travel and heavy-duty operations.
Then there is shipping over the water.
A single container can weigh as much as 30 tons, but a cargo ship would carry as many as 1,000 of these containers, making their total load 30,000 tons
The energy consumption of ships, barges, ferries, and yachts is significant, with maritime shipping accounting for approximately 3% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, comparable to the emissions of countries like Japan, Germany, and Canada. Transitioning these vessels to fuel cell technology could lead to substantial energy savings and emissions reductions.
For instance, electric ferries have already demonstrated an 80% reduction in energy use compared to conventional ships. If the entire maritime sector adopted fuel cell technology, the energy efficiency gains could be substantial, potentially reducing overall energy consumption by a similar margin. This transition would also contribute to a considerable decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, significantly impacting the environmental footprint of global maritime transportatio
Fuel Cell Hydrogen Buses in California: ARCHEs and DOE Collaboration
Key Highlights
Introduction of Fuel Cell Hydrogen Buses
California is set to introduce fuel cell hydrogen buses as part of a new initiative.
This initiative is a collaboration between the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Project Goals and Objectives
The primary aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable public transportation.
The project intends to demonstrate the viability and efficiency of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the public transit sector.
Funding and Support
The DOE has allocated significant funding to support the deployment of these hydrogen buses.
Additional funding and support are provided by state and local agencies, as well as private sector partners.
Implementation Strategy
The project will involve the deployment of a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses across various transit agencies in California.
These buses will be integrated into existing public transportation networks to assess performance, reliability, and environmental benefits.
Environmental Impact
Hydrogen fuel cell buses produce zero emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a reduction in carbon footprint.
This initiative aligns with California's broader goals of achieving carbon neutrality and combating climate change.
Future Prospects
The success of this project could pave the way for wider adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in public transportation nationwide.
It sets a precedent for future collaborations between federal, state, and private entities to promote sustainable energy solutions.
The collaboration between ARCHEs and the DOE marks a significant step towards sustainable public transportation in California. By introducing fuel cell hydrogen buses, the project aims to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and demonstrate the potential of hydrogen technology in the transit sector.
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Silver leads all Asset Classes in 2024, Up 23% in past 6 months
