Linde spending $4.3 million on two new hydrogen stations in California

If California is going to sink millions upon millions to expand its hydrogen-refueling infrastructure, shouldn't at least some of that infrastructure be operated by a company that actually produces hydrogen fuel? Why, yes, and that's the case with Linde North America. The company has announced it will build two publicly-accessible hydrogen stations in Northern California, courtesy of a $4.3 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC).

One of the stations will be at Oakland International Airport while the other will be about 20 miles east in San Ramon, next to Toyota's regional office and parts distribution center for the San Francisco Bay Area. That's only fitting, considering that Toyota is going to release a production fuel cell vehicle next year, first in Japan, then in the US (it will be limited to California at the beginning).

The California Air Resources Board recently outlined the Golden State's intention to spend $50 million on getting 28 hydrogen refueling stations up and running by the end of next year and as many as 100 new stations added during the next decade. A large chunk of those (19, to be exact) will be built through a partnership betweetn Toyota and FirstElement Fuel Inc., so things are happening. Check out Linde's press release below. Show full PR text Linde to build two additional retail hydrogen fueling stations in northern California

- Receives $4 million grant from California Energy Commission

- Fueling stations slated for Oakland International Airport and San Ramon

MURRAY HILL, N.J., and NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J., Aug. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Energy Commission (CEC) awarded $4.3 million to Linde North America to construct retail hydrogen fueling stations in Northern California. The stations will be located at the Oakland International Airport and on Toyota owned property in San Ramon, California, adjacent to Toyota's San Francisco Regional Office and Parts Distribution Center. The award is part of $46.6 million funding program the CEC has committed this year to expand the retail hydrogen fueling infrastructure within the state.

The grants, made through CEC's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, were made to eight applicants and will add 13 new hydrogen fueling locations in Northern California and 15 in Southern California, strategically located to create a refueling network along major corridors and in regional centers. The California legislature has authorized CEC to spend $20 million per year over the next 10 years to build up to 100 stations, in order advance the commercialization of fuel cell cars. "Transitioning to low- and zero-emission vehicles is critical to meeting air quality goals and to reducing the emissions that lead to climate change," said Energy Commissioner Janea A. Scott. "With this funding, California will accelerate the construction of a reliable and affordable refueling infrastructure to support the commercial market launch of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles."

Mike Beckman, head of Hydrogen Fueling for Linde North America, said, "This is a huge shot in the arm for the commercialization of hydrogen-fueled cars. Not just for California and the U.S., but for the global initiative as well. California is taking the lead, and by adding additional funds for 28 new retail stations sends a strong message about how serious one market is about setting up the infrastructure to promote the introduction of zero-emission vehicles."

Toyota, Honda and Hyundai have already committed to commercial introduction of fuel cell cars by the end of this year and beginning of next year. "Others will soon follow," Beckman said. "So we're moving closer to hydrogen fueled automobiles becoming a commercial reality. We are currently cooperating with Toyota and the Port of Oakland and appreciate their support. The next step for us is to commercialize our first two retail stations and prove that Linde can lead the way in high performance, high throughput retail hydrogen fueling."

"The first few years here in California will be a critical period for hydrogen fuel cell technology," said Craig Scott, national manager of advanced technology vehicles at Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. "Toyota is working with partners like Linde to ensure fuel cell customers have access to infrastructure, no matter what car brand is on the hood."

Commenting on the award, Deborah Ale Flint, Director of Aviation for the Port of Oakland, said, "OAK is a demonstrated leader in providing alternative fuel infrastructure that serves our tenants, our customers and the public, while reducing our carbon footprint. Working with Linde and the CEC to bring hydrogen fueling to the Airport is consistent with the innovative approach that has brought other air quality improvements such as CNG fueling, EV chargers and electrification of baggage tractors to OAK. This presents a great opportunity for the Airport to showcase its commitment to air quality by creating transportation alternatives based on low-emission technologies. Oakland International Airport congratulates Linde on their grant award and whole-heartedly supports CEC's goal of expanding access to hydrogen fueling to OAK and across the state."

Linde North America is a member of The Linde Group, one of the world's largest hydrogen energy producers and a leader in developing alternative fuel technologies. Linde, one of the earliest entrants into the hydrogen energy arena, is a leader in the safe production, storage and distribution of hydrogen.

"We are building the expertise to deliver new and sustainable energy solutions that contribute to a greener world and cleaner environment," Beckman said.

About The Linde Group

In the 2013 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of EUR 16.655 bn (USD 23.1 bn), making it the largest gases and engineering company in the world with approximately 63,500 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment - in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

For more information, visit www.lindeus.com.

Under the "Clean Technology by Linde" label, the company offers a wide range of products and technologies that help to render renewable energy sources financially viable, and significantly slow down the depletion of fossil resources or reduce the level of CO2 emitted. This ranges from specialty gases for solar module manufacturing, industrial-scale CO2 separation and application technologies to alternative fuels and energy carriers such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen.

For more information, go to http://www.linde.com/cleantechnology.

About the Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport and Oakland International Airport. The Port's jurisdiction includes 20 miles of waterfront from the Bay Bridge through Oakland International Airport. The Oakland seaport is the fifth busiest container port in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport is the second largest San Francisco Bay Area airport offering over 300 daily passenger and cargo flights; and the Port's real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. Together, through Port operations and those of its tenants and users, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook and Twitter, or with the Port on YouTube and at www.portofoakland.com.
Source