Hydrogen Fuel News

Renewable energy makes strong progress in the EU

Alicia Moore — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:00:55 +0000

Report highlights growth of renewable energy in EU

Renewable energy has been making strong progress in Europe. The European Union has devoted a great deal of support to the expansion of clean energy in several countries, with a strong focus on solar and wind power, as well as natural gas. The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) has released a new report concerning the growth of these forms of renewable energy. While the EPIA typically focuses primarily on solar energy, its report also provides some insight on clean power as a whole.

Solar energy capacity soars

In terms of solar energy, the EPIA report shows that solar energy capacity throughout Europe has grown significantly over the past year. Europe remains the dominant force in the solar energy field, with Germany alone accounting for 7.6 gigawatts of new installed capacity in 2012. Asia, as a whole, represented 5 gigawatts of new capacity, with the U.S. and Japan representing 3.3 gigawatts and 2 gigawatts of new capacity respectively. The report notes that the global solar panel market grew by approximately 30 gigawatts in 2012.

Wind energy helps drive away need for coal

Wind energy is also on the rise throughout Europe. Critics of renewable energy have suggested that the rise of solar and wind power would also boost coal capacity, especially as renewables begin to replace nuclear power. The EPIA report shows that this is not the case, particularly where wind energy is involved. Coal is beginning to shrink in countries where wind energy is gaining ground. Those countries with a strong focus on offshore wind energy are beginning to see a considerable drop in coal capacity.

EU resources help boost renewable energy

Europe has become one of the strongest advocates for renewable energy in the world. While the U.S. and China have also emerged as strong supporters, Europe has made the most progress toward energy sustainability and breaking away from fossil-fuels. This is largely due to the collective political and financial strength of the European Union, which has devoted much of its resources to the issues surrounding renewable energy.

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CTE hydrogen fuel project finishes its first year

Bret Williams — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:29 +0000

Hydrogen fuel project in California successfully reaches first anniversary

Georgia’s Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), a non-profit organization focused on clean fuels and their use in transportation, has completed its first year of operating hydrogen-powered forklifts in California’s Defense Depot San Joaquin. The organization participated in this project in order to demonstrate the capabilities of these vehicles, as well as to gauge the prospects of hydrogen fuel cells and their use in the materials handling space. Fuel cells have been gaining traction in this sector for some time, becoming quite popular with at retail distribution centers.

Project aims to demonstrate capabilities of fuel cells

One of the project’s primary goals is to spread awareness of hydrogen fuel cells and how they can be used to power vehicles of various types. The project was sponsored by the Defense Logistics Agency, which is now responsible for analyzing the data that was collected through the project concerning the performance of these vehicles as well as the various technologies that went into its operation.

Several companies are involved in CTE project

The companies that provided their technologies to the project include Plug Power, Air Products, Proton OnSite, and Pape Material Handling. In the case of Plug Power, the company’s GenDrive hydrogen fuel cells were put to use in the forklifts. Air Products, a leading producer of industrial chemicals, was responsible for the hydrogen storage and dispensing equipment that is being used for the project. Proton OnSite developed the hydrogen fuel production system and Pape Material Handling is responsible for maintaining the forklifts that are equipped with Plug Power’s fuel cells.

Project estimated to last another year

Though the project has completed a full year of operation, it has not yet reached its finish. CTE expects another 12 months to pass before the project is officially over. By that time, the project will have generated enough data to provide more insight in hydrogen fuel cells and how they can be used in materials handling and other sectors.

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EU to move ahead with solar energy tariffs against China

Stephen Vagus — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:30 +0000

Trade disputes concerning solar energy technology continue to rage

Solar energy has been gaining ground in the European Union and manufacturing solar panels has become a very lucrative business in many European countries. Demand for solar energy systems has been rising steadily throughout the region, providing manufacturers with plenty of business. In the EU, however, the solar panel market is currently being heavily influenced by forces beyond Europe. Chinese solar panel manufacturers have been flooding the market with products that are considerably less expensive than those produced in the EU. This has lead to trade disputes in recent months as European companies attempt to regain their grasp on the market.

China causing disruption in European solar panel market

Trade disputes between the EU and China broke out late last year, as Chinese solar panels began flooding the European market. These panels were produced at a lower cost than those made in Europe, which meant that they could be sold at a lower cost to consumers. China devoted much of its industrial might to the production of solar modules last year, which resulting in a swarm of new solar panels entering several markets around the world. Because consumers had access to affordable solar energy systems, they were more inclined to purchase from Chinese companies than from European companies. In many cases, these European companies were not able to bear the financial impact of China’s presence in the market and ended up going out of business.

EU to introduce tariffs against Chinese companies

The European Union has been taking steps to ensure that European companies have the ability to perform in their native market. As such, the European Commission, the legislative arm of the governing body, has announced that it will go ahead with new anti-dumping tariffs concerning solar panels. The tariffs are to be leveraged against more than 100 Chinese companies that have been accused of intentionally flooding the market to exterminate competition from European companies.

Solar energy expected to continue showing strong growth

The tariffs are meant to make it more expensive for Chinese companies to bring their products to the EU, but EU officials do not expect that the tariffs will slow the progress that solar energy has been making throughout Europe. Backed by the tariff, several EU companies may be able to find more stability in the market and reclaim the success they had seen before China had become strongly invested in solar energy.

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Navy drone sets new record with the help of hydrogen fuel

Tami Hood — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:08 +0000

Navy makes major breakthrough with hydrogen fuel

The U.S. Navy has become a very strong supporter of renewable energy over the past few years, driven heavily by the interests of the Department of Defense. The Navy has been involved in projects concerning various types of renewable energy, from solar energy to biofuels. Hydrogen fuel is included in the Navy’s interests as well, but the military has been relatively reserved on its experimentation with fuel cells, preferring these energy systems for transportation purposes. The Navy has, however, achieved a major accomplishment concerning hydrogen fuel recently.

Hydrogen-powered UAV flight record has been broken

The Navy’s Ion Tiger unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been the pride of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory for several years. The relatively small aerial drone represents a convergence of the Navy’s technological progress in the field of drone flight and hydrogen fuel cells. The drone is equipped with fuel cell propulsion system that makes sued of liquid hydrogen fuel. In 2009, the UAV set a record when it flew for more than 24 hours before needing to be refueled. That record has since been broken.

Ion Tiger manages to break its own flight record

Researchers from the Naval Research Laboratory have successfully flown the hydrogen-powered UAV for 48 hours and 1 minute, shattering the drone’s previous flight record. Researchers note that the successful endurance flight was partially due to the liquid hydrogen fuel that was used by the drone. This fuel was stored at three times the pressure of conventional hydrogen and was injected into a cryogenic fuel tank and delivery system. This storage system was designed to be lightweight, allowing the drone to fly for an extended period of time without having a significant need to refuel.

Hydrogen fuel remains an interest for transportation purposes

While the military remains interested in hydrogen fuel for transportation purposes, Navy researchers suggest that fuel cells could help make battlefield surveillance more efficient. Drones that are able to stay in the sky for longer periods of time are more capable of observing the events that unfold beneath them, providing valuable information to soldiers on the ground.

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Community-based renewable energy bills pass milestone in California

Angie Bergenson — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:00:46 +0000

Community-based renewable energy may soon be a reality in the state

Several weeks ago, California legislators had been debating two bills concerning community-based renewable energy projects in the state. These bills (Senate Bill 43 and Assembly Bill 1014) seek to make the state friendlier when it comes to renewable energy by providing some financial leeway to those that are interested in community-based projects. The bills are nearly identical save for some very minor differences and will eventually be combined into a single bill later in the legislative process.

Bills aim to provide financial incentive for community projects

The bills are meant to allow investor-owned utility customers in the state to receive some credit toward their electricity bill for the renewable energy produced by systems that are located on property that they do not own. Essentially, this credit is associated with renewable energy projects that take form on community property, such as parks, school campuses, and other such locations. The community supporting these projects can purchase electrical power voluntarily or receive their energy from their utility provider as normal.

Bills gain approval from legislative committees

Late last week, the two bills passed their first major milestone. Both bills were approved by their appropriate committees, with AB 1014 winning unanimous approval from the California Assembly Utility and Commerce Committee and Senate Bill 43 passing the California Senate Energy Committee. Both bills received strong support from their representative committees, which could be promising for their future in the legislative process.

Bills praised for their economic prospects

The bills managed to win strong support due to their economic prospects. Those supporting the bill suggest that more than 12,700 jobs could be created by making putting more emphasis behind community-based renewable energy projects. These projects could also produce more than $130 million in tax revenue for the state, which could be a major selling point for these bills as California has long struggled with its own deep-seated financial issues.

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Hydrogen fuel could be replaced by natural gas in the Bloom Box

John Max — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:21 +0000

Bloom Energy shows off its new hydrogen fuel cell

The relationship between hydrogen fuel cells and natural gas has been heating up for some time. Fuel cells need hydrogen to operate, but just because hydrogen is the most abundant chemical in the universe does not mean that it is easily found on earth. Most of the world’s hydrogen is tied to other chemicals, such as oxygen. As such, hydrogen must be extracted from the substances that it helps create, such as water. To do this, energy is needed and natural gas has become one of the most popular energy sources for hydrogen fuel production.

Bloom Box can use natural gas to produce energy

Bloom Energy, a leading developer of fuel cells, has been working to promote its Bloom Box recently. The Bloom Box is a type of stationary hydrogen fuel cell that has become relatively popular in industries like telecommunications. Though it is very similar to other stationary fuel cells, the Bloom Box is not restricted to one fuel resource. Rather than using natural gas as an energy source for hydrogen fuel production, the Bloom Box can use natural gas as a replacement for hydrogen.

Natural gas continues to become more affordable

With the price of natural gas continuing to fall, the Bloom Box may soon become much more attractive in several industries. The fact that the energy system can use natural gas to generate electrical power sets it apart from other products offered by the fuel cell industry. There is a small problem, however, concerning the emissions linked to natural gas. Natural gas is a fossil-fuel and produces carbon dioxide when it is used to produce energy. This fuel is significantly cleaner than other fossil-fuels, but the fact that it is associated with emissions may make it less popular to those that are showing interest in fuel cells.

Fuel cell industry sees strong growth

The fuel cell industry has been seeing a great deal of growth over the past few years. Several companies within the industry are inching closer to profitability as hydrogen fuel cells continue to gain exposure. Currently, mobile fuel cells are the most popular type of these energy systems, as they can be efficiently used in transportation. Stationary fuel cells, however, have been gaining traction in the IT sector and in telecommunications.

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Geothermal energy gains more attention in Switzerland

John Max — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:00:09 +0000

Swiss university sets sights on geothermal energy

ETH Zurich, a leading technology university in Switzerland, has been awarded more than $10.4 million in funding that will help support its efforts in the field of geothermal energy. The university has been a leading authority on geothermal energy for some time and has been devoted to the exploration of Switzerland’s geothermal potential. Though the country is located well beyond the infamous Ring of Fire — a well known geologic hotspot — geological events are common throughout Switzerland.

Funds to be used to further research in deep geothermics

The funds come from the Werner Siemens Foundation, which is a long time supporter of scientific projects taking place in academia. Some of the funding will be used to install two new professorships at ETH Zurich. These professorships will be dedicated to deep geothermics and how the heat associated with geothermal energy can be used for various purposes. Through the establishment of these professorships, ETH Zurich aims to make geothermal energy a more viable alternative to fossil-fuels and other forms of clean power. The university suggests that as much as 10% of the country’s energy could come from geothermal sources.

Geothermal power is nothing new

Geothermal energy has become a popular subject for countries that experience a significant level of geological activity. Japan, for instance, has been utilizing geothermal energy for centuries. Natural thermal vents were often used to heat the water at many of Japan’s famed hot springs. More recently, geothermal energy has helped provide some luxury heating for homes throughout the country. Switzerland is no stranger to geothermal energy, but the country has not yet embraced it to the degree that Japan has.

Risks abound when tapping into the earth’s energy

While geothermal energy may seem like a very promising form of clean power, there are risks associated with its use. Tapping into this energy can be a problematic process due to the harmful chemicals that are buried deep within the earth. These chemicals are released through natural vents; fractures in the planet’s crust, and can have a very detrimental effect on the local environment.

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Hydrogen fuel may benefit from new investment in Plug Power

Erin Kilgore — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:00:01 +0000

Investment to help power company’s plans with hydrogen fuel

Plug Power, a leading developer of hydrogen fuel cells, has announced that it has received a large investment from Air Liquide, specialist in industrial gases. The fuel cell industry has been seeing an increase in investment activity in recent months. Investors appear to be growing more comfortable with the prospects of hydrogen fuel, especially as they continue to attract a great deal of attention in the auto industry. Air Liquide has long been involved in the hydrogen fuel sector and has been tied to the fuel cell industry for years.

Air Liquide invests $6.5 million in Plug Power

Air Liquide’s strategic investment comes in at $6.5 million. The investment increases the company’s ownership in the HyPulsion joint venture it has launched with Plug Power. The investment signifies a major endorsement from Air Liquide, which boasts of a great deal of influence in multiple industries. Plug Power has reported an increase in sales of 36% during 2012, largely due to the company’s stronger focus on the materials handling space.

Money to help Plug Power expand

Plug Power has raised $12 million in funding so far this year. The funds that the company has acquired will help it develop more efficient fuel cells and break into new markets around the world. The company is currently most concerned with the issue of growth. The demand for hydrogen fuel cells is on the rise, creating a strong opportunity for Plug Power to enter into new markets. Establishing a presence in new markets is somewhat costly, however, which is why Plug Power is seeking out every opportunity to raise more funds.

Demand for hydrogen fuel cells is on the rise

Hydrogen fuel cells are most popular in the auto industry currently. While Plug Power has had some connection with automakers, the company has adopted a very specific focus on the materials handling space. Plug Power have found success in developing fuel cells for forklift trucks and other such vehicles, but the company has also developed stationary fuel cells for other industrial purposes.

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Researchers find a way to make solar energy more efficient

Alicia Moore — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:01 +0000

Yale researchers increase the efficiency of solar energy cells

Researchers from Connecticut’s Yale University have found a way to boost the efficiency of solar cells through the use of fluorescent dye. Efficiency has become a major topic in the field of solar energy. As solar energy begins to find more acceptance throughout the country, the need to develop more efficient technologies is becoming too great to ignore. Finding ways to make solar cells more efficient has become a very attractive subject for the science community.

Dye used to boost efficiency

A team of Yale researchers have been able to increase the efficiency of solar cells by as much as 38% through the use of fluorescent dye. This dye coats the solar cells and allows them to collect more light and recycle electrons more efficiently. The dying process is simple and the dye itself is inexpensive, leading researchers to believe that such a process could make solar energy a significantly more attractive alternative to fossil-fuels in the near future.

Polymer cells chosen due to their low cost

Researchers used polymer solar cells for their project. These solar cells are quite popular in the realm of solar energy due to the low cost. Like other solar cells, however, polymer cells are susceptible to efficiency shortfalls. These cells are typically only capable of converting 50% of the sunlight they capture into electrical power. While polymer cells are a popular option, they are limited when it comes to the matter of energy production. Their low cost nature made them very appropriate subjects for researchers, however, as the team has been interested in finding ways to make solar energy less expensive.

Dye could be used on other solar cell designs

Researchers note that the dye used is highly absorbent in the near-infrared region. This broadens the light spectrum that solar cells are able to absorb, thus making them more effective in generating solar energy. Researchers suggest that the process they used to boost efficiency can be used in solar cells of various designs.

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Hydrogen fuel gets a boost in India

Stephen Vagus — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:00:00 +0000

Indian agency announces plans to support hydrogen fuel cells

India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has some ambitious plans when it comes to renewable energy. The government agency has been a strong supporter of sustainability for some time and has long been working to overcome the various challenges it faces therein. Several forms of renewable energy have been gaining popularity in India, with the most popular being solar power. The agency, however, has plans to draw more attention to hydrogen fuel cells.

New program could help promote fuel cells

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has announced plans to launch a research, development, and demonstration program focused on hydrogen fuel cells, as well as tidal and geothermal energy. The program is designed to support the development of hydrogen fuel cells from academic institutions and state-based agencies. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is offering financial aid that could cover 100% of the costs associated with eligible hydrogen fuel projects.

Program will highlight fuel cells for stationary energy and transportation

The fuel cells that will be strongly supported through the program will involve stationary power generation and those used in automobiles. Hydrogen fuel cells have become a well favored energy system for much of the auto industry and many automakers have plans to launch hydrogen-powered vehicles in the near future. In terms of stationary power, fuel cells have been popular in the world of industry for some time but continue to attract more attention due to their ability to produce large amounts of electrical power without also producing harmful emissions.

Program also extends support to other forms of renewable energy

The program will not be solely focused on hydrogen fuel cells as it will also extend support to biofuels, tidal energy, and geothermal energy. These others forms of renewable energy have also been gaining popularity in India, but at a much slower pace than that of wind and solar. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy expects that its new program will help promote new forms of sustainable power and encourage the adoption of these forms of energy.

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