Air Liquide joins US hydrogen fuel initiative

Air Liquide joins initiative to support establishment of hydrogen fuel infrastructure

Air Liquide, a leading producer of industrial chemicals, has announced that it has joined the H2USA initiative in the U.S. The initiative was launched by the Department of Energy in order to address the issues that exist concerning the country’s hydrogen fuel infrastructure. H2USA is part of the U.S. government’s overarching interest in clean transportation and the development of a comprehensive hydrogen fuel infrastructure is expected to lead to the success of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Company’s extensive experience to be a boon to H2USA

Air Liquide has been involved in the field of hydrogen fuel for several years. The company often produces hydrogen for industrial purposes, but has become a major supporter of hydrogen fuel infrastructures around the world in recent years. The company has helped develop such infrastructures in countries like Germany, which is the European leader when it comes to fuel cell technology. In recent years, Air Liquide has expanded its operations in the U.S. and is now capable of supporting the establishment of a hydrogen fuel infrastructure in the country.

Air Liquide currently building hydrogen fuel station in California

In June of this year, Air Liquide was awarded $1.5 million from the California Energy Commission to develop a hydrogen fuel station in Anaheim, California. The fuel station is expected to be open to the public in the fourth quarter of 2014 and will be the first hydrogen fuel station owned and operated by Air Liquide in the U.S. The company will assist in the development of other hydrogen fuel stations throughout the country as part of the H2USA initiative.

Hydrogen could help the US achieve clean transportation goals

The U.S. government has developed a strong interest in hydrogen fuel, largely because of its uses in transportation. This form of renewable energy can be used as a power source for vehicles, effectively removing the emissions that these vehicles are associated with. Hydrogen fuel could also potentially lead to a drop in the costs associated with transportation in general, especially as hydrogen begins to break the country’s reliance on petroleum.