San Francisco invests more in hydrogen fuel infrastructure

August 4, 2015 1 By Stephen Vagus

Organization provides more funding for the development of new fueling stations

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has approved funding that will help develop 12 new hydrogen fuel stations in the Bay Area of San Francisco, California. The new fueling stations are expected to be fully operational early next year. The Bay Area currently has three hydrogen fuel stations in operation, but they serve in limited capacity. The new fueling stations are expected to further expand California’s growing hydrogen infrastructure, making it a more attractive market for fuel cell vehicles.

New fuel cell technology could help reduce emissions in California

The emergence of hydrogen fuel technology in the Bay Area is expected to reduce the emissions produced in California. The state intends to reduce emissions by 80% of their 1990 levels by 2050. In order to do this, the state has begun focusing more heavily on renewable energy, particularly solar and hydrogen fuel. California is quickly becoming one of the more favored markets for automakers that are developing fuel cell vehicles, as the state provides rebates for those purchasing such vehicles.

$2.2 million will help fund the development of hydrogen fuel stations in the Bay Area

Hydrgen Fuel Stations - San FranciscoSome $2.2 million will be provided for the development of the new hydrogen fuel stations. This will augment the $50 million that the California Energy Commission has contributed to the growth of the state’s overall infrastructure. While there are only two types of fuel cell vehicle available in California, several automakers have plans to bring new models to the state in the coming years. It will take time to develop a comprehensive infrastructure capable of supporting these vehicles, however.

Expanding infrastructure may help attract more consumers to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles

A more robust infrastructure may make fuel cell vehicles more attractive to consumers interested in clean transportation. Currently, the lack of an infrastructure is one of the major barriers preventing the adoption of fuel cell vehicles. The high cost of hydrogen fuel cells is another issue that has limited adoption among consumers as well.

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