Governor Pataki Announces $21 Million Demonstration Project To Fuel Hydrogen Vehicles

 

Governor Pataki Announces $21 Million Demonstration Project To Fuel
Hydrogen Vehicles

Publication Date:04-October-2006
12:30 PM US Eastern Timezone
Source:FuelCellWorks
Governor George E. today announced plans for one of the world's
largest hydrogen demonstration projects, a $21 million initiative to
harness hydropower to produce clean-burning, carbon-free gas to fuel
nonpolluting hydrogen vehicles. The initiative, which will be
undertaken in Western New York, is expected to spur development of a
new industry for creating high-tech jobs for the region. "This
ambitious, $21 million initiative will further establish New York State
as a national leader in developing innovative energy solutions that
will enhance our air quality, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and
create new technology jobs in an emerging industry," Governor Pataki
said. "The demonstration project in Western New York is a renewable
power application that will help the transition to a hydrogen economy.
The process will not emit any greenhouse gases or other pollutants,
making it a model for meeting the challenge of global climate change,
that can be replicated at other locations throughout the State."

The hydropower-to-hydrogen project, which is expected to serve a number
of hydrogen-fueled work and passenger vehicles and transit buses,
corresponds with the New York State Hydrogen Roadmap, a strategic
blueprint developed under Governor Pataki's direction for positioning
New York State at the forefront of hydrogen research and development
efforts nationwide. The document reflects a coordinated effort by the
New York Power Authority (NYPA), the New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority (NYSERDA), and the Long Island Power Authority
(LIPA), and includes hydrogen education and outreach, hydrogen codes
and standards review, and research and development in the areas of
hydrogen production, storage, distribution and utilization.

Timothy S. Carey, NYPA president and chief executive officer, said,
"These efforts are a corollary of Governor Pataki's policies for
reducing New York State's dependence on hydrocarbon fuels for the
energy and transportation sector. Part of his legacy, will be the
significant strides toward use of renewable energy for combating global
climate change, improving air quality and reducing dependence on
foreign oil. The hydropower-to-hydrogen demonstration project for
Western New York is the latest example of the Governor's vision for
introducing new energy technologies that could have significant effects
for enhancing the environment and energy security in the decades ahead,
while helping to attract industries engaged in manufacturing and
servicing these technologies."

Peter R. Smith, NYSERDA president and chief executive officer, said,
"Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we look for new ways to
strengthen our energy security. NYSERDA is providing $5 million in
funding for hydrogen transportation developments in New York State
through demonstration projects involving hydrogen internal combustion
engines and the development of hydrogen fueling stations. Implementing
new and innovative technologies to reduce our dependence on foreign
oil, while heightening the economy and preserving the environment, is a
tremendous focus in New York State. NYSERDA commends the Governor's
vision and the efforts of NYPA to bolster this exciting
hydropower-to-hydrogen initiative."

On Tuesday, NYPA's Trustees authorized up to $21 million for the
hydropower-to-hydrogen initiative, with potential sites at Niagara
Falls State Park and at Western New York locations operated by the
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA). Various other state
and federal government organizations and corporations are also expected
to partner in the pioneering project, with hydrogen production
anticipated by the end of 2007.

The NYPA board's action followed an engineering feasibility study
earlier this year by the Power Authority and the Electric Power
Research Institute (EPRI), for determining the size of the electrolysis
units for producing hydrogen and the possible vehicle demonstration
models for the initiative, with fuel cells and other hydrogen engines.
(EPRI is an independent, nonprofit organization for energy and
environmental research.)

When fully implemented within three years, the demonstration project,
consisting of two hydrogen generation stations, plus storage and
fueling facilities, will be producing up to 120 kilograms (kg) per day
of the clean-burning fuel. (One kg of hydrogen has the energy
equivalent of approximately one gallon of gasoline.)

The hydrogen generation and fueling stations will use up to 700 kw of
hydropower. The Power Authority would provide the hydropower from its
Niagara Power Project to the NFTA, which is authorized to receive NYPA
allocations under state law. The agency currently receives hydropower
allocations for a light-rail system and the Niagara Falls Air Base.

The hydrogen generation stations will cost approximately $7.5 million,
including infrastructure upgrades and educational displays. An
additional investment of $13.5 million is required for the
hydrogen-fueled vehicles.