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UQM wins $3m fuel cell compressor orders in China, adds service centre in Shanghai
NEWS hydrogen fuel cells that are powering the entire fleet of electric forklifts at Walmart’s new import distribution centre in Mobile, Alabama. The manufacturing expansion is driven by Plug Power’s continued strong top-line growth in its core markets [see also page 4]. The new facility provides the expanded manufacturing capacity required to meet the rapidly growing demands for its fuel cell products. Performancebased tax credits through the Excelsior Jobs Program from New York State and Empire State Development played a large part in facilitating this expansion. The opening of the Clifton Park facility underscores the company’s commitment to positioning the Capital Region – the metropolitan area surrounding the state capital Albany – as a leading-edge ‘hydrogen city’, and an epicentre of innovation for alternative energy technologies. The revenue and job creation supported by this new facility will ensure that Plug Power remains a catalyst in the region’s economic success, promoting both the growth of new ideas and quality jobs in the technology sector. ‘As Plug Power grows we are expanding our manufacturing capacity to meet the demand of our core material handling market [FCB, May 2018, p4, and see the Plug Power feature in December 2011], as well as prepare for the rapidly developing on-road vehicle market [June 2018, p1],’ says Chief Operating Officer Keith Schmid. ‘Increasing capacity for our cutting-edge ProGen line of on-road hydrogen engines was a key part of this strategic decision.’ Meanwhile, Walmart has opened a new import distribution centre (IDC) in Mobile, Alabama, which will operate its entire 182-truck electric forklift fleet on Plug Power’s GenDrive hydrogen fuel cell modules. The new storage and cross-dock facility will supply several regional distribution centres that support approximately 700 Walmart stores in Alabama, Mississippi, and beyond. Plug Power’s long history with Walmart has supported grocery and retail distribution centres, ensuring improved productivity of fleets which move goods from these centres to stores [e.g. August 2017, p4]. GenDrivepowered equipment will now boost Walmart’s ability to efficiently handle cargo in volume from the Port of Mobile. Plug Power: www.plugpower.com New York State, Empire State Development: https://esd.ny.gov Wal-Mart Stores: http://corporate.walmart.com
September 2018
PowerCell appoints Bumhan Industries as its distributor for South Korean market
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owerCell Sweden has appointed Bumhan Industries Co Ltd as its new distributor and service provider for the South Korean market. Bumhan Industries will also start integrating PowerCell’s PEM fuel cell stacks into its combined heat and power (CHP) products for building applications. Bumhan Industries specialises in manufacturing highpressure compressors for ships and power generation applications. ‘The agreement with Bumhan Industries will provide great opportunities for us to expand on this very interesting and growing market,’ says Andreas Bodén, Sales Director at PowerCell. The company established PowerCell Korea in the capital Seoul in late 2014, after gaining good traction in the Asian market, and identifying great potential for its solutions and services in the region [FCB, December 2014, p10]. PowerCell Sweden – founded in 2008 as an industrial spinout from the Volvo Group – develops and produces high energy density, modular PEM fuel cell stacks and systems for stationary and mobile applications, running on pure hydrogen or reformate. Recently announced orders include one for a PowerCell PS-5 system to be installed in an apartment building in Sweden, as part of a programme to make renovated homes self-sufficient in renewable energy [July 2018, p6]. And last month the company received an additional order for S3 stacks from a Tier 1 automotive supplier [August 2018, p14]. The company is also now partnering with Siemens to jointly develop fuel cell-based drive and power generation systems for marine applications [see page 4]. PowerCell Sweden: www.powercell.se Bumhan Industries: www.bumhan.com/english
support new orders as sales efforts escalate over the next several months. This round of financing is an important milestone as WATT prepares to fulfill the first orders for its solid oxide fuel cell product, the Imperium™ Hybrid Power Management System [FCB, June 2018, p11]. The new investment will support the purchase of equipment, expansion of the manufacturing facility, and hiring of additional engineering, production and administrative staff. WATT has also announced that Morgan O’Brien, President and CEO of natural gas supplier Peoples Gas, has joined its Board of Directors. Under O’Brien’s leadership, Peoples Gas was one of WATT’s first development partners. The two companies are working together to bring WATT’s SOFC technology to 100 homes in a pilot programme in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania later this year, opening up the residential market for WATT Fuel Cell. Peoples Natural Gas provides electricity to some 700 000 businesses and homes in western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky. WATT Fuel Cell is developing and manufacturing SOFC stacks and systems that operate on common, readily available fuels such as propane and natural gas. Its patented additive manufacturing process (AMP) has allowed it to produce commercially viable SOFC products for small-scale and remote power applications. Its Hybrid Power Management system works in tandem with renewable power sources (such as solar and wind) and energy storage to provide quiet, efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy solutions [March 2016, p7]. Earlier this year it signed an exclusive supply and engineering cooperative agreement with Canadian-based Erwin Hymer Group North America, to introduce WATT’s SOFC technology into the recreational vehicle (RV, or motorhome) market [April 2018, p4]. WATT Fuel Cell Corporation: www.wattfuelcell.com Peoples Gas, Fuel Cells: www.peoples-gas.com/get-gas/ switch/businesses/fuel-cells.php
WATT Fuel Cell completes financing round, adds to board
UQM wins $3m fuel cell compressor orders in China, adds service centre in Shanghai
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ennsylvania-based WATT Fuel Cell Corporation has completed its latest financing round to secure additional growth capital, which will be used to expand manufacturing and allow the company to fulfill its backlog and
S-based UQM Technologies has received new fuel cell compressor system purchase orders from several new and existing Chinese customers, including its major Chinese OEM client. The company has also signed a lease
Fuel Cells Bulletin
13
NEWS agreement to open a customer service centre in Shanghai, for both its fuel cell compressor systems and propulsion systems. Increasing market demand has led to UQM securing new and follow-on orders from several major Chinese fuel cell companies, including its Chinese OEM customer [FCB, May 2017, p12], for scheduled delivery through 2018 and into 2019. The new purchase orders are valued at approximately $3 million in total. UQM’s fuel cell compressor systems (FCS) utilise the company’s permanent magnet motor and controller, paired with an Eaton compressor. The result of this combination is a highly efficient system for supplying air to fuel cell stacks, powering vehicles ranging from passenger cars and SUVs to light, medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles like shuttle vans, full size transit buses, port vehicles, and trucks. These compressor modules are a key component in hydrogen powered fuel cell systems. UQM’s fuel cell compressor systems are customised for a number of propulsion applications, for a wide variety of fuel cell stacks and power levels. The UQM FCS product portfolio accommodates a voltage range from 270 to 800 Vdc, a pressure ratio ranging from 1.0 to 2.2, and airflow between 100 and 500 kg/h, which allows the company to target most market needs for fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles. Meanwhile, UQM is establishing its China service centre in Shanghai to support growing business and customers there, with the near-term focus on support of its fuel cell compressor system business. The facility will allow UQM to provide quick turnaround for service and spare parts, and eventually the onsite assembly of fuel cell compressor systems. The establishment of a physical location in Shanghai kicks off the process of creating a Wholly Foreign-Owned Entity (WFOE) for UQM in China, which will support its other main undertakings in China, including its joint venture with China National Heavy Duty Truck Co Ltd, and sourcing and purchasing of key components. UQM Technologies: www.uqm.com
Australian hydrogen sector set to scale up export potential
T 14
wo recent reports have set out the strong potential export market
Fuel Cells Bulletin
for hydrogen produced in Australia. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has released a blueprint for an economically sustainable national hydrogen industry, while a report from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) highlights the nation’s strong position to take advantage of the growing hydrogen export market. CSIRO’s National Hydrogen Roadmap sets out a path to develop the action and investment plans required to realise the full benefits of a hydrogen economy. Hydrogen can service multiple markets, from vehicles to energy storage, and if produced using lowemissions energy sources, will enable deep decarbonisation across the energy and industrial sectors. CSIRO consulted broadly to develop the roadmap, which was sponsored by 21 industry and government bodies. The roadmap finds that hydrogen technologies are reaching maturity, with the narrative now shifting from R&D to market activation. Hydrogen presents a new export opportunity for Australia, and could play a significant role in enabling the further uptake of renewable energy. However, current barriers to market activation include a lack of supporting infrastructure, such as hydrogen refueling stations for transport, and the cost of hydrogen supply for some applications. An appropriate policy framework could create a ‘market pull’ for hydrogen, with investment in infrastructure then likely to follow. And by 2025, clean hydrogen could be cost-competitive with existing industrial feedstocks such as natural gas, and energy carriers such as batteries in many applications. ‘We’ve established a strong network of partners and collaborators that support current, practical research and technology development initiatives right across the hydrogen energy value chain,’ says Dr Patrick Hartley, Director of CSIRO’s Hydrogen Future Science Platform [FCB, December 2017, p11]. Meanwhile, the ARENA report, Opportunities for Australia from Hydrogen Exports, prepared by ACIL Allen Consulting, identifies opportunities for Australia to export hydrogen to help meet the potentially significant increase in global demand for ‘green’ hydrogen. This can be produced via electrolysis with renewable electricity – tapping into Australia’s abundant wind and solar resources – or using fossil fuels with the emissions captured and sequestered. Hydrogen could then be exported by liquefying it, or converting to a carrier such as ammonia [see page 8]. The report found that, with the right conditions, Australian hydrogen exports could
generate A$1.7 billion (US$1.2 billion) per annum and provide 2800 jobs by 2030. Four countries – Japan, China, South Korea, and Singapore – are identified as prospective markets for Australian hydrogen by 2025. But the report points out that countries like Norway, the US, and in the Middle East are also likely to scale up their hydrogen export capability. CSIRO, National Hydrogen Roadmap: https://tinyurl.com/csiro-h2-roadmap CSIRO, Energy: www.csiro.au/en/Research/EF ARENA report [PDF]: https://tinyurl.com/arena-h2-exports Australian Renewable Energy Agency: www.arena.gov.au
RESEARCH
US DOE awards $38m for 28 new hydrogen, fuel cell tech projects
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he US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry has announced the selection of 28 projects totaling $38 million to support early-stage research and development of innovative hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. This work also supports DOE’s H2 @Scale initiative to produce and use hydrogen across multiple energy sectors. The selected projects focus on key earlystage technical challenges related to nonprecious metal catalysts, fuel cell membranes, reversible fuel cells, and electrolysers to produce hydrogen, as well as innovative concepts to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of hydrogen vehicle refueling infrastructure. The selections span three topic areas: (1) platinum-free catalysts to lower fuel cell costs (ElectroCat); (2) hydrogen production and delivery infrastructure research (H2 @ Scale), including energy production and hydrogen fueling, electrolyser manufacturing, and infrastructure station footprint; and (3) innovative fuel cell concepts, including fuel cell membranes, and reversible and liquid fuel cells. Topic 1: Platinum-free catalysts to lower fuel cell costs (ElectroCat) • Northeastern University in Boston: Developing platinum group metal-free catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in acid: beyond the single metal site ($1 million).
September 2018
September 2018
PowerCell appoints Bumhan Industries as its distributor for South Korean market
P
owerCell Sweden has appointed Bumhan Industries Co Ltd as its new distributor and service provider for the South Korean market. Bumhan Industries will also start integrating PowerCell’s PEM fuel cell stacks into its combined heat and power (CHP) products for building applications. Bumhan Industries specialises in manufacturing highpressure compressors for ships and power generation applications. ‘The agreement with Bumhan Industries will provide great opportunities for us to expand on this very interesting and growing market,’ says Andreas Bodén, Sales Director at PowerCell. The company established PowerCell Korea in the capital Seoul in late 2014, after gaining good traction in the Asian market, and identifying great potential for its solutions and services in the region [FCB, December 2014, p10]. PowerCell Sweden – founded in 2008 as an industrial spinout from the Volvo Group – develops and produces high energy density, modular PEM fuel cell stacks and systems for stationary and mobile applications, running on pure hydrogen or reformate. Recently announced orders include one for a PowerCell PS-5 system to be installed in an apartment building in Sweden, as part of a programme to make renovated homes self-sufficient in renewable energy [July 2018, p6]. And last month the company received an additional order for S3 stacks from a Tier 1 automotive supplier [August 2018, p14]. The company is also now partnering with Siemens to jointly develop fuel cell-based drive and power generation systems for marine applications [see page 4]. PowerCell Sweden: www.powercell.se Bumhan Industries: www.bumhan.com/english
support new orders as sales efforts escalate over the next several months. This round of financing is an important milestone as WATT prepares to fulfill the first orders for its solid oxide fuel cell product, the Imperium™ Hybrid Power Management System [FCB, June 2018, p11]. The new investment will support the purchase of equipment, expansion of the manufacturing facility, and hiring of additional engineering, production and administrative staff. WATT has also announced that Morgan O’Brien, President and CEO of natural gas supplier Peoples Gas, has joined its Board of Directors. Under O’Brien’s leadership, Peoples Gas was one of WATT’s first development partners. The two companies are working together to bring WATT’s SOFC technology to 100 homes in a pilot programme in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania later this year, opening up the residential market for WATT Fuel Cell. Peoples Natural Gas provides electricity to some 700 000 businesses and homes in western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky. WATT Fuel Cell is developing and manufacturing SOFC stacks and systems that operate on common, readily available fuels such as propane and natural gas. Its patented additive manufacturing process (AMP) has allowed it to produce commercially viable SOFC products for small-scale and remote power applications. Its Hybrid Power Management system works in tandem with renewable power sources (such as solar and wind) and energy storage to provide quiet, efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy solutions [March 2016, p7]. Earlier this year it signed an exclusive supply and engineering cooperative agreement with Canadian-based Erwin Hymer Group North America, to introduce WATT’s SOFC technology into the recreational vehicle (RV, or motorhome) market [April 2018, p4]. WATT Fuel Cell Corporation: www.wattfuelcell.com Peoples Gas, Fuel Cells: www.peoples-gas.com/get-gas/ switch/businesses/fuel-cells.php
WATT Fuel Cell completes financing round, adds to board
UQM wins $3m fuel cell compressor orders in China, adds service centre in Shanghai
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U
ennsylvania-based WATT Fuel Cell Corporation has completed its latest financing round to secure additional growth capital, which will be used to expand manufacturing and allow the company to fulfill its backlog and
S-based UQM Technologies has received new fuel cell compressor system purchase orders from several new and existing Chinese customers, including its major Chinese OEM client. The company has also signed a lease
Fuel Cells Bulletin
13
NEWS agreement to open a customer service centre in Shanghai, for both its fuel cell compressor systems and propulsion systems. Increasing market demand has led to UQM securing new and follow-on orders from several major Chinese fuel cell companies, including its Chinese OEM customer [FCB, May 2017, p12], for scheduled delivery through 2018 and into 2019. The new purchase orders are valued at approximately $3 million in total. UQM’s fuel cell compressor systems (FCS) utilise the company’s permanent magnet motor and controller, paired with an Eaton compressor. The result of this combination is a highly efficient system for supplying air to fuel cell stacks, powering vehicles ranging from passenger cars and SUVs to light, medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles like shuttle vans, full size transit buses, port vehicles, and trucks. These compressor modules are a key component in hydrogen powered fuel cell systems. UQM’s fuel cell compressor systems are customised for a number of propulsion applications, for a wide variety of fuel cell stacks and power levels. The UQM FCS product portfolio accommodates a voltage range from 270 to 800 Vdc, a pressure ratio ranging from 1.0 to 2.2, and airflow between 100 and 500 kg/h, which allows the company to target most market needs for fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles. Meanwhile, UQM is establishing its China service centre in Shanghai to support growing business and customers there, with the near-term focus on support of its fuel cell compressor system business. The facility will allow UQM to provide quick turnaround for service and spare parts, and eventually the onsite assembly of fuel cell compressor systems. The establishment of a physical location in Shanghai kicks off the process of creating a Wholly Foreign-Owned Entity (WFOE) for UQM in China, which will support its other main undertakings in China, including its joint venture with China National Heavy Duty Truck Co Ltd, and sourcing and purchasing of key components. UQM Technologies: www.uqm.com
Australian hydrogen sector set to scale up export potential
T 14
wo recent reports have set out the strong potential export market
Fuel Cells Bulletin
for hydrogen produced in Australia. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has released a blueprint for an economically sustainable national hydrogen industry, while a report from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) highlights the nation’s strong position to take advantage of the growing hydrogen export market. CSIRO’s National Hydrogen Roadmap sets out a path to develop the action and investment plans required to realise the full benefits of a hydrogen economy. Hydrogen can service multiple markets, from vehicles to energy storage, and if produced using lowemissions energy sources, will enable deep decarbonisation across the energy and industrial sectors. CSIRO consulted broadly to develop the roadmap, which was sponsored by 21 industry and government bodies. The roadmap finds that hydrogen technologies are reaching maturity, with the narrative now shifting from R&D to market activation. Hydrogen presents a new export opportunity for Australia, and could play a significant role in enabling the further uptake of renewable energy. However, current barriers to market activation include a lack of supporting infrastructure, such as hydrogen refueling stations for transport, and the cost of hydrogen supply for some applications. An appropriate policy framework could create a ‘market pull’ for hydrogen, with investment in infrastructure then likely to follow. And by 2025, clean hydrogen could be cost-competitive with existing industrial feedstocks such as natural gas, and energy carriers such as batteries in many applications. ‘We’ve established a strong network of partners and collaborators that support current, practical research and technology development initiatives right across the hydrogen energy value chain,’ says Dr Patrick Hartley, Director of CSIRO’s Hydrogen Future Science Platform [FCB, December 2017, p11]. Meanwhile, the ARENA report, Opportunities for Australia from Hydrogen Exports, prepared by ACIL Allen Consulting, identifies opportunities for Australia to export hydrogen to help meet the potentially significant increase in global demand for ‘green’ hydrogen. This can be produced via electrolysis with renewable electricity – tapping into Australia’s abundant wind and solar resources – or using fossil fuels with the emissions captured and sequestered. Hydrogen could then be exported by liquefying it, or converting to a carrier such as ammonia [see page 8]. The report found that, with the right conditions, Australian hydrogen exports could
generate A$1.7 billion (US$1.2 billion) per annum and provide 2800 jobs by 2030. Four countries – Japan, China, South Korea, and Singapore – are identified as prospective markets for Australian hydrogen by 2025. But the report points out that countries like Norway, the US, and in the Middle East are also likely to scale up their hydrogen export capability. CSIRO, National Hydrogen Roadmap: https://tinyurl.com/csiro-h2-roadmap CSIRO, Energy: www.csiro.au/en/Research/EF ARENA report [PDF]: https://tinyurl.com/arena-h2-exports Australian Renewable Energy Agency: www.arena.gov.au
RESEARCH
US DOE awards $38m for 28 new hydrogen, fuel cell tech projects
T
he US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry has announced the selection of 28 projects totaling $38 million to support early-stage research and development of innovative hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. This work also supports DOE’s H2 @Scale initiative to produce and use hydrogen across multiple energy sectors. The selected projects focus on key earlystage technical challenges related to nonprecious metal catalysts, fuel cell membranes, reversible fuel cells, and electrolysers to produce hydrogen, as well as innovative concepts to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of hydrogen vehicle refueling infrastructure. The selections span three topic areas: (1) platinum-free catalysts to lower fuel cell costs (ElectroCat); (2) hydrogen production and delivery infrastructure research (H2 @ Scale), including energy production and hydrogen fueling, electrolyser manufacturing, and infrastructure station footprint; and (3) innovative fuel cell concepts, including fuel cell membranes, and reversible and liquid fuel cells. Topic 1: Platinum-free catalysts to lower fuel cell costs (ElectroCat) • Northeastern University in Boston: Developing platinum group metal-free catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in acid: beyond the single metal site ($1 million).
September 2018