Hydrogen is becoming less of an energy buzz word and more of a systematic answer to the question of how to decarbonize a range of industries.  

At the recent Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Seminar held February 7-9, 2023, in Long Beach, California, attendees saw and heard firsthand why.  Industry leaders and experts from both the public and private sectors outlined the myriad reasons hydrogen is a key tool to help achieve global goals of reducing carbon emissions while also boosting domestic energy production, distribution, storage, and zero-emission utilization capacities and local economies.

The Seminar is the longest running and most comprehensive hydrogen and fuel cell industry event in North America.  It combines high-level policy, strategy, and commercial sessions with specialized technical presentations on a range of applications and market areas.  The Seminar kicked off with a packed half-day workshop from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, as well as a workshop from the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership focused on mobility and lessons learned in California.

In the logistics sector, there are already tens of thousands of zero-emission fuel cell vehicles and supporting hydrogen infrastructure deployed across the country, including forklifts operating in warehouses and distribution centers, delivery vans and transit buses on the streets, and Class 8 drayage and other trucks and loading equipment in service at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles and elsewhere.  For fuel cells and hydrogen, the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle and fueling sectors are continuing to expand into maritime, aviation, and rail applications.

The morning plenary and afternoon Technical Sessions offered attendees the opportunity to hear from leading companies and organizations involved in all of these transportation and logistics areas, and many presentations highlighted fuel cell trucks and utility vehicles, hydrogen fueling supply chain and infrastructure projects, and commercial deployments across the country, including at ports and airports.

Downstairs in the Exhibit Hall is where a lot of the Seminar’s action happened. More than 70 companies showcased products and services, attendees networked during the day and evening receptions, and the Republic of Korea had an impressive showing as part of an inaugural "Host Country Sponsorship" with a large Pavilion on the show floor.  Hyundai Motor Company, one of the companies representing Korea, displayed its Class 8 XCIENT fuel cell truck.  

Hyundai’s XCIENT trucks are deployed in real-world commercial operations in Germany, Switzerland, Korea, New Zealand, and in California.  Hyundai has five XCIENT fuel cell trucks delivering liquified hydrogen to First Element Fuel (FEF) fueling stations as part of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Airshed Grants (TAG) program in the state.  Hyundai will also provide 30 XCIENTS for the  Zero-Emission Regional Truck Operations with Fuel Cell Electric Trucks or ZERO project in Northern California.

 In addition to the Hyundai XCIENT, there were other vehicles on display at the show.  Honda, which first introduced its commercial Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle in 2017, brought a display of its next generation plug-in fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), based on its CRV platform.  In November 2022, Honda announced production of this all-new FCEV at its Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, starting in 2024.   Honda had its fuel cell system on hand as well.  

Both Hyundai and Honda have light-duty FCEVs on the road in California, with the NEXO and Clarity, respectively.  Out of the ~15,000 FCEVs leased or sold in the state, Toyota Mirai’s FCEV makes up the bulk of that number.  Like Hyundai, Toyota is also deploying Class 8 trucks in California, and with partner Kenworth, recently completed the Zero- and Near-Zero Emissions Freight Facilities (ZANZEFF) “Shore to Store” project at the Port of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles basin and the Inland Empire. Ten Ocean trucks were operated by customers, including, among others, Toyota Logistics Services, Total Transportation Services, Inc. and Southern Counties Express.

At the Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Seminar, Toyota brought one of its Class 8 Ocean fuel cell trucks as well as its next-generation Mirai.

Renewable Innovations rolled in its Mobile Energy Command - Hydrogen (MEC-H) for an immersive experience for Seminar attendees.  The MEC-H is the first-to-market mobile hydrogen power system which can provide power independent from the electric grid, in the case of emergencies or disaster, and is also configured to provide zero-carbon electric vehicle (EV) charging.   The company recently charged EVs participating in the Rebelle Rally, an all-women’s car rally, in the deserts of Nevada and California. 

 

Industrial gas company Air Liquide showcased its 450 bar tube trailer, which is used to transport and deliver gaseous hydrogen to its customers and facilities. The trailer houses type III seamless aluminum alloy hydrogen cylinders that are rated for a service pressure of 450 bar and have a capacity of approximately 9.14 kg in each cylinder. 

 

 

There were other companies exhibiting involved in the mobility and logistics sector - fuel cell system and hydrogen tank manufacturers, as well as suppliers offering critical components such as compressors, hoses, membranes, catalysts, and more.

To learn more about any of the companies or vehicles mentioned above, please visit www.fchea.org or www.fuelcellseminar.com,   If you want to make sure not to miss the next Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Seminar, sign up for the Seminar mailing list for updates.

Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Seminar 2023
7-9 February, 2023
Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
300 East Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90802
https://www.fuelcellseminar.com/