California Fuel Cell Partnership

The California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) is a public-private partnership to promote hydrogen vehicles (including cars and buses) in California. It is notable as one of the first initiatives for that purpose undertaken in the United States. The challenge is which come first, hydrogen cars or filling stations.[1]

The California Fuel Cell Partnership, West Sacramento, California

In January 1999, two state government agencies—California Air Resources Board and California Energy Commission joined with six private sector companies—Ballard Power Systems, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, BP, Shell Hydrogen and ChevronTexaco—to form the California Fuel Cell Partnership. The goal was to demonstrate and promote the potential for fuel cell vehicles (FCV) as a clean, safe, and practical alternative to vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. Within a very short time, other government agencies and private businesses became members.

In November 2000, the West Sacramento headquarters opened. The building includes a public gallery, offices, a hydrogen fueling station and indoor service bays for vehicle maintenance. At first, the automakers had just handful of cars all stationed in Sacramento. The goal was to see if these vehicles and fuel could be technically viable. If the answer was no, then CaFCP would close its doors in 2004.

Before the first phase was finished, CaFCP members knew that the technology could succeed. The number of members grew to 33 and set a new set of goals for the next phase of operation, from 2004-2007. During this period, CaFCP members worked on project to prove or disprove the commercially viability—would the vehicles, fuels and public policies meet consumer expectations?

In mid-2006, the members agreed that FCVs could be a commercial success. They agreed to a third phase through the end of 2012 to lay the foundations for a commercial market, which includes developing early retail stations, policies to enable the sale of retail hydrogen and necessary steps to building a supplier base for large-scale production in the future.

CaFCP completed its first phase of operation in December, 2003. The second phase will conclude in December, 2007. In mid-2006, the members agreed to enter a third phase to encourage fuel cell vehicle commercialization that will continue through 2012.

Controversy

CaFCP's marketing of hydrogen as a clean fuel has been characterized as misleading. A statement on the group's website claiming fuel cell vehicles produce "zero emissions...no pollution or greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the tailpipe"[2] fails to account for significant GHGs emitted during production of hydrogen. Over 95% of commercial hydrogen is made from fossil-fuel methane, aka "natural gas", in a process that emits both carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) as chemical byproducts.[3] During the production process, known as steam reforming, GHGs are also emitted from natural gas combustion used to boil water.

"Hydrogen’s 'dirty secret'," notes chemical engineer/author Robert Rapier, "is that it is produced primarily from fossil fuels."[4] From industry data, Rapier calculates hydrogen's carbon footprint, including heat losses and inefficiencies, at 21.7 metric tons CO2/million ft3 of hydrogen.

More energy is required to convert hydrogen to a form that can be used in fuel-cell vehicles, however. Including compression, refrigeration, transport, and other energy sinks, hydrogen fuel is responsible for more GHG emissions than an energy-equivalent quantity of gasoline.[4]

Membership

The California Fuel Cell Partnership is a unique collaborative of auto manufacturers, fossil fuel companies, fuel cell technology companies and government agencies. The members collaborate on activities that advance the technology, such as first responder training, community outreach and agreeing on protocols while standards are being developed.

Automotive members provide fuel cell passenger vehicles that are placed in demonstration programs, where they are tested in real-world driving conditions.

Fossil Fuel members work to build hydrogen stations within an infrastructure that is safe, convenient and fits into the community.

Fuel cell technology members provide fuel cells for passenger vehicles and transit buses.

Government members lay the groundwork for demonstration programs by facilitating steps to creating a hydrogen fueling infrastructure.

Full members

Automobile makers

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Fossil Fuel Companies

Government Agencies

Associate Members

Associate members assist the full members meet the partnership's objectives by helping in specific areas of expertise.

Transit Agencies

Fueling Providers

Construction

  • TLM Petro Labor Force, Inc.

Others

  • California Department of Food and Agriculture
  • Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis
  • National Fuel Cell Research Center, UC Irvine

References
  1. Fogelson, Jason (April 15, 2014). "California Plans For A Hydrogen Future". Forbes. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
  2. "Zero Emissions". California Fuel Cell Partnership - Driving For the Future. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
  3. "Hydrogen Production: Natural Gas Reforming". U.S.Dept. of Energy - Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
  4. Rapier, Robert (2020-06-06). "Estimating The Carbon Footprint Of Hydrogen Production". Forbes. Forbes, Inc. Retrieved 2020-12-16.

See also
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