The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Fuel Cell Technologies Office has issued a request for information (RFI) to obtain feedback from stakeholders regarding the construction and benefits of a National Hydrogen Technology Showcase and Training (HyTeST) station.
According to the RFI, the HyTeST facility would serve as a tool for research and development, testing, safety and demonstration training, and outreach for community and commercial early adopters – including station developers, owners, code officials, first responders, operators, investors and insurers – in an effort to support hydrogen technology deployment activities in California and, ultimately, in other regions.
With fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) currently being sold or leased to consumers in California, and plans announced for the introduction of hydrogen stations in the Northeast, it is important to manage the risk and improve safety practices associated with hydrogen fueling stations.
The DOE says it is considering constructing a national HyTeST facility to showcase the technologies being deployed in commercial hydrogen refueling stations around the world and to conduct training, testing and outreach to speed public acceptance and commercial adoption.
The HyTeST station will also directly support the DOE’s own Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure Research and Station Technology (H2FIRST) project, which aims to ensure that FCEV customers have a positive fueling experience similar to conventional gasoline/diesel stations. According to the DOE, H2FIRST leverages capabilities at the national laboratories to address the technology challenges related to hydrogen refueling stations.
RFI responses must be received no later than 5 p.m. EDT on July 22.
