The California Energy Commission (CEC) has awarded a contract to Linde North America for the construction of retail hydrogen refueling stations in northern California, located at the Oakland International Airport and on Toyota-owned property in San Ramon.
The $4.3 million award is a part of a $46.6 million funding program the CEC has committed this year to expand the hydrogen refueling infrastructure within the state.
‘This is a huge shot in the arm for the commercialization of hydrogen-fueled cars,’ says Mike Beckman, head of hydrogen fueling for Linde North America. ‘Not just for California and the U.S., but for the global initiative as well. California is taking the lead, and adding additional funds for 28 new retail stations sends a strong message about how serious one market is about setting up the infrastructure to promote the introduction of zero-emission vehicles.’
The grants, made through CEC's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, were made to eight applicants and will add 13 new hydrogen fueling locations in northern California and 15 in Southern California, strategically located to create a refueling network along major corridors and in regional centers.
The California legislature has authorized CEC to spend $20 million per year over the next 10 years to build up to 100 stations, in order advance the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles.
