The California Energy Commission (CEC) approved a plan today that will invest up to $115 million to significantly increase the number of fueling stations in the state that support hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The funding nearly doubles the state’s investments to date and will help California nearly achieve its goal to deploy 200 public hydrogen fueling stations.
Under the plan, up to 111 new hydrogen fueling stations will be built in the state by 2027, including many designed for multi-use by passenger vehicles, trucks and buses. Total project funding is subject to annual approval of both the state budget and allocations from the CEC.
During today’s business meeting, commissioners awarded three grants totaling nearly $25 million for the installation of the first 30 stations under the plan. More than half of the stations approved today will be built in or near disadvantaged communities.
Irvine-based FirstElement Fuel, Inc., received $15.5 million. San Francisco-based Equilon Enterprises (doing business as Shell Oil Products U.S.) received $7.3 million, and the Santa Clara-based Iwatani Corporation of America, received $1.9 million.
Will the stations approved today support medium-and heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell vehicles?
FirstElement Fuel -- Five stations (in subsequent batches) will be designed specifically as dual-purpose stations that can fill heavy-duty vehicles in separate area to light-duty vehicles.
Shell -- Some stations in the next batch will serve nearby tethered fleets.
Iwatani -- Will look for opportunities to serve medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles in the next funding batch.