National Hydrogen Day 2020
Connor Dolan
The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) joins the nation in celebrating the sixth annual National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, which marks the growth of the industry by raising awareness of the benefits fuel cell and hydrogen technologies provide in generating reliable and resilient power, while increasing America’s energy, environmental, and economic security.
National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day is observed on October 8 (10.08) in recognition of the atomic weight of hydrogen (1.008). Efficient, clean, and quiet, fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, without combustion.
The United States Senate has officially recognized October 8, 2020, as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day with the passage of Senate Resolution 720. This is the sixth year in a row that the Senate has supported the hydrogen and fuel cell industry with bipartisan leadership by Senators Lindsay Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). The Senate resolution was co-sponsored by Rob Portman (R-OH), Christopher Coons (D-DE), and Christopher Murphy (D-CT).
The United States House of Representatives has demonstrated its support as well with the introduction of its own resolution led by Representatives Jim Costa (D-16) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and co-sponsored by Representatives Joseph Morelle (D-NY), John Larson (D-CT), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Mike Levin (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Michael Doyle (D-PA), Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), Harley Rouda (D-CA), TJ Cox (D-CA), and David McKinley (R-WV).
Today, the fuel cell and hydrogen technology portfolio is making a substantial impact for a long list of customers in many applications and markets. Consumers are driving more than 8,500 light-duty fuel cell vehicles from major automakers, dozens of fuel cell buses are in revenue service in several states, a budding network of over 40 hydrogen fueling stations are open for business in California and currently under development in other states, more than 35,000 fuel cell-powered forklifts are working around the clock in America’s warehouses and factories, and over 550 megawatts of fuel cells are powering data centers, communications networks, retail stores, municipal facilities, microgrids, and other sites across the country.
Despite a global pandemic, 2020 has seen some major developments in the fuel cell and hydrogen industry. This includes product launches, joint ventures and collaborations, and expansion into exciting new markets on land, sea, and air. Fuel cells and hydrogen technologies are helping maintain U.S. supply chain and critical logistics needs, powering forklifts in warehouses and distribution centers across the country and supporting over 25% of all U.S. retail food distribution. Fuel cell systems are powering dozens of microgrids across the country, as well as thousands of cellphone towers, datacenters, hospitals, universities, grocery stores, and other critical facilities while using purely domestic energy resources.
The fuel cell and hydrogen industry has the capability to transform the economy with the right support. A recent report by McKinsey and Company, Road Map to a US Hydrogen Economy, finds that the hydrogen sector has the potential to generate 700,000 jobs and $140 billion in revenue by 2030. By 2050, that economic impact could grow to 3.4 million jobs, $750 billion in revenue, 16% reductions of CO2 emissions, 36% reduction in NOx emissions, and account for 14% of US energy demand. With hydrogen and fuel cell technology, America will become a zero-emission nation with strong energy security and a thriving economy.
To stay abreast of how FCHEA, industry, state governments, and allies around the world are celebrating National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, please visit www.hydrogenfuelcellday.org.