NEESC Celebrates National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day on Oct. 8
Eric Parker
NEESC staff with Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Day Logo
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – October 6, 2016 – The Northeast Electrochemical Energy Storage Cluster (NEESC), administered by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc. (CCAT), joins the nation in celebrating National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day on Saturday, October 8.
The day marks the growth of the industry and raises awareness of the benefits fuel cells and hydrogen technologies provide in generating reliable and resilient power, improving the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing America’s energy security.
For its second year, National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day is observed on October 8 (10.08), a reference to the atomic weight of hydrogen – 1.008.
“NEESC is proud to join with other companies and organizations in the Northeast region in celebrating National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day,” said Joel M. Rinebold, chair, NEESC, and director of energy, CCAT. “The hydrogen and fuel cell industry in the Northeast region is making its mark on America’s highways, businesses, universities, and public institutions by providing sustainable, affordable, safe, and resilient power, while creating jobs and other economic benefits.”
According to a recent industry study, in 2015 the hydrogen and fuel cell supply chain in the Northeast United States had a significant bearing on the region’s economy, contributing nearly $1.4 billion in revenue and investment, more than 6,550 direct, indirect and induced jobs, and labor income of approximately $620 million. The study also reported that 2015 state and local tax revenues stemming from the Northeast region’s hydrogen and fuel cell industry were in excess of $83 million.
Morry Markowitz, president of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association explained, “There is an impressive and growing list of customers installing fuel cells for stationary applications. Fuel cell electric vehicles from major automotive manufacturers are available for lease or purchase in California and they are expanding into the Northeast.”
Hydrogen and fuel cell technology provides an opportunity for the region to more fully utilize its renewable energy industry using hydrogen and fuel cells for transportation, energy storage, and use at consumer sites. Such use could make the region a showcase for renewable energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions as new jobs are created. This configuration will also increase local end user reliability, which is of high value for businesses and industry.
Markowitz said, “As we again celebrate National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, the hydrogen and fuel cell future we hoped for is emerging as a dynamic, growing market. This progress is a tribute to the companies, organizations, and individuals who pioneered these technologies and are making hydrogen and fuel cells an important part of the nation’s energy mix.”
For more information on National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, please visit www.hydrogenandfuelcellday.org.
For a link to the full press release, click here.