Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. It has also been ubiquitous in the news lately, with a constant drumbeat of funding announcements, joint partnerships, business developments, investment decisions, and more. As governments strive towards net-zero emissions goals, hydrogen continues to drive deep decarbonization in the hardest-to-abate sectors like aviation, heavy transportation, shipping, industrial processes, and more. On October 8, 2023, the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA), its members, the broader industry, and our allies will be celebrating the accomplishments and amazing potential of these technologies with the 9th annual National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day!

As a preview of what the next few weeks will look like, we wanted to take some time to highlight key activities from 2022. During the 117th Congress, the bipartisan Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Caucus proudly supported resolutions in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Senate Resolution 765 - sponsored by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and cosponsored by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Chris Coons (D-DE) - was passed by the Senate on September 28. That was the eighth consecutive year that the Senate officially designated the day! In the House, Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA) introduced House Resolution 1366 on September 19th. The resolution was cosponsored by Reps. John Larson (D-CT), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), and Mike Levin (D-CA). States are also actively involved in observing National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day. In Arizona, Governor Doug Ducey issued a proclamation on October 8, 2022 declaring as Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day within the state. This builds on similar declarations in 2021 made by Colorado, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), along with its National Laboratories, including Argonne National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratory, also celebrated National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day on social media and in blog posts and informational webinars, sharing highlights of research and lab resources, as well as hydrogen safety codes and standards, and more. FCHEA members were also active in 2022. Plug Power, FORVIA, W.L. Gore, Air Products, Nuvera, Advent Technologies, Toyota, Air Liquide, and Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, among others, commemorated the day with a range of activities - fireside chats, blog posts and social media content, hosting site visits and facility tours, and more.

2023 has given the industry much to celebrate. As we eagerly await the selections of the Hydrogen Hubs and other key policy provisions later this Fall, we are proud of the historic investments, partnerships, new production facilities, and other exciting business development announcements made by our members across the globe. If you don’t already, subscribe to FCHEA’s free monthly Connection newsletter to ensure you are up to date with the latest industry news.

As we get closer to October 8th, FCHEA staff is committed to ensuring another successful celebration. With significant growth in membership over the past year, we can’t wait to see and share what our diverse set of members have planned. Be sure to follow all of the action on the official National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day page and on FCHEA’s LinkedIn and Twitter channels. If you need ideas or resources to get started, please let us know!