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AC Transit Opens “Renewable” Hydrogen Fueling Facility

April 10, 2012
Federal, state and local officials gathered in Emeryville to celebrate the opening by AC Transit of a new hydrogen production and fueling station for zero-emission fuel cell buses. The new station is a “renewable” hydrogen facility, with the hydrogen being produced by means of a solar-powered electrolyzer. A 510-kilowatt DC solar photovoltaic system will generate energy to help fuel AC Transit’s hydrogen-powered buses running throughout the Bay Area.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the California Air Resources Board Mary Nichols and MTC Executive Director Steve Heminger joined over 300 guests to formally dedicate the new fueling station. 

AC Transit General Manager David Armijo said, “For over a decade, AC Transit has been developing the most comprehensive, zero-emission, fuel cell transit program in North America, and operating zero-emission buses in real-world service. Now, with increased fueling capacity, we have a greater capability to offer clean, quiet, zero-emission transportation to the communities we serve.”

The new fueling station also features the latest advancements in compression and dispensing technology, enabling buses to be refueled at rates up to 5 kilograms/minute – a time comparable to refueling diesel buses. One dispenser is accessible to the public for fueling hydrogen fuel cell electric passenger cars, including the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL, now on the road in both northern and southern California.

Fuel cells do not burn the fuel they use. Instead, they combine hydrogen with oxygen from the air electrochemically to produce electricity and emit only water vapor. AC Transit currently operates twelve 40'-foot hybrid-electric, zero-emission fuel cell buses.

In recognition of AC Transit’s solar installations across its facilities, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) presented a check, representing what will amount to more than $500,000 in rebate incentives from PG&E through the California Solar Initiative (CSI) program to AC Transit General Manager Armijo.

“AC Transit continues to be a model for the rest of the nation,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Today’s unveiling of these innovative, zero-emission fuel cell buses and this state-of-the-art HyRoad Fueling Station further highlights AC Transit’s commitment to excellence in promoting and maintaining zero-emission vehicles.”

California Air Resources Board Chair Nichols added, “We are building on a record of success and partnership between the Federal and State governments and AC Transit – which has truly been a pioneer in bringing fuel cell technology into the community and demonstrating its virtues for clean air and energy efficiency.” 

For more information about the hydrogen fueling facility, please contact Clarence Johnson of AC Transit at 510-891-4745, or visit www.actransit.org/environment.