The California Energy Commission is proposing taxpayer subsidies to support hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Shell in partnership with Toyota will be considered for the installation of hydrogen refueling equipment into seven retail stations in the stat and an award of $16,362,500 to develop those stations. Shell currently operates two hydrogen refueling stations in California, both located in Los Angeles.
The bidding marks a step forward in California’s dream for broader use of low-carbon fuels and vehicle technologies, via CEC’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program.
“Providing accessible, reliable and convenient refueling is key to mainstream adoption of fuel cell vehicles,” said Craig Scott, advanced technology vehicle senior manager, Toyota Motor North America. “Shell’s partnership will bring the expertise and resources of a major energy company to hydrogen infrastructure efforts in California. The team of Toyota and Shell will bring us one step closer to a hydrogen society.”
Toyota is supporting hydrogen infrastructure development through deals. In California, Toyota entered a financial agreement with FirstElement Fuels to support construction and operation of 19 fueling stations across the state. In 2016, Toyota announced a collaboration with Air Liquide to develop and supply a phased network of 12 state-of-the-art hydrogen stations targeted for New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
In Germany, Shell is working with the government and industry partners in a cross-sector joint venture, H2 Mobility Germany, to support the development of a nationwide expansion of hydrogen refueling stations.
