GM to make hydrogen-powered vehicles, fueling infrastructure a reality in Hawaii by 2015

Hydrogen-powered vehicles may be a reality sooner than previously thought. Ten organizations, comprised of various companies, agencies, and universities, have joined an initiative between GM and The Gas Company (TGC) to bring hydrogen-powered vehicles and an accompanying fueling infrastructure to Hawaii by 2015. The plan is called the Hawaii Hydrogen Initiative (H2I), and aims to integrate hydrogen into the state’s plan for a sustainable energy ecosystem.

Currently, TGC produces enough hydrogen to power up to 10,000 vehicles, and has the capacity to produce much more, and GM is a leader in fuel-cell automotive technology. The collaboration is exploring ways to deliver hydrogen through existing natural-gas pipelines.

“In Hawaii, we want to address the proverbial chicken or egg dilemma,” said Charles Freese, executive director of GM Fuel Cell Activities. “There has always been a looming issue over how to ensure that the vehicles and the necessary hydrogen refueling infrastructure are delivered to market at the same time. Our efforts in Hawaii will help us meet that challenge.”

In addition to GM and TGC, the hydrogen initiative partners include the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT); U.S. Department of Energy; FuelCell Energy; Aloha Petroleum Ltd; Louis Berger Group; U.S. Pacific Command, supported by the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Army Pacific, and U.S. Marine Forces, Pacific; National Renewable Energy Laboratory; the County of Hawaii; University of California – Irvine, and the University of Hawaii.

Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Project Driveway:

– By: Stephen Calogera