BOS Agenda Date: September 14,2004
Agenda ttem No. 10

County of Santa Clara
Board of Supervisors
Supervisorial District Four
Supervisor James T. Beall, Jr.

bosD4-9-14-04fcini
DATE;

September 14, 2004

TO:

Board of Supervisors

FROM:

James T. Beall, Jr.

Supervisor, District 4
SUBJECT:

Santa Clara County Fuel Cell Advancement Initiative

RECOMMENDED ACTION

a. Direct County Executive to consider stationary fuel cell applications when planning for building projects and
energy-system upgrades. Build public/private partnerships to leverage resources to support R&D offuel cells and clean
hydrogen production efforts in Santa Clara County. Possible demonstration sites could include: county buildings, Fair
Oaks Senior Housing Project, sewage treatment plants, and Office of Emergency Services(OES)center. Apply for
grants to support stationary fuel cell demonstration projects,
b. Direct County Executive to identify a fuel cell vehicle(FCV)demonstration project. Work with California Fuel Cell
Partnership to develop an interest among FCV manufacturers to lease demonstration vehicles to the county. Identify
clean and efficient hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Apply for grants to support a fuel cell fleet vehicle demonstration
project,

c. Direct administration to contract with a consultant specializing in energy and transportation engineering to assist the
county with implementation of the above recommendations. Apply for planning grants to fund consultant services.

Board of Supervisors: Donald F, Gage, Blanca Alvarado, Pete McHugh, Jitn Beall, Liz Kniss
County Executive: Peter Kutras Jr.

1

BOS Agenda Date:September 14,2004
Agenda Item No. 10

d. Direct the Legislative Committee to consider sponsoring legislation related to: hydrogen and fuel cell technology
expansion and advancement; and consumer incentives for low- and zero-emissions vehicles, photovoltaic and other
clean, distributed generation applications.

e. Direct County Executive to participate in local and regional information-exchange forums of public and private
stakeholders to educate, and leverage resources to support the advancement of a local hydrogen economy. Work with
California Hydrogen Highway Network to include county fuel cell and hydrogen efforts as a model in the Governor's
Hydrogen Highways Blueprint Plan.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS
No General Fund Impact.

Numerous grant and funding sources are available for fuel cell vehicle demonstration and stationary fuel cell

infrastructure planning and capital projects. Some of which include:

BAAQMD Transportation for Clean Air Grant

U.S. Department of Energy

Caltrans Transportation Planning Grants

California Energy Commission Buy-down Program

California Public Utilities Commission Self-Generation Program

The Energy Foundation

Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation

CSAC Bond Programs

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION

Board of Supervisors: Donald F. Gage, Blanca Alvarado, Pete McHugh,Jim Beall, Liz Kniss
County Executive: Peter Kutras Jr.

2

BOS Agenda Date:September 14,2004
Agenda Item No. 10

As the country is moving forward on the road to a hydrogen economy, it is important that the County of Santa Clara
position itself for the future - as one of the leading regions supporting emerging clean energy and transportation
technologies.

Hydrogen is often characterized as the "ultimate fuel of the future" being both clean and available without the need for
energy imports. It has an unmatched potential to bring about economic stability, energy reliability, envirorunental, and
public health benefits. Promising technological breakthroughs are occurring every day throughout the world and within
our own backyard.

There is substantial action that governments and other stakeholders can and must take if a transition is to be made in a
timely manner to a cleaner and more sustainable energy system. A key step in this process is to conduct demonstration
projects, which are essential for identifying and resolving real-world operating issues. They also provide valuable
lessons in siting and permitting infrastructure and serve as pilot projects for introducing new technologies and fuels into
early markets.
RACKCROUND

Economic Development

Using hydrogen as an energy carrier will require a variety of new technologies, products and services, such as stationary
fuel cells for co-generation distributed energy systems, fuel cells for transportation applications, and hydrogen refueling
stations. This means economic development opportunities for local companies and new high-technology jobs. This will
lead to the creation of high-tech jobs to build and maintain these systems. Although the transition to a hydrogen
economy will take decades, faster transitions can occur in particularly progressive regions (Dr. Dan Sperling, UC Davis
Institute of Transportation Studies. Hydrogen Conference, August 2004).
Health Implications

Production, sales and use of petroleum-derived fuels in the U.S. emit thousands of tons of chemical pollutants into the
air each day. Widespread use of fuel cell vehicles could have a measurable effect on air quality by reducing nitrogen
oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter produced by vehicles. Petroleum pollutants can cause or
aggravate a wide range of serious health problems including cancer, birth defects, asthma, and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease. Both nationally and at the county level, we have seen the impact of air pollution on health.
As the attached chart illustrates, asthma deaths have been increasing over the past 25 years. I believe initiatives that seek

to improve air quality are important and a first step towards reducing the incidence of asthma in our region. Clearly,
adoption of a few zero-emissions fleet vehicles and a handful of stationary fuel cell projects are not going to address the
health concerns in isolation, but leadership and building public awareness is critical to advancement towards this goal
(Attachment A).

Economic Risks Associated with Petroleum Dependency and Availability

The support of non—petroleum fuels, such as hydrogen, offers an opportunity for County citizens to be able to seek
alternatives to gasoline and diesel. This opportunity is important due to the economic risks of petroleum fuel price spikes
and potential fuel supply shortfalls.

Board of Supervisors: Donald F. Gage, Blanca Alvarado, Pete McHugh,Jim Beall, Liz Kniss
Count/ Executive: Peter Kutras Jr.

3

BOS Agenda Date:September 14,2004
Agenda ttem No. 10

Hydrogen Production Pathways

Hydrogen - the most plentiful gas in the universe - can be produced from a wide variety of resources including coal, oil,
natural gas, bio mass, and water. Several methods of producing hydrogen are currently in use or being explored. Most of
the hydrogen used today comes from reforming natural gas offsite, then transported in pressurized tubes and stored in
carefully controlled settings.

A small amount of hydrogen used today is produced onsite through electrolysis. Some fuel cells can run in reverse and
produce hydrogen as needed via electrolysis. In electrolysis, electricity is used to separate water(H20) into hydrogen
(H2)and oxygen (02). The electricity can come from fossil fuels such as coal, or from renewable sources such as solar,
hydroelectric or wind power.

Manufacturers throughout the U.S. and Canada are developing more efficient and cost-effective fuel cell and hydrogen
production technologies every day. One manufacturer in Santa Clara County is developing an efficient, secure and
cost-effective stationary fuel cell technology that produces electricity or hydrogen as needed, and will be available for
demonstration projects within the next year.
St^tgwidg Initiative

Governor Schwarzenegger's Executive Order S-7—05 California Hydrogen Highways Network calls for a blueprint plan
to implement a network of hydrogen refueling stations along California s major highways by 2010. In the Executive
Order, the governor states: "hydrogen powered vehicles and infrastructure can lead to energy independence, offer zero or
near-zero emissions, reduce health problems due to motor vehicle related air pollution, reduce water pollution from oil
and gasoline leaks, lower global warming pollution, improve fuel economy, provide smoother and quieter operation, as
well as providing economic and workforce benefits to help California meet current and future energy needs".
Local Initiatives

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), in partnership with the San Mateo County Transit(SamTrans),
is conducting a demonstration program to test hydrogen-powered fuel cell buses. Starting in January, VTA will operate
three zero-emissions buses on selected routes within Santa Clara County. The liquid hydrogen fueling station is located
at VTA's Cerone Station.

Santa Clara County has demonstrated leadership in early adoption of clean-fuel technology in our fleet program and

should continue to do so as new technologies emerge. In County poliey 7.11 Vehicle Procurement - Low Emission
Vehicles, the Board of Supervisors adopted a policy to encourage low emission vehicles. I believe that we should

aggressively extend our program to zero emissions hydrogen vehicles. Board Policy 7.11 states, "The County will
identify and give preference in its vehicle procurement to the acquisition of the lowest emission vehicles available,
practical, and reasonably cost effective for a given application, or where funding is available to assure that such vehicles
are reasonably cost competitive. Public safety and emergency vehicles are exempt from this policy".

It is anticipated that the next round of FCV fleet customers will be identified in Spring 2005. Collectively, auto
manufacturers are estimating that by 2007 approximately 200-300 demonstration FCVs will be spread between major
metropolitan areas of the State. Each carefully selected customer will receive between one and five vehicles.

Board of Supervisors; Donald F. Gage, Blanca Alvarado, Pete McHugh,Jim Beall, Liz Kniss
County Executive: Peter Kutras Jr.

4

BOS Agenda Date:September 14,2004
Agenda Item No. 10

There are opportunities to collaborate with one of our affordable housing partners - Charities Housing - to build a
stationary fuel cell demonstration project at the Fair Oaks Senior Housing site. This demonstration project could
potentially include a fuel cell shuttle vehicle for the residents' transportation needs. The potential combination of both a
stationary fuel cell system providing electricity, water, heating, cooling and fuel for a zero-emissions shuttle would set a
nationwide precedent.

The Governor's California Hydrogen Highways Team is looking for a county model to include within the Blueprint Plan.
I believe that we have the opportunity to do what we do best here in Santa Clara County - establish innovative
public-private partnerships that deliver quality services to the public. Furthermore, I believe that we can lead the nation
with such an initiative, supporting the diffusion of a clean, reliable and sustainable energy technology that will
eventually create jobs, improve air quality, and hence improve public health.
CONSEQUENCES OF NEGATIVE ACTim

Recommendations will not be adopted and county will not be in a position to compete for state and federal grant funding
for fuel cell projects.
ATTACHMENTS

•(Transmittal submitted on Sep 8, 2004 9:40:28 AM - PDF Version)

•Attachment A - An Integrated Hydrogen Vision for California (Miscellaneous)
• Attachment B - An Integrated Hydrogen Vision for California (Miscellaneous)

Board of Supervisors: Donald F. Gage, Blanca Alvarado, Pete McHugh,Jim Beall, Liz Kniss
County Executive: Peter Kutras Jr.

5

Santa Clara County Fuel Cell Advancement Initiative
Approved by Board of Supervisors on September 14, 2004

1. Directed County Executive to consider stationary fuel cell applications
when planning for building projects and energy-system upgrades, to build
public and private partnerships to support Research and Development of
fuel cells and clean hydrogen production efforts in Santa Clara County,
and to apply for grants to support stationary fuel cell demonstration
projects.

2, Directed County Executive to identify a fuel cell vehicle (FCV)
demonstration project, to work with California Fuel Cell Partnership to
develop interest among FCV manufacturers to lease demonstration
vehicles to County, to identify a clean and efficient hydrogen refueling
infrastructure, and to apply for grants for grants to support Fuel Cell Fleet
Vehicle Demonstration Project.
3. Directed Administration to contract with a consultant specializing in energy
and transportation engineering to assist County with implementation of
recommendations for fuel cell and FCV technology, and to apply for
planning grants to fund consultant services.

4. Directed Legislative Committee to consider sponsoring legislation relating
to hydrogen and fuel cell technology expansion and advancement,
consumer incentives for low- and zero-emissions vehicles, photovoltaic
and other clean, distributed generation applications.

5. Directed County Executive to participate in local and regional informationexchange forums of public and private stakeholders to educate and
leverage resources to support advancement of local hydrogen economy,
and to work with California Flydrogen Flighway Network to include
County’s fuel cell and hydrogen efforts as a model in Governor’s
Flydrogen Flighways Blueprint.

An Integrated Hydrogen Vision for California
White Paper/Guidance Document

Prepared with Support from the Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation
July 9, 2004

Lead Authors:

Dr. Timothy Lipman

Energy and Resources Group

Inst, of Transportation Studies

University of California - Berkeley and Davis
Prof. Daniel Kammen

Energy and Resources Group

Goldman School of Public Policy

University of California - Berkeley
Assoc. Prof. Joan Ogden
Environmental Science and Policy

Inst, of Transportation Studies

University of California - Davis
Prof. Daniel Sperling

Civil and Environmental Engineering
Environmental Science and Policy
Inst, of Transportation Studies

University of California - Davis
Arlditional Authors:

Davis
Anthony Eggert, Institute of Transportation Studies. UCState
Prof Peter Lehman. Schatz Energy Research Center. Humboldt andUnivereity
UC Davis
Dr. Susan Shaheen. Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Berkeley
Dr. David Shearer. California Environmental Associates

■I

An Integrated Hydrogen Vision for California

Acknowledgments

This project was funded by the Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation with
additional support from the UC Davis Hydrogen Pathways Program and the
Energy Foundation. We are appreciative of the Kirsch Foundation’s timely

support for this project.

We thank (in alphabetical order) Mary Jean Burer, Dr. Charles Chamberlain,

Gustavo Collantes, Rachel Finson, Roland Hwang, Jim Lee, Dr. Amory Lovins,
Jason Mark, and Stefan Unnasch, and Jonathan Weinert for their insights and
assistance as we conducted this project. We thank Hon. Mark DeSaulnier for

his support and assistance, and more generally for championing clean air and
mobility solutions for California. We further would like to specially acknowledge
and thank Dr. Geoffrey Ballard for his visionary leadership in the field of

hydrogen and fuel cells, and for his commitment to graduate education and

thoughtful debate in this fascinating field.

Of course, the authors alone are responsible for the contents of this paper.

An Integrated Hydrogen Vision for California

Abbreviations and Acronyms
ARB = California Air Resources Board

ATR = auto-thermal reforming

CAEATFA = California Alt. Energy and Adv. Transportation Financing Authority

CAFCP = California Fuel Cell Partnership

CAISO = California Independent System Operator
CASFCC = California Stationary Fuel Cell Collaborative
CEC = California Energy Commission
CHP = combined heat and power
COP = Conference of the Parties

CPUC = California Public Utilities Commission
DG = distributed power generation

DGS = Department of General Services

DOE = United States Department of Energy

EV = electric vehicle
FCV = fuel cell vehicle

GDP = gross domestic product
GHG = greenhouse gas

HEV = hybrid electric vehicle

INTI = Integrated Network of Transportation Information

ITS = Intelligent Transportation Systems
lOU = investor-owned utility
LEV = low emission vehicle

NAS = National Academy of Sciences
NOx = oxides of nitrogen
NRC = National Research Council

NUMMI = New United Motor Manufacturing Inc.

PG&E = Pacific Gas and Electric

PIER = Public Interest Energy Research
POx = partial oxidation

psi = pounds per square inch

R&D = research and development

RPS = renewable portfolio standard

SCAQMD = South Coast Air Quality Management District
SCE = Southern California Edison
SMR = steam methane reforming

UC = University of California

UNFCCC = United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
U.S. = United States

V2G = vehicle-to-grid power
ZEV = zero emission vehicle

An Integrated Hydrogen Vision for California

Executive Summaty

This paper concerns the economic and environmental chailenges confronting California and the

potential role for clean energy systems and hydrogen as an energy carrier in helping to address
these challenges. Hydrogen in particular has recently gained great attention as part of a set of
solutions to a variety of energy and environmentai probiems — and based on this potential the
current high ievel of interest is understandable. In our view, however, fuli realization of the
benefits that hydrogen can offer wiil not be possible without a clear strategy for producing
hydrogen from clean and sustainable sources and in a cost-effective manner. One of
hydrogen's greatest benefits - having a wide range of potential feedstocks for ite production expanded and necessitates careful
also complicates the issue of how hydrogen use may beremember
that the additional cost and
forethought as key technology paths unfold, We must
complexity of building a hydrogen infrastructure is only justified if significant benefits to society
are in fact likely to accrue.

argue that the time is ripe for
This paper has been written for two primary purposes. First,forweclean
energy development and
an expanded science and technology initiative in California
should
span
transportation
systems, electrical
greater end-use energy efficiency. This initiative
and
should
place
the
poteritial
for
power generation, and natural gas and other fuel use, Second, we specifically discuss
expanded use of hydrogen within this broader context.
potential concepts and strategies that California might employ as it continues to explore the use
of hydrogen in transportation and stationary settings. The authors believe that at this stage the
to expand hydrogen use, because these
guestion is not /f California should continue with efforts
should
be structured given the level of effort
efforts are already underway, but flow these efforts
corporate
strategy processes. However,
that ultimately emerges through various political and
we feel that it is critical that these efforts take place in the context of a broader'no regrets

clean energy strategy for California.

Onnortunities and Obstacles for Hydrogen

_

,

.

We also feel that it is important to point o^t that the potential use of hydrogenarticulated
confronts as
serious
part
remaining obstacles, These obstacles and barriers have recently been well
of
Sciences
/
National
Research
ui aa iMcju,
V.,; behalf of the National Academy
of
major lov.^vv
review effort on
Council. However, we note that hydrogen is one of very few options for significantly reducing oil

use and greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. Hydrogen has an unmatched
potential (based on present knowledge)as part of a set of solutions to a vanety o .e^rgy and
environmental problems. Hydrogen can be produced from a wide range of potential feedstocks
within the U.S. and most other countries, potentially improving the balance oHrade^and
in the transportation sector. In fact,

geopolitical
y«upun..a,........
concerns associated
^
with heavy oil dependence
L suggest that it is the most compelling option for a low-carbon, post-petroleum future at this
time.

a variety of sources, including
A principal attraction of hydrogen is the ability to produce it from
renewaWe sources. Hydrogen can be produced from wind and solar power and various
biomass and waste resources - as well as from coal, natural gas, and ^adear power. With

a potential future
the most part
regard to fossil sources, carbon sequestration offers greenhouse
gases
(GHG
™s,cms to the
presently unproven) concept for production with low along with other small-scale
power
atmosphere Hydrogen technologies such as fuel cells,

Satg systems^re also promising for “distributed power gene^tion"(DG . DG can a low

and industrial faciH les with
production of electricity for commercial and residential buildings
Total energy efficiency levels from

reduced

needs for electricity transmission and distribution.

An Integrated Hydrogen Vision for Caiifornia

DG can exceed those of central power plants, especially when waste heat is used for

“cogeneration" or “combined heat and power”(CHP). Most importantly, hydrogen can be
produced and used in ways that significantly reduce or even eliminate emissions of GHGs and
air pollutants.

In light of this potential promise, there is a need to prepare for the potential transition to
hydrogen since the process will be slow and initially difficult. There is much to learn about the
use of hydrogen, the adoption of appropriate codes and standards, and the issues and

obstacles associated with public acceptance of its use. Our concern here is different, however,

and we believe more urgent and compelling, it is the need to rapidly advance the science and

engineering of renewable energy and hydrogen technologies. We believe that the hydrogen
economy" is ultimately likely to come about, but we also conclude, along with the National
Research Council and many others, that significant scientific and engineering advances are

i

needed for the transition to advance in a meaningful and sustainable fashion.

Principles and Strategies for Clean Energy Policy

Furthermore, a major science and technology effort is needed more broadly to spur clean

energy system development. This is necessary both in order for the potential hydrogen
economy to deliver the benefits that are possible, and also in case the “great hydrogen
experiment” is not successful. With its strong energy science and technology foundation,
California is uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in this regard both within the U.S. and
globally. We recommend a strategy that:
1)

Advances the production of renewable electricity based on wind power, solar PV,

and biomass;

2)

Emphasizes more efficient use ofenergy with development and deployment of
more efficient heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, lighting systems,
appliances, and commercial/industrial equipment, and with introduction of higher

fuel economy light and heavy-duty vehicles;
3)

through the use of
Expands clean and efficient distributed power generation (DG)
and
explores the
combined heat and power(CHP)systems and "smart grids”
technologies
in this
of stationary fuel cells and other hydrogen-based DG
use

context;

4)

Continues and expands partnerships among U.S. DOE,industry, and the
universities and labs to address key renewable energy, fuel cell, and hydrogen

storage and delivery technology research and development(R&D); and
means of clean
5) Explores renewable hydrogen production along with additional
as
natural
gas and coal
hydrogen production based on “transition fuels" such
but
that
“holds the bar
(including efforts to experiment with carbon sequestration),
performance.
high" with regard to their full fuel-cycle environmental
We further recommend that this strategy be pursued by efforts to coordinate and align various

State energy R&D and financing mechanisms for clean energy system development, to
aggressively pursue federal clean energy R&D funds, and$64to million
exploreper
additional Jjnding
mechanisms. The major State mechanisms include the
Commission (CEC)Public Interest Energy Research program,
financing
^
California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority, the $200 million
“Green Wave” clean energy investment program developed by State Treasurer Angelides. a re

aligned and expanded natural gas system public purpose R&D program, continued efforts to

An Integrated Hydrogen Vision for California

garner federal energy and transportation R&D and demonstration project funds, and a new $16
million clean technology incubator sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric, among other

mechanisms.

The California Policy Setting and Energy and Environmental Conditions

The fact is that many U.S. states and nations around the world are aggressively positioning
themselves to compete with California's role in this regard. The issues involved are therefore

not only related to environmental and energy concerns, but also to local and regional economic
development and to which states and countries will develop the most effective clusters for clean

energy and transportation industrial activity.

California is a unique setting for clean energy technology development for several reasons. If

considered a nation-state of its own, California would represent the fifth largest economy in the
world. It is home to some 34 million people who drive 23 million automobiles. The State has

historically experienced significant air quality problems and has special status under the Clean
Air Act to enact its own particular air quality control measures. California is a global leader in
high technology research and development, environmental policy and regulation, and

agricultural and forestry production. It also is a major entertainment center and “style leader” for

the U.S. and the world.

With regard to clean energy and alternative fuels for transportation, California has also taken a
leading role. The State derives approximately 11 percent of its electricity from renewable
sources, with plans to increase the percentage to 20 percent by no later than 2017. California
has experimented with various alternative transportation fuels over the years and has
gases under the “zero emission vehicle
aggressive plans to curb air pollution and greenhousethan
one-fourth of the hybrid electric
mandate" and the “Pavley Law.” California has more
and
it
is home to the California Fuel Cell
vehicles in the U.S.(over 11,000 at the end of 2003),
tested
55
cell powered vehicles in
Partnership - a public/private consortium that has - and fuel
the
California
Stationary Fuel Cell
California over more than 145,000 accumulated miles
of
stationary
fuel
cell
technologies.
Collaborative that is promoting the commercialization

his intent to create a "California
More recently, California Gov. Schwarzenegger announced
S-7-04 on April 20 , 2004. This

Hydrogen Highway Network" by signing executive order
initiative is intended to stimulate development of hydrogen infrastructure in California to remove

Among other measures this
a key barrier to the introduction of hydrogen-poweredofvehicles.
that
network
and calls for a California
order designates the 21 interstate highways as part

Hydrogen Economy Blueprint Plan" to be developed by January 1,2005 for the rapid transition

to a hydrogen economy in California."

Key Elements of a California Hydrogen Strategy

As California expands hydrogen R&D, demonstration and experimentation projects, and
infrastructure planning activities, we advocate a strategy that integrates the potential use of

systems. Future use of hydrogen
hydrogen into additional energy sectors beyond transportation
potential
known options for
in the transportation sector appears to have the greatestuse but theamong
barriers
to hydrogen and

large reducSons in GHGs, air pollutants, and petroleum hydrogen technologies for DG may
fuel ceil use for transportation remain significant. The use of
become commercially attractive well before transportation, and there are also interesting
combination of hydrogen systems with
potential synergies between the two. Furthermore, the

other advanced transportation technologies and concepts may also yield important synergies
and efficiencies.

•»

An Integrated Hydrogen Vision for California

We recommend a strategy that includes the following key elements:

1) Build on existing projects, programs, and energy and transportation

infrastructure and pursue aggressive but incremental steps as the vehicle
market develops;

2) Use public/private partnerships to leverage resources and combine expertise;
3) Explore the integration of hydrogen infrastructure development with distributed
electrical power generation (e.g. hydrogen “energy stations”) and innovative
mobility systems (e.g,, shared-use vehicle services facilitated by electronic
and wireless reservation and communication technologies);

4) Focus initial hydrogen infrastructure developments on prioritized “key

corridors” and in a coordinated fashion, and include experimentation with

innovative low-cost hydrogen distribution options (e.g. mobile dispensing

platforms and integration with activities with large fleet and retail companies);
5) Emphasize and lay out a clear plan for using California’s domestic resources
to produce hydrogen cleanly, and increasingly from renewable sources, and
prioritize R&D on electrolyzer and biomass-to-hydrogen systems;

6)Experiment with hydrogen for off-road uses including forklifts and other

vehicles operating inside buildings, construction site applications, and in
maritime and agricultural settings;

7) Demonstrate hydrogen safety and reliability through development of codes

and standards and documentation of safety performance for hydrogen energy

systems;

8) Use State action to encourage all hydrogen refueling stations, including those
owned by public and private fleets, to be available to the public(wherever
practical); and

9) Employ existing and new mechanisms, such as the partnership among

Caltrans, the Air Resources Board, and CEC,to coordinate State agency

activities as appropriate.

These measures among others can help to maximize the effectiveness of efforts to pursue the
and stranded assets, and
expanded use of hydrogen, reduce the risks of misplaced investments
and
mobility
goals.
help to advance broader economic, environmental performance,
Conclusions

. „

. * ^

We make the above recommendations for California hydrogen policy in the context of a major

science and technology initiative aimed at making California a global leader in clean energy.

We also more generally recommend greater R&D and clean technology market development

greater importance in geopolitics,
support for the energy sector due to its seemingly ever
and well being.
environmental health and justice, and social health

Hydrogen investments should constitute one part of a balanced energy R&D and development
portfolio that also emphasizes more “tried and true" energy efficiency and clean fuel soluhons.
development of renewable and other
This will require strengthened and coordinated policies for
clean energy sources, continued and enhanced policies for cleaner and more efficient light and
heavy-duty vehicles, greater attention to improving energy end-use efficiency, and leveraged
and coordinated financing and R&D funding strategies.
Vi

»

An Integrated Hydrogen Vision for California

■In conclusion, continued development and deployment of clean energy technologies is critical to
California’s future economic growth, human health and welfare, and environmental quality.

Hydrogen technologies represent one important part of this future, but it is essential that efforts
to promote hydrogen as an energy carrier occur in the context of a broader clean energy and
energy efficiency strategy for the State. This strategy would enhance the benefits that hydrogen
can offer if the “hydrogen economy” does in fact develop rapidly, but it also would provide clear
benefits to the State even if it does not.

VII