Regional Growth Strong for Electrochemical Companies
East Hartford, Conn. (PRWEB) October 16, 2014 -- To foster growth of the hydrogen and fuel cell industry in the Northeast U.S., the Northeast Electrochemical Energy Storage Cluster (NEESC) and Western New England University are partnering to host a “Regional Workshop” on October 29 from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
This event brings together key hydrogen and fuel cell stakeholders to discuss strategies for the development and implementation of State Roadmaps with policy priorities; market identification and development; and zero emission vehicle rollout with hydrogen infrastructure. Representatives from several states, the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Small Business Administration, and large and small businesses from throughout the Northeast will attend and participate.
“NEESC has been developing roadmaps, with support from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the H2USA Initiative, for each state in the Northeast. The roadmaps include potential market locations and deployment goals for each state in the region. This workshop will help to coordinate strategies across the region to achieve those goals," commented Joel Rinebold, CCAT director, energy initiatives, and NEESC chairperson.
As detailed in the roadmaps, NEESC has identified a potential to install over 1,200 megawatts of fuel cell capacity at energy intensive buildings throughout the region. Additionally, NEESC found more than 271,000 passenger fleet vehicles and 13,000 transit buses in the region that could utilize zero emission fuel cell technology.
NEESC recommends establishing a regional goal to deploy at least 227 megawatts of fuel cell electric generating capacity by 2025. NEESC also recommends the initial acquisition of at least 13,000 fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) and the development of 114 to 140 hydrogen refueling stations in the Northeast to support FCEV deployment.
“We’re pleased to be partnering with NEESC to co-host this event," stated Hossein Cheraghi, Dean, College of Engineering at Western New England University. "The University strives to become a leader in energy based technologies research in the Northeast corridor.”
“Researchers at the University engage in both fundamental as well as system level analysis of fuel cell technologies,” added Cheraghi. “This forum will help educate the companies in the region about the University’s capabilities and help prepare students to meet workforce challenges.”
The workshop will be followed by a tour of the University’s research facilities and a “Ride and Drive” that will feature a fuel cell powered passenger vehicle.
This event is free, but registration is required. To register for the workshop go to: http://fcandh2workshop.eventbrite.com
For more information about the workshop, contact: Paul Aresta, [email protected],, or 860.291.8832.
ABOUT NEESC
Northeast Electrochemical Energy Storage Cluster (NEESC) is a network of industry, academic, government and non-governmental leaders working together to provide energy storage solutions. Based in New England, New York and New Jersey, the network focuses on the innovative development, production, promotion and deployment of hydrogen fuels and fuel cells to meet the pressing demand for energy storage solutions. NEESC is administered by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. and its industry partners, Maine Hydrogen Energy Center (HEC), Massachusetts Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Stakeholders (MHFCS), New Energy New York (NENY), and the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA).
ABOUT WNEU
Western New England University, a private university in Springfield, Mass, is renowned for their personal attention to students. The University is committed to being a leader regionally and recognized nationally in providing integrated professional and liberal learning. Additionally, the University is characterized by a synergy that results internally from the collaboration of its programs in Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Pharmacy, and Law and externally from the important strategic partnerships and alliances forged with the local and regional business, educational, and civic community.
ABOUT CCAT
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT), a nonprofit economic development organization headquartered in East Hartford, Conn., is a leader and go-to resource for strengthening competitiveness and high-tech business development in the state, region and nation. CCAT focuses on three core areas: technology, efficiencies and workforce development, with expertise in manufacturing technology, IT, education and workforce strategies, and energy solutions. Through the synergy of its experienced teams, advanced technologies and extensive partnerships, CCAT provides manufacturers, educators, government, nonprofits and entrepreneurs with innovative solutions to tackle economic challenges, compete and succeed.
Karen Jarmon, CCAT, http://www.ccat.us, +1 860-282-4211, [email protected]
Share this article