Session: 12-01: Hydrogen Energy, Alternative Fuels, Bioenergy, and Biofuels

Paper Number: 130711

130711 - Fueling the Future: Hydrogen as Catalysts for Zero Emissions Transportation and Innovative Sustainable Energy Storage Solutions 

Abstract: 

Hydrogen plays a big role in achieving the nationwide goal of Net Zero-Emissions by 2050 in the US, while few entities have already started their journey towards Zero-Emission objectives, some are contemplating, and many are yet to plan for it. Last month the DOE unveiled a remarkable initiative – the selection of seven regional clean hydrogen hubs, funded with a substantial $7 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This visionary investment, aimed at making hydrogen more accessible, affordable, and eco-friendly, has far-reaching implications for our nation’s journey towards healthier environment. With the recent DOE funding, transit agencies across the country find even more compelling reasons to adopt hydrogen fuel-cell buses when they find more available options of the viable solutions which will impact environment and public health.

This presentation intends to explore the role of hydrogen as a sustainable energy storage and an alternative fuel solution, its impact to the environment, and propelling the industry towards the overarching Net Zero objectives. It also seeks to engage with academia and R&D communities, highlighting the industry's requirements for the upcoming milestones from end users’ infrastructure point of view.

The goal is to achieve sustainability, safeguarding the environment from the impacts of infrastructure, while simultaneously enhancing resilience to shield infrastructure from environmental challenges. This presentation aims to illuminate the attainability of both objectives through the strategic utilization of hydrogen.

Focusing on heavy-duty vehicles, particularly buses and trucks, we will delve into the opportunities and challenges associated with utilization of hydrogen fuel and fuel-cell technologies and the requisite supporting infrastructure. This exploration aims to offer a perspective on available options, offering insights into the criteria essential for making informed decisions to adopt hydrogen as a fuel and energy storage solutions.

To determine the best fit to achieve sustainability and resilience simultaneously, several factors must be considered, including Zero-Emission timing goal and strategy, change management, safety measures, training, energy requirements, energy and vehicle technologies, utility demand and coordination, optimal fleet-adapted block planning, resilience, facility assessment, and future planning.

Forward thinking, the R&D communities of equipment and vehicle manufacturers are to address the industry's next steps. This presentation will delve into some of the industry's needs of development from infrastructure engineering point of view. This presentation will also discuss the challenges that utilities may face, and the essential planning throughout this transformative journey.

investigate these crucial topics with us, making meaningful contributions to the hydrogen industry as it emerges as a highly viable sustainable energy and fuel source.

Presenting Author: Faye Farahmand STV Inc

Presenting Author Biography: Faye Farahmand serves as the Zero Emissions Facility Engineering Lead at STV, a prominent consulting engineering firm within the transit industry. With a dedicated commitment to environmental sustainability, she directs her professional endeavors towards advancing alternative fuel solutions specially focusing on the integration of hydrogen fueling to eliminate harmful emissions. With over three decades of comprehensive engineering experience, Faye has devoted thirteen years specifically to the development of alternative and cleaner fuel infrastructure within the transit sector, including pioneering initiatives in hydrogen fueling systems for Fuel-Cell Electric Buses (FCEBs).
Faye's expertise lies in the realm of Zero Emission infrastructure, where she serves as an Engineering of Record (EOR) and a subject matter expert for Zero Emission fueling infrastructure. Her responsibilities extend to the formulation of transition plans and the meticulous analysis of related calculations. Her proficiency encompasses diverse fueling process and systems, such as hydrogen fueling for Fuel-Cell Electric Buses (FCEBs), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG), and various other fueling facilities including ethanol, biodiesel and renewable diesel.
Engineering design, calculations, and analysis for hydrogen fueling facilities have been integral components of Faye's portfolio, with notable projects including Pace in Markham, IL; LAVTA in Livermore, CA; TriDelta in CA; and RTC of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, NV. Additionally, Faye has contributed as a technical reviewer for hydrogen fueling systems at North County Transit District (NCTD) in Oceanside, CA. She is a double PE licensed engineer in mechanical and electrical disciplines in multiple states.

Authors:

Faye Farahmand STV Inc