Hydrogen Filling Station Network Wins Edison Award

Black & Veatch has been selected for a prestigious Silver Edison Award for their support in developing True Zero's California Hydrogen Network for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). Black & Veatch delivered an advanced engineering, procurement and construction solution for the station network project. True Zero's 19 refueling stations deployed in California form the first hydrogen network for FCVs in the United States.

The project represents the first stage of a comprehensive program for constructing the statewide True Zero Hydrogen Network by FirstElement Fuel Inc., which received financial support from the California Energy Commission, Toyota, and Honda. The initial filling stations are strategically placed to provide access in several California metro areas as well as connectivity in other parts of the state so that FCV customers have the capability to drive seamlessly throughout the state.

”There’s a lot of pride that comes from doing something we believe will change the world. We knew we were taking on a big task – to build for the first time ever a network of hydrogen stations that allows fuel cell customers to drive seamlessly around the State of California. We were looking for experts who had built analogous networks, somebody that understood this type of construction and that’s where Black & Veatch came in,” said Joel Ewanick, CEO of FirstElement Fuel Inc.

True Zero’s stations provide consumers in California with access to hydrogen for their zero emission transportation needs. Vehicles that use fuel cells generate electricity to power an electric motor with only water vapor being emitted into the atmosphere. True Zero’s first 19 filling stations are installed at existing gasoline stations across California. The Edison Awards, which recognize excellence and creativity globally in new products and services, announced the honor in its Transportation & Logistics category at its April 20 gala in New York.

“There was strong collaboration in delivering this distributed refueling infrastructure in a cost-effective and timely manner,” said Andrew Woods, Director of Transformative Technologies, Black & Veatch. “True Zero’s network of stations is spurring an increase in carbon-free vehicle use across California using a model that can be expanded across the country. The award recognition from Edison highlights the importance of innovation and the significant benefits of advanced clean technology.”