H2 Design - Renewable hydrogen for a sustainable future.

The H2ower station design provides a clean hydrogen energy option now for a transition to a sustainable future based in renewable hydrogen.

What is the H2ower?

The H2ower is a low-footprint renewable hydrogen station. It is powered by wind and other renewable energy resources and provides onsite hydrogen production in a footprint small enough to fit at an existing gas station. The tower uses off the shelf components integrated into a tower structure to minimize footprint, and maximize both aesthetics and safety. The tower would be produced modularly, shipping as two components, an integrated tower “chassis” with all components installed, and a “shell” capable of fitting various design needs depending on the station location and constraints. The modularity of the tower would allow it to be reduced in price and reduce the cost of station installation to the potential installer. Integrated and redundant safety devices would ensure safe operation and ease permitting requirements through significant pre-testing of failure modes. The H2ower would be integrated in partnership with local utilities to provide additional off-peak demand for renewable resources like wind at close to wholesale rates. In return, utilities would gain access to NOx and CO2 emissions markets in the transportation world, and put their considerable energy efficiency experience to work in multiple areas.

Why renewable hydrogen?

The importance of Renewable Hydrogen to the long-term sustainability of this planet is crucial. Our current energy production modes have lead us to the brink of a chasm, with some very hard decisions to make regarding the future of energy. Renewable hydrogen provides an environmentally friendly, safe, reliable, abundant, and economic method of transportation. The importance of the renewable part of this cannot be under-emphasized. Production of hydrogen from fossil fuels shifts pollution upstream, however it does not avoid all of the negative aspects of steadily dwindling resources. The cost of human life is never factored into a fossil fuel resource. We choose to bear this cost ourselves as an acceptable cost for us being able to live the lives we live. But we know something is not quite right about it. We must listen and realize that something is definitely wrong with continuing our forceful, dangerous, greedy extraction of finite resources. And we must see that there is a better way, and if we choose it, it will be well worth the choice. A clear conscience, truly clear skies, and a clear choice. Choose renewable hydrogen and lets begin to create a sustainable future.

Why Sacramento?

Sacramento currently has some of the worst air pollution in the state of California during the summer. In addition, it is one of the best areas for innovative hydrogen research and policy implementation in the state. Further, the presence of an enthusiastic and innovative municipal utility in SMUD provides an ideal partner in development of a utility hydrogen program using clean renewable energy. While the H2ower can be installed virtually anywhere, Sacramento seems like a natural place to start given its unique characteristics which have it poised to become a leading city in the Hydrogen Economy.