The California Environmental Protection Agency formally released the California Hydrogen Highway Network Blueprint Plan (CA H₂ Net)—a blueprint that calls for the development of a network of hydrogen stations throughout California to help accelerate the transition to a sustainable hydrogen economy.

The first phase of the Blueprint Plan calls for development of up to 100 refueling stations and 2,000 hydrogen vehicles in the state by 2010. There are more than 40 current or planned stations throughout the state and a small number of vehicles provided by all major auto makers who are investing heavily in hydrogen vehicle technology.

The plan calls for the state to provide $53.4 million in matching funds to industry to build the 100 hydrogen fueling stations in the Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Diego. Because 39 already exist or are planned soon, 61 new stations, at a cost of about $1 million each, would need to be built by 2010. The funding also would provide state grants to automakers of $10,000 per vehicle.

Last year, Governor Schwarzenegger called for up to 200 stations 20 miles apart on major freeways. The planners decided that it would be best to group stations first where most people live. Accordingly, the blueprint sets a goal of 250 stations statewide linking north and south in Phase 2, which could occur by 2015.

The California legislature needs to approve the funding. Should that happen, California will take the lead among the different state initiatives.

Resources:

• Volume I: Summary of Findings and Recommendations for the CA H₂Net. Prepared by CalEPA, this final document summarizes the major findings and  recommendations regarding implementation of the CA H₂ Net, which are based upon Volume II.

• Volume II: Consultant Report, Blueprint Plan for the CA H₂ Net. This document contains the complete and detailed CA H₂ Net Blueprint Plan, which was prepared by Tiax as the consultant and was based upon findings and recommendations from the individual Topic Team reports.