California State University, Los Angeles, has received a $7 million federal grant to upgrade its Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility.
The university says the money from the U.S. Department of Transportation will transform the Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility into a high-capacity hydrogen fueling station for multi-modal, light- to heavy-duty vehicles.
Situated near the intersection onf Interstate Highways 10 and 710, the hydrogen station will service public customers and fleets, including the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.
The grant will also reinforce Cal State LA as a premier hydrogen talent training center through its internship program.
“With multi-billion investments into the hydrogen economy, the Department of Transportation $7 million award opens a new chapter for the operation of the Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility,” said David Blekhman, a professor of technology who is also director of Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility. “This funding creates opportunities for faculty and students to leverage research, workforce training, and industry collaborations.”
The Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility at Cal State LA, which opened in 2014, is the largest such facility on a university campus in the United States that produces its own hydrogen on site via electrolysis.
The station is capable of using renewable sources, such as solar and wind power for hydrogen production. It was the first station in California to be certified to sell fuel to the public.