The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded a US$2.5 million grant to advance fuel cell technology at the Port of Oakland, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
With a total project cost exceeding US$7 million, this initiative marks a significant effort in the Californian port’s broader push to achieve zero-emission maritime operations. Key local stakeholders, including the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC), TraPac, and Hyster-Yale Group, will provide additional funding through cost-sharing agreements. Alameda CTC will contribute up to US$2 million toward the project.
“We are working non-stop towards achieving the goal of becoming a zero-emissions port. We thank the U.S. Department of Energy for selecting Oakland to be part of this hydrogen project. Oakland is at the forefront of this innovative clean energy technology for the transportation industry,” stated Danny Wan, Executive Director at Port of Oakland.
The project aims to:
- Promote the commercialization of zero-emission container handling equipment (CHE) by developing and testing two fuel cell electric top loaders (FCETLs) with advanced technology readiness;
- Address a technology gap by using Hyundai’s Class 8 fuel cell electric truck to create the first hydrogen-powered wet-hose mobile refueler (WHMR);
- Provide hydrogen fuel for vehicles at ports and other industries, while ensuring maximum operational uptime.
The FCETLs and WHMR will be integrated into regular container handling operations at the Port of Oakland, with the demonstration expected to last four years. This initiative is a pivotal step toward decarbonizing goods movement at U.S. ports.
According to a statement, project partners and roles include:
- Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) - Prime contractor and project director;
- Hyster-Yale Group – Designer/builder of FCETLs, the responsible party for upkeep and maintenance of FCETLs;
- Nuvera, a subsidiary of Hyster – Provider of fuel cell systems, integration and field support;
- GTL Leasing – Designer/builder and responsible party for integrating a cascade fueling system on the base of Hyundai Motor Company fuel cell electric truck, logistical supporter to operator;
- TraPac (Marine terminal operator at Port) - End-user that will run the FCETLs;
- West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project and CTE – Community outreach providers to communicate project benefits with local stakeholders; and
- Alameda CTC – Project funding partner.
