SLINGERLANDS, N.Y., Sept.  05, 2024  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG), a global leader in comprehensive hydrogen solutions for the green hydrogen economy, has been awarded $10 million by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to demonstrate next generation hydrogen refueling infrastructure for medium and heavy-duty vehicles at scale. Plug's project, HYPER-Fuel ("the project"), is a liquid-to-gaseous dispensing and cryogenic dispensing hydrogen refueling station architecture.

This funding is part of the DOE's $62 million investment in 20 projects across 15 states aimed at accelerating the deployment of next-generation clean hydrogen technologies. These initiatives will advance key aspects of hydrogen fueling infrastructure, demonstrate hydrogen-powered container-handling equipment for port operations, and enhance processes critical to the efficient, timely, and equitable implementation of hydrogen technologies.

In partnership with Washington State University (WSU), the University of Maryland at College Park, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Plug will develop a high-flow, direct-fill hydrogen fueling station. The dispensing station, based on Plug's GenFuel technology, will offer fueling rates exceeding 8 kg/min, a daily capacity of >2 tonnes, and options for both 350 and 700 bar pressurized hydrogen, including forward looking subcooled liquid and cryo-compressed hydrogen dispensing. The project aims to address the growing hydrogen infrastructure needs for on-road heavy-duty vehicles.

"We're grateful for the Department of Energy's support, which underscores Plug's leadership in the hydrogen sector," said Plug CEO Andy Marsh. "With over 250 high-performance refueling stations under our belt—more than any other company globally—our proven expertise positions us uniquely to lead this important commercial demonstration project."

"This station solves the chicken-or-egg conundrum holding back the hydrogen economy–with integrated cooling we can minimize boil-off losses, easing the barrier to adopting hydrogen fuel for heavy duty applications," said Jacob Leachman, who heads up Washington State University's Hydrogen Properties for Energy Research (HYPER) Laboratory. "The research and testing opportunities will significantly advance the field. We couldn't be more excited to partner with Plug again on DOE projects."

As the primary partner, Plug will oversee engineering, construction, operation, and training. WSU will leverage its advanced cryogenics lab to develop and optimize thermofluid models for the station and will act as the end-use operator. NREL will investigate leakage and sensor technologies, while the University of Maryland will evaluate safety risks and reliability. Engineering will be managed by Plug's team at its Vista headquarters in Slingerlands, NY, with support from its Cryogenics R&D facility in Colfax, WA.

This project focuses on demonstrating these advanced technologies as commercially viable solutions. Rather than conducting R&D as part of the project, Plug will build a fueling station in Pullman, Washington that is expected to be operational in 2026—and could ultimately fuel WSU and community vehicles. This model of the station could also be replicated in New York and nationwide to meet growing refueling demands and support broader adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology. WSU-Pullman and the Pacific NorthWest is an ideal location for this project as there is significant momentum building around the Pacific Northwest H2 Hub, which Plug is also a partner in, and Washington State's zero-emission vehicle mandate by 2035, which the university must meet.

"This historic federal research funding is further proof that Plug is leading the world in hydrogen technology. I couldn't be prouder that this work is centered, right here, in Upstate New York," said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

"Plug Power is a pioneer in clean energy innovation, and this grant helps cement the Capital Region's role at the forefront of the transition to a green energy economy," said Senator Gillibrand. "I'm proud to see the Department of Energy make this $10 million investment and look forward to continuing to work with Plug Power to build a green future."

"Clean hydrogen offers us a chance to secure a clean energy future, but these opportunities can only be realized with robust, forward-thinking federal investments," Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) said. "That's why I've worked hard throughout my time in Congress to drive investments in clean hydrogen research and development. I'm thrilled that Plug Power will be playing this central role in developing our innovation economy, and I'll continue to do all I can to support their powerful work and secure our nation's leadership in clean energy technologies."

"Our nation's clean hydrogen economy is coming into focus, but there is still important work to do in advancing the national strategy and underlying technologies," noted Dr. Sunita Satyapal, director of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office and coordinator of the DOE Hydrogen Program. "These selected projects will play a crucial role in advancing technologies for hydrogen fueling infrastructure and port operations, and they will complement other investments by the Biden-Harris administration in clean hydrogen. The advances achieved by these projects will help grow markets for clean hydrogen in hard-to-decarbonize sectors of America's economy, such as heavy industry and heavy-duty transportation."

Earlier this year, Plug was selected by the DOE for a total of nine awards for Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis, Manufacturing, and Recycling Activities under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These awards highlight Plug's industry leadership and commitment to developing the green hydrogen economy.

About Plug

Plug is building an end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem, from production, storage, and delivery to energy generation, to help its customers meet their business goals and decarbonize the economy. In creating the first commercially viable market for hydrogen fuel cell technology, the company has deployed more than 69,000 fuel cell systems and over 250 fueling stations, more than anyone else in the world, and is the largest buyer of liquid hydrogen.

With plans to operate a green hydrogen highway across North America and Europe, Plug built a state-of-the-art Gigafactory in Rochester, NY to produce electrolyzers and fuel cells and is developing multiple green hydrogen production plants targeting commercial operation by year-end 2028. Plug delivers its green hydrogen solutions directly to its customers and through joint venture partners into multiple environments, including material handling, e-mobility, power generation, and industrial applications.