True Zero’s Hydrogen Filling Station Network Deployment Wins Edison Award

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., April 24, 2017 -- Black & Veatch has been selected for a prestigious Silver Edison Award for their support in developing True Zero’s California Hydrogen Network for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). Black & Veatch delivered an advanced engineering, procurement and construction solution for the station network project. True Zero’s 19 refueling stations deployed in California form the first hydrogen network for FCVs in the United States.

The project represents the first stage of a comprehensive program for constructing the statewide True Zero Hydrogen Network by FirstElement Fuel Inc., which received financial support from the California Energy Commission, Toyota, and Honda. The initial filling stations are strategically placed to provide access in several California metro areas as well as connectivity in other parts of the state so that FCV customers have the capability to drive seamlessly throughout the state.

”There’s a lot of pride that comes from doing something we believe will change the world.  We knew we were taking on a big task – to build for the first time ever a network of hydrogen stations that allows fuel cell customers to drive seamlessly around the State of California. We were looking for experts who had built analogous networks, somebody that understood this type of construction and that’s where Black & Veatch came in,” said Joel Ewanick, CEO of FirstElement Fuel Inc.

True Zero’s stations provide consumers in California with access to hydrogen for their zero emission transportation needs. Vehicles that use fuel cells generate electricity to power an electric motor with only water vapor being emitted into the atmosphere.  True Zero’s first 19 filling stations are installed at existing gasoline stations across California. The Edison Awards, which recognize excellence and creativity globally in new products and services, announced the honor in its Transportation & Logistics category at its April 20 gala in New York.

“There was strong collaboration in delivering this distributed refueling infrastructure in a cost-effective and timely manner,” said Andrew Woods, Director of Transformative Technologies, Black & Veatch. “True Zero’s network of stations is spurring an increase in carbon-free vehicle use across California using a model that can be expanded across the country. The award recognition from Edison highlights the importance of innovation and the significant benefits of advanced clean technology.”

Please click link to download a True Zero filling station photo.

Editor’s Notes:

• Construction of the True Zero Hydrogen Network was managed by Overland Contracting Inc. (OCI), a Black & Veatch company.
• FirstElement Fuel, True Zero’s parent company, has received grants from the California Energy Commission and financing from Toyota and Honda to complete its network of hydrogen fueling stations.

About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is an employee-owned, global leader in building critical human infrastructure in Energy, Water, Telecommunications and Government Services. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people in over 100 countries through consulting, engineering, construction, operations and program management. Our revenues in 2016 were US$3.2 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and in social media.

Media Contact Information:
GEORGE MINTER | +1 913-458-8001 P | +1 913-972-8811 M | [email protected]
24-HOUR MEDIA HOTLINE | +1 866-496-9149