The Hydrogen Highway Blueprint Plan identifies a path that will benefit not only our environment, but our economy as well,' says Cal EPA Secretary Alan C. Lloyd, a long-time proponent of hydrogen and fuel cells. 'If California is to once again lead the nation, we must seize the opportunity to leave a better future for our children where vehicles run pollution-free, resulting in cleaner air, as well as energy independence and a sustainable economy.' California will invest $54 million in public money over five years, with matching funds from industry, to build up to 100 hydrogen fueling stations in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Diego. Because 39 stations already exist or are planned, 61 new stations -at a cost of about $1m eachwould need to be built by 2010, says the report. Funding also would provide state grants to automakers of $10 000 per vehicle.
In spring last year Schwarzenegger called for up to 200 stations, 20 miles apart on major freeways [FCB, June 2004]. But experts working on the plan concluded it would be best to group stations first where most people live, explains Lloyd. As a result, the document sets a goal of 250 stations statewide linking north and south in Phase 2, which he says could occur by 2015.
The CA H2 Net will be financed through a public-private partnership.