News & Events
MicroEra Power welcomes U.S. Congressman Joe Morelle
APRIL 4, 2023
U.S. Congressman, Joe Morelle, visited MicroEra Power on April 4th to see the innovative work the Rochester-based startup is undertaking to decarbonize building heating and cooling, while optimizing for cost and resilience.
Congressman Morelle met with MicroEra Power’s Team and toured MicroEra Power’s THERMAplus prototyping taking place at AHEAD Energy’s Clean Energy Commercialization Center at 285 Metro Park, Rochester, NY.
In collaboration with Alfred University, AHEAD Energy’s facility is annexed into the campus plan to secure Start-Up New York benefits, providing a productive development space for early stage companies.
MicroEra Power is working with support from its investors, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant program.
AHEAD Energy and MicroEra Power were pleased to welcome Congressman Morelle and his team for a site visit and discussion of the work MicroEra Power is undertaking to help New York and other states to reach decarbonization goals. It’s a critical time in the battle against climate change. Given that buildings consume 40% of all energy, and half of that goes to meeting thermal loads (heating, cooling, and domestic hot water), the work that MicroEra Power is undertaking is both timely and provides a critical resource for load management and cost-effective storage of off-peak or renewable-intensive electricity.
U.S. Congressman, Joe Morelle, visited MicroEra Power on April 4th to see the innovative work the Rochester-based startup is undertaking to decarbonize building heating and cooling, while optimizing for cost and resilience.
Congressman Morelle met with MicroEra Power’s Team and toured MicroEra Power’s THERMAplus prototyping taking place at AHEAD Energy’s Clean Energy Commercialization Center at 285 Metro Park, Rochester, NY.
In collaboration with Alfred University, AHEAD Energy’s facility is annexed into the campus plan to secure Start-Up New York benefits, providing a productive development space for early stage companies.
MicroEra Power is working with support from its investors, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant program.
AHEAD Energy and MicroEra Power were pleased to welcome Congressman Morelle and his team for a site visit and discussion of the work MicroEra Power is undertaking to help New York and other states to reach decarbonization goals. It’s a critical time in the battle against climate change. Given that buildings consume 40% of all energy, and half of that goes to meeting thermal loads (heating, cooling, and domestic hot water), the work that MicroEra Power is undertaking is both timely and provides a critical resource for load management and cost-effective storage of off-peak or renewable-intensive electricity.
IONOMR Innovations comes to Rochester
FEBRUARY 1, 2022
IONOMR Innovation, a Canadian Company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, will be establishing operations in the U.S. later this year, at AHEAD Energy’s Clean Energy Commercialization Center at 285 Metro Park, Rochester, NY.
IONOMR will be occupying the back portion of the building which includes office space, build rooms, and six highly instrumented explosion-proof laboratories. The opportunity to move into a building which has $2M+ of infrastructure and safety systems put in place initially for the fuel cell development work previously undertaken by General Motors, and later Delphi Automotive, provides IONOMR an excellent opportunity to move in and jump into their development work with significant avoided first costs.
IONOMR Innovation, a Canadian Company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, will be establishing operations in the U.S. later this year, at AHEAD Energy’s Clean Energy Commercialization Center at 285 Metro Park, Rochester, NY.
IONOMR will be occupying the back portion of the building which includes office space, build rooms, and six highly instrumented explosion-proof laboratories. The opportunity to move into a building which has $2M+ of infrastructure and safety systems put in place initially for the fuel cell development work previously undertaken by General Motors, and later Delphi Automotive, provides IONOMR an excellent opportunity to move in and jump into their development work with significant avoided first costs.
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AHEAD Energy welcomes IONOMR as an excellent fit with the not-for-profit’s Mission: Supporting development, demonstration and deployment at scale of clean technology developments to mitigate climate change. AHEAD received donation of the Metro Park facility in 2016 and has worked diligently to preserve the resources and infrastructure the building represents to support economic growth and ongoing fuel cell and related R&D and commercialization work in New York.
Executive Director, Ellie Rusling, said, “After years of work to maintain this facility and prepare it for its next life in supporting clean technology developments, IONOMR Innovation’s arrival is a great fit at AHEAD Energy’s Metro Park facility and a true win for Rochester and New York.”
AHEAD Energy welcomes EVOLVE Additive Solutions to 285 Metro Park
NOVEMBER 1, 2018
AHEAD Energy Corporation, a 501(c)(3) organization which owns a Clean Energy Commercialization Center at 285 Metro Park, Rochester, NY is pleased to welcome EVOLVE Additive Solutions as a new tenant.
EVOLVE is a Minnesota based company which is expanding its operations in Rochester, NY to include materials research and development for innovative polymer 3-D printing technologies.
EVOLVE will occupy the front part of the building to include office and laboratory spaces. One of the key features in AHEAD Energy’s facility is the full range of infrastructure which is already installed to support operations, including high electric power, reverse ssmosis water, oil-free compressed air, and resilient power with a backup generator and uninterruptible power supply on-site in the event of grid outages.
AHEAD Energy’s Chairman, James Grieve, remarked “printing technology is a key area of expertise in the Rochester area, which has synergies with battery, solar and fuel cell manufacturing. Evolve Additive is a great “add” to our technology ecosystem .”
AHEAD Energy Corporation, a 501(c)(3) organization which owns a Clean Energy Commercialization Center at 285 Metro Park, Rochester, NY is pleased to welcome EVOLVE Additive Solutions as a new tenant.
EVOLVE is a Minnesota based company which is expanding its operations in Rochester, NY to include materials research and development for innovative polymer 3-D printing technologies.
EVOLVE will occupy the front part of the building to include office and laboratory spaces. One of the key features in AHEAD Energy’s facility is the full range of infrastructure which is already installed to support operations, including high electric power, reverse ssmosis water, oil-free compressed air, and resilient power with a backup generator and uninterruptible power supply on-site in the event of grid outages.
AHEAD Energy’s Chairman, James Grieve, remarked “printing technology is a key area of expertise in the Rochester area, which has synergies with battery, solar and fuel cell manufacturing. Evolve Additive is a great “add” to our technology ecosystem .”
AHEAD Energy Secures START-UP NY Partnership with Alfred University
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2018
Rochester, NY/Alfred, NY - The New York State College of Ceramics (NYSCC), the statutory college at Alfred University, has formalized an agreement to extend its START-UP NY program coverage to a facility owned by AHEAD Energy Corporation, located at 285 Metro Park in Rochester, NY. This change supports New York State’s education and technology-led approach to economic development.
AHEAD Energy is a non-profit corporation focused on cleantech product development and commercialization. According to Alan Rae, Alfred University interim director of the Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology (CACT), “This agreement leverages Alfred University’s
strengths in technical ceramics and glass for energy conversion and storage technologies, including proton exchange membrane (PEM) and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack, component and system technologies, lithium battery systems, thermal storage systems and integration with renewable energy.”
The facility will serve as a unique location for cleantech product development, demonstration and commercialization. It will attract academic spinouts and local start-up companies as well as established businesses, and will serve as a magnet for US-based product development for cleantech companies from around the world.
“Alfred is proud to help support the growth of New York State’s thriving alternative energy sector. Our vast expertise in the development of innovative technical ceramic materials will help to enable the development of a number of new clean energy technologies that will benefit from our partnership with AHEAD Energy,” said Alfred University President Mark Zupan.
Eleanor Rusling, executive director of AHEAD’s facility at Metro Park, said, “We are committed to supporting the cleantech community and expertise in Upstate New York and are pleased to have captured the value for the larger community represented in $10 million already invested in this former corporate facility. AHEAD seeks to mitigate climate change through development and deployment of clean technologies.”
This agreement follows a number of announcements from Alfred University in support of economic development across New York State. Alfred’s Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology was recently awarded a new 10-year, $9.2 million contract through Empire State
Development/NYSTAR, positioning Alfred to provide industry with access to the University’s technical infrastructure as well as with cost-share to companies housed at the AHEAD facility and across New York State.
Alfred University’s recently completed Center for High Temperature Characterization (CHTC) provides industry, academia, and government with unmatched resources in the testing and characterization of materials used in high temperature applications, including those to be
developed at the AHEAD facility. The University is also in the development stages of a $7.75 million award through the SUNY 2020 program to greatly expand its technical offerings in ceramic additive manufacturing, ceramic machining and finishing, and additional capabilities in
high temperature characterization.
AHEAD Energy has indicated there is an opportunity for naming rights for this facility. Inquiries may be directed to Eleanor Rusling, executive director of AHEAD Energy at ExecDir@aheadenergy.org.
About START-UP NY
Launched by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in 2014, START-UP NY is an innovative tax incentive program that partners new, growing and relocating businesses with New York State’s large network of public and private colleges and universities.
Through the use of tax incentives which significantly reduce state and local taxes for participants, the program encourages businesses to create new jobs while establishing a meaningful, mutually beneficial partnership with its college or university sponsor. These
partnerships enable companies to access faculty, industry experts, equipment and advanced research facilities associated with the schools; and create new opportunities for students to receive first-hand experience and internships with START-UP NY businesses.
Dozens of colleges and universities across New York State are participating in START-UP NY, with more than 650 approved zones that represent over 7 million square-feet of eligible space for new or expanding businesses to operate on or near campuses. Each college and university’s approved START-UP NY plan is available at www.startup.ny.gov.
PLEASE REACH OUT W QUESTIONS re; DRAFT PREPARED BY
● David Gottfried, Alfred University, gottfried@alfred.edu 585-738-0908, cell.
● Ellie Rusling, Executive Director, AHEAD Energy Corporation, 501c3, ExecDir@aheadenergy.org 585-749-2716, cell.
● James Grieve, Chair, AHEAD Energy Corporation, 501c3, mjgrieve@aheadenergy.org 585-749-6132, cell.
August 29, 2018
Rochester, NY/Alfred, NY - The New York State College of Ceramics (NYSCC), the statutory college at Alfred University, has formalized an agreement to extend its START-UP NY program coverage to a facility owned by AHEAD Energy Corporation, located at 285 Metro Park in Rochester, NY. This change supports New York State’s education and technology-led approach to economic development.
AHEAD Energy is a non-profit corporation focused on cleantech product development and commercialization. According to Alan Rae, Alfred University interim director of the Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology (CACT), “This agreement leverages Alfred University’s
strengths in technical ceramics and glass for energy conversion and storage technologies, including proton exchange membrane (PEM) and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack, component and system technologies, lithium battery systems, thermal storage systems and integration with renewable energy.”
The facility will serve as a unique location for cleantech product development, demonstration and commercialization. It will attract academic spinouts and local start-up companies as well as established businesses, and will serve as a magnet for US-based product development for cleantech companies from around the world.
“Alfred is proud to help support the growth of New York State’s thriving alternative energy sector. Our vast expertise in the development of innovative technical ceramic materials will help to enable the development of a number of new clean energy technologies that will benefit from our partnership with AHEAD Energy,” said Alfred University President Mark Zupan.
Eleanor Rusling, executive director of AHEAD’s facility at Metro Park, said, “We are committed to supporting the cleantech community and expertise in Upstate New York and are pleased to have captured the value for the larger community represented in $10 million already invested in this former corporate facility. AHEAD seeks to mitigate climate change through development and deployment of clean technologies.”
This agreement follows a number of announcements from Alfred University in support of economic development across New York State. Alfred’s Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology was recently awarded a new 10-year, $9.2 million contract through Empire State
Development/NYSTAR, positioning Alfred to provide industry with access to the University’s technical infrastructure as well as with cost-share to companies housed at the AHEAD facility and across New York State.
Alfred University’s recently completed Center for High Temperature Characterization (CHTC) provides industry, academia, and government with unmatched resources in the testing and characterization of materials used in high temperature applications, including those to be
developed at the AHEAD facility. The University is also in the development stages of a $7.75 million award through the SUNY 2020 program to greatly expand its technical offerings in ceramic additive manufacturing, ceramic machining and finishing, and additional capabilities in
high temperature characterization.
AHEAD Energy has indicated there is an opportunity for naming rights for this facility. Inquiries may be directed to Eleanor Rusling, executive director of AHEAD Energy at ExecDir@aheadenergy.org.
About START-UP NY
Launched by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in 2014, START-UP NY is an innovative tax incentive program that partners new, growing and relocating businesses with New York State’s large network of public and private colleges and universities.
Through the use of tax incentives which significantly reduce state and local taxes for participants, the program encourages businesses to create new jobs while establishing a meaningful, mutually beneficial partnership with its college or university sponsor. These
partnerships enable companies to access faculty, industry experts, equipment and advanced research facilities associated with the schools; and create new opportunities for students to receive first-hand experience and internships with START-UP NY businesses.
Dozens of colleges and universities across New York State are participating in START-UP NY, with more than 650 approved zones that represent over 7 million square-feet of eligible space for new or expanding businesses to operate on or near campuses. Each college and university’s approved START-UP NY plan is available at www.startup.ny.gov.
PLEASE REACH OUT W QUESTIONS re; DRAFT PREPARED BY
● David Gottfried, Alfred University, gottfried@alfred.edu 585-738-0908, cell.
● Ellie Rusling, Executive Director, AHEAD Energy Corporation, 501c3, ExecDir@aheadenergy.org 585-749-2716, cell.
● James Grieve, Chair, AHEAD Energy Corporation, 501c3, mjgrieve@aheadenergy.org 585-749-6132, cell.
Power to Ammonia!
August 29, 2018
As we get closer to the 2050 deadline of decarbonizing our economy, research into alternatives to fossil fuel-based energy are increasing. Once again, ammonia (NH3) is in the forefront of this research—and is continuing to prove promising. A study coordinated by the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT) investigated three NH3 questions: Under what conditions can NH3 be...
The first portion of research determined that producing NH3 from renewable sources, like solar and wind, is indeed feasible. The article also claims this the only way to make NH3’s carbon footprint zero. Though it is rather expensive right now, upcoming changes to the electricity system related to decarbonization (lower investment cost, increased supply of renewable energy, global increase in CO2 price) will make it more competitive.
The second portion of research concluded that NH3 is best for storage in a renewable-based electricity system. NH3 is able to store energy without the concern of limited materials and space largely due to its caloric nature and ability to be produced simply from splitting water (which in turn combines with nitrogen present in air).
The third portion of research investigated the Nuon Magnum power station, and concluded the potential reduction of CO2-emissions by 3.5 mton/yr with base load producing 10 TWh of electricity. NH3 is effectively a CO2-neutral fuel when it’s cracked into hydrogen and nitrogen prior to the hydrogen combusting in a gas turbine and has an evident impact in large scale application marketing (5-10 years).
“Power-to-ammonia enables both storage and import and has the potential to contribute substantially to CO2 reduction targets, offering flexibility for the electricity system and allowing for an alternative to investments in electricity grid infrastructure.”
As we get closer to the 2050 deadline of decarbonizing our economy, research into alternatives to fossil fuel-based energy are increasing. Once again, ammonia (NH3) is in the forefront of this research—and is continuing to prove promising. A study coordinated by the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT) investigated three NH3 questions: Under what conditions can NH3 be...
- produced using renewable electricity
- used to store electricity?
- used as a CO2-neutral fuel for a power plant?
The first portion of research determined that producing NH3 from renewable sources, like solar and wind, is indeed feasible. The article also claims this the only way to make NH3’s carbon footprint zero. Though it is rather expensive right now, upcoming changes to the electricity system related to decarbonization (lower investment cost, increased supply of renewable energy, global increase in CO2 price) will make it more competitive.
The second portion of research concluded that NH3 is best for storage in a renewable-based electricity system. NH3 is able to store energy without the concern of limited materials and space largely due to its caloric nature and ability to be produced simply from splitting water (which in turn combines with nitrogen present in air).
The third portion of research investigated the Nuon Magnum power station, and concluded the potential reduction of CO2-emissions by 3.5 mton/yr with base load producing 10 TWh of electricity. NH3 is effectively a CO2-neutral fuel when it’s cracked into hydrogen and nitrogen prior to the hydrogen combusting in a gas turbine and has an evident impact in large scale application marketing (5-10 years).
“Power-to-ammonia enables both storage and import and has the potential to contribute substantially to CO2 reduction targets, offering flexibility for the electricity system and allowing for an alternative to investments in electricity grid infrastructure.”
| ispt-p2a-final-report.pdf |
Open House at AHEAD|Saturday, June 24, 2017|3-5pm
AHEAD Energy, 501(c)(3) invites you to meet with its Board of Directors to preview our re-vamped R&D facility! Our intent is to create an Open Source R&D / Commercialization Center for Fuel Cells and Clean Energy. This is a unique opportunity to provide input as to how this Center may be of service to you and your business. Please join this gathering of New York’s Clean Energy EcoSystem!
THIS EVENT HAS PASSED AND REGISTRATION IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
THIS EVENT HAS PASSED AND REGISTRATION IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
Maritime: Time to Decarbonize?
April 24, 2018
When we think about the different factors contributing to high amounts of CO2 in our environment, it is easy to point fingers at cars and factories. While these play a large role, another significant factor is maritime shipping. Thankfully, there is hope for reducing such pollution. A recent study supported by the European Climate Foundation determined that, with a few changes, international shipping’s CO2 emissions could be 82% less than what is currently projected for 2035. Put in perspective, this level of reduction is equivalent to the annual emissions of 185 coal-fired power plants. So what changes could lead to such a drastic decrease?
Experts say that reaching this “zero-carbon shipping” is only feasible with support and incentives from the government. The study specifically suggests that there be clear and timeline-driven goals, policy measures to back up the changes, and financial incentives. Overall, this seems feasible—decarbonizing maritime shipping appears to be a matter of “when”, not “if.”
ITF report finds it possible to decarbonize maritime transport by 2035 - Green Car Congress
When we think about the different factors contributing to high amounts of CO2 in our environment, it is easy to point fingers at cars and factories. While these play a large role, another significant factor is maritime shipping. Thankfully, there is hope for reducing such pollution. A recent study supported by the European Climate Foundation determined that, with a few changes, international shipping’s CO2 emissions could be 82% less than what is currently projected for 2035. Put in perspective, this level of reduction is equivalent to the annual emissions of 185 coal-fired power plants. So what changes could lead to such a drastic decrease?
- Alternative fuels (ammonia, hydrogen, methanol) and renewable energy
- Technological measures to ensure ships are as energy efficient as possible
- Operational improvements, including slower ship speeds and larger/more efficient ships
Experts say that reaching this “zero-carbon shipping” is only feasible with support and incentives from the government. The study specifically suggests that there be clear and timeline-driven goals, policy measures to back up the changes, and financial incentives. Overall, this seems feasible—decarbonizing maritime shipping appears to be a matter of “when”, not “if.”
ITF report finds it possible to decarbonize maritime transport by 2035 - Green Car Congress
NH3 Down Under: Australian Export Market for Renewable H2 Thanks to an Innovative Membrane
May 23, 2017
Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) has had its researchers investigating how to separate high-purity hydrogen from a variety of mixed gases over the years. Recently they have joined much of the energy community in noting the beneficial H2 storage capacity of NH3 (remember, it can store H2 in 17.6% of its molecular weight!). CSIRO’s most recent and innovative contribution is the development of a thin metal membrane that can separate H2 from NH3 used as a H2 carrier. Green Car Congress has summarized their process and use of the membrane as follows:
“The renewable hydrogen would first be converted to ammonia (in combination with nitrogen produced in a renewables-driven air separation unit), then be exported piggybacking on the existing transport infrastructure for ammonia, and finally be extracted from the ammonia using the membrane system…”
CSIRO hopes to use this new technology in a variety of applications, noting particularly its potential for use in vehicles. With regards to the latter, this membrane technology has the potential to be used modularly and thus the ability to be a component of refueling stations.
The organization is now in the early steps of a two-year project that aims show the potential of their membrane in a hydrogen production system. They have a goal of obtaining at least 5 kg/day of hydrogen directly—all from ammonia directly. Wow!
As might be expected there is widespread support for their technology and its implementation, with a recent grant of $1.7 million from SIEF and positive feedback from BOC, Hyundai, Toyota, and Renewable Hydrogen Pty Ltd. While no one can know the future of energy, it appears that everything is coming up ammonia.
Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) has had its researchers investigating how to separate high-purity hydrogen from a variety of mixed gases over the years. Recently they have joined much of the energy community in noting the beneficial H2 storage capacity of NH3 (remember, it can store H2 in 17.6% of its molecular weight!). CSIRO’s most recent and innovative contribution is the development of a thin metal membrane that can separate H2 from NH3 used as a H2 carrier. Green Car Congress has summarized their process and use of the membrane as follows:
“The renewable hydrogen would first be converted to ammonia (in combination with nitrogen produced in a renewables-driven air separation unit), then be exported piggybacking on the existing transport infrastructure for ammonia, and finally be extracted from the ammonia using the membrane system…”
CSIRO hopes to use this new technology in a variety of applications, noting particularly its potential for use in vehicles. With regards to the latter, this membrane technology has the potential to be used modularly and thus the ability to be a component of refueling stations.
The organization is now in the early steps of a two-year project that aims show the potential of their membrane in a hydrogen production system. They have a goal of obtaining at least 5 kg/day of hydrogen directly—all from ammonia directly. Wow!
As might be expected there is widespread support for their technology and its implementation, with a recent grant of $1.7 million from SIEF and positive feedback from BOC, Hyundai, Toyota, and Renewable Hydrogen Pty Ltd. While no one can know the future of energy, it appears that everything is coming up ammonia.
Decentralized Power in Rural Africa
May 16, 2017
Rural Africa and other areas historically “off the grid” skipped over the landline telephone and moved into mobile phone technology. Steve Hodgson, a Contributing Editor at Decentralized Energy, has suggested in a recent article that this innovative model might be in action again—and this time it’s with energy.
US-based companies such as Capstone and Aggreko have recently been manufacturing and distributing units for decentralized power in Mali and Eritrea, respectively, and expect that other communities in West Africa and around the globe will soon follow suit. Why wouldn’t they, when the Capstone turbine (butane-based) provided to Mali produces enough electrical power to independently support a small community? Furthermore, Aggreko’s solar-diesel power generators provided to mines in Eritrea will, over a 10-year period of installation, generate capacity with efficiency and remote monitoring. In fact, according to Aggreko this type of decentralized power is particularly promising because it can be the cheapest and most reliable method for all mines, not just those off the grid.
Government authorities and agencies also show support of decentralized power. For example, Kenya’s Rural Electrification Authority has pledged $2 billion to 450 new mini-grids powered by solar and other renewables “as part of a project to bring power to off-grid parts of the country.” Additionally, USAID has promised $4 million of funding to off-grid solar projects in sub-Saharan Africa, with the hopes that it will allow the local developers’ projects to move from the planning stage to the action stage.
Hodgon’s conclusion is particularly intriguing:
Decentralized energy has been identified as one of the most important ways to meet the United Nations goal of ending energy poverty by 2030 – only local energy initiatives can reach the rural poor cost-effectively and in a hurry. Diesel-solar hybrid schemes may not be green enough for some, but decentralized generation is the best way to take power to the rural poor and to remote businesses in Africa.
Indeed, it appears that some of the greatest energy innovation is taking place in Africa. The rest of the world could benefit from looking to these leaders and considering a decentralized approach to energy.
Rural Africa and other areas historically “off the grid” skipped over the landline telephone and moved into mobile phone technology. Steve Hodgson, a Contributing Editor at Decentralized Energy, has suggested in a recent article that this innovative model might be in action again—and this time it’s with energy.
US-based companies such as Capstone and Aggreko have recently been manufacturing and distributing units for decentralized power in Mali and Eritrea, respectively, and expect that other communities in West Africa and around the globe will soon follow suit. Why wouldn’t they, when the Capstone turbine (butane-based) provided to Mali produces enough electrical power to independently support a small community? Furthermore, Aggreko’s solar-diesel power generators provided to mines in Eritrea will, over a 10-year period of installation, generate capacity with efficiency and remote monitoring. In fact, according to Aggreko this type of decentralized power is particularly promising because it can be the cheapest and most reliable method for all mines, not just those off the grid.
Government authorities and agencies also show support of decentralized power. For example, Kenya’s Rural Electrification Authority has pledged $2 billion to 450 new mini-grids powered by solar and other renewables “as part of a project to bring power to off-grid parts of the country.” Additionally, USAID has promised $4 million of funding to off-grid solar projects in sub-Saharan Africa, with the hopes that it will allow the local developers’ projects to move from the planning stage to the action stage.
Hodgon’s conclusion is particularly intriguing:
Decentralized energy has been identified as one of the most important ways to meet the United Nations goal of ending energy poverty by 2030 – only local energy initiatives can reach the rural poor cost-effectively and in a hurry. Diesel-solar hybrid schemes may not be green enough for some, but decentralized generation is the best way to take power to the rural poor and to remote businesses in Africa.
Indeed, it appears that some of the greatest energy innovation is taking place in Africa. The rest of the world could benefit from looking to these leaders and considering a decentralized approach to energy.
Energy Carriers Program in Japan
May 2, 2017
Of the 10 themes in the Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), one of particular interest to AHEAD is “Energy Carriers” and currently being explored in Japan. This SIP project aims to develop a realized version of the fantasy that is a hydrogen society, thus reducing CO2 emissions. As described in a recent SIP publication, “‘[E]nergy carriers’ is the method to efficiently store and transport hydrogen as liquid.” Such storage and transportation is important due to that in its normal, gaseous state, H2 is dangerous and difficult to handle.
So why Japan? Isn’t reducing CO2 emissions a global issue? Absolutely. However, Japan is poor in energy resources and needs a low-carbon society to successfully move forward and ultimately become a leader in energy. They, like many, see the great promise of hydrogen energy and hope that this SIP program allows them to research and overcome the common issues of technology, high cost, and safety with regards to H2.
Here is their succinct vision: “Realize the world’s first new type low carbon society utilizing hydrogen in Japan by 2030 and be a role model in the world.” Plus, among the several goals spread out between 2015 and 2030, the Program Director of Energy Carriers especially notes:
“I would like to demonstrate the hydrogen technologies developed for production, transportation, storage and utilization as tangible results at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games…It is not only a demonstration as a showcase but also aims to be a big first step toward hydrogen society in Japan…I have a confidence that hydrogen energy would contribute to the attractive urban development.”
Good work so far, Energy Carriers! Attached is the full publication released by SIP on this project.
He, T., Pei, Q., & Chen, P. (2015). Liquid organic hydrogen carriers. Journal of Energy Chemistry, 24(5), 587–594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jechem.2015.08.007
Hydrogen Production from Ammonia for Next Generation Carbon-Free Energy Technologies. (2017, May 5). Retrieved May 9, 2017, from http://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=656
Kariya, N., Fukuoka, A., & Ichikawa, M. (2002). Efficient evolution of hydrogen from liquid cycloalkanes over Pt-containing catalysts supported on active carbons under “wet–dry multiphase conditions.” Applied Catalysis A: General, 233(1–2), 91–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0926-860X(02)00139-4
Wang, W., Herreros, J. M., Tsolakis, A., & York, A. P. E. (2013). Ammonia as hydrogen carrier for transportation; investigation of the ammonia exhaust gas fuel reforming. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 38(23), 9907–9917. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2013.05.144
Yolcular, S., & Olgun, Ö. (2008). Ni/Al2O3 catalysts and their activity in dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane for hydrogen production. Catalysis Today, 138(3–4), 198–202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2008.07.020
Of the 10 themes in the Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), one of particular interest to AHEAD is “Energy Carriers” and currently being explored in Japan. This SIP project aims to develop a realized version of the fantasy that is a hydrogen society, thus reducing CO2 emissions. As described in a recent SIP publication, “‘[E]nergy carriers’ is the method to efficiently store and transport hydrogen as liquid.” Such storage and transportation is important due to that in its normal, gaseous state, H2 is dangerous and difficult to handle.
So why Japan? Isn’t reducing CO2 emissions a global issue? Absolutely. However, Japan is poor in energy resources and needs a low-carbon society to successfully move forward and ultimately become a leader in energy. They, like many, see the great promise of hydrogen energy and hope that this SIP program allows them to research and overcome the common issues of technology, high cost, and safety with regards to H2.
Here is their succinct vision: “Realize the world’s first new type low carbon society utilizing hydrogen in Japan by 2030 and be a role model in the world.” Plus, among the several goals spread out between 2015 and 2030, the Program Director of Energy Carriers especially notes:
“I would like to demonstrate the hydrogen technologies developed for production, transportation, storage and utilization as tangible results at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games…It is not only a demonstration as a showcase but also aims to be a big first step toward hydrogen society in Japan…I have a confidence that hydrogen energy would contribute to the attractive urban development.”
Good work so far, Energy Carriers! Attached is the full publication released by SIP on this project.
He, T., Pei, Q., & Chen, P. (2015). Liquid organic hydrogen carriers. Journal of Energy Chemistry, 24(5), 587–594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jechem.2015.08.007
Hydrogen Production from Ammonia for Next Generation Carbon-Free Energy Technologies. (2017, May 5). Retrieved May 9, 2017, from http://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=656
Kariya, N., Fukuoka, A., & Ichikawa, M. (2002). Efficient evolution of hydrogen from liquid cycloalkanes over Pt-containing catalysts supported on active carbons under “wet–dry multiphase conditions.” Applied Catalysis A: General, 233(1–2), 91–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0926-860X(02)00139-4
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IEA News: Exciting Progress on the Ammonia Front
April 28, 2017
Cedric Philibert, a Senior Energy Analyst at IEA, has been using an argument centered on electrolyzer capex to call for renewable H2. In an article last month he came to the conclusion that utilization rates must be high for the projects to be competitive, pointing to ammonia production as key:
“Ammonia could be used on its own as a carbon-free fuel or as an energy carrier to store and transport energy conveniently. Hydrogen could also be used as a process agent in CO2 emissions-free steelmaking.
The market for climate-friendly hydrogen generating technologies can only expand in a world striving to mitigate climate change. SMR [steam methane reforming] with CCS [carbon capture and sequestration] remains an economic option. However, as many countries are considering how to produce synthetic methane or other hydrocarbons from renewable hydrogen – exactly the inverse of SMR – manufacturing ammonia with renewables-based hydrogen is the simplest first step.”
IEA quickly pushed this article to the forefront of its site, suggesting an ever-increasing interest in ammonia and high potential for its use in the near future. AHEAD is in full support of ammonia production in energy and has the labs ready and available for such production.
Cedric Philibert, a Senior Energy Analyst at IEA, has been using an argument centered on electrolyzer capex to call for renewable H2. In an article last month he came to the conclusion that utilization rates must be high for the projects to be competitive, pointing to ammonia production as key:
“Ammonia could be used on its own as a carbon-free fuel or as an energy carrier to store and transport energy conveniently. Hydrogen could also be used as a process agent in CO2 emissions-free steelmaking.
The market for climate-friendly hydrogen generating technologies can only expand in a world striving to mitigate climate change. SMR [steam methane reforming] with CCS [carbon capture and sequestration] remains an economic option. However, as many countries are considering how to produce synthetic methane or other hydrocarbons from renewable hydrogen – exactly the inverse of SMR – manufacturing ammonia with renewables-based hydrogen is the simplest first step.”
IEA quickly pushed this article to the forefront of its site, suggesting an ever-increasing interest in ammonia and high potential for its use in the near future. AHEAD is in full support of ammonia production in energy and has the labs ready and available for such production.
ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit|February 26 - March 1, 2017
"The ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit is an annual conference and technology showcase that brings together experts from different technical disciplines and professional communities to think about America’s energy challenges in new and innovative ways. Now in its eighth year, the Summit offers a unique, three-day program aimed at moving transformational energy technologies out of the lab and into the market."
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12th Annual Columbia Energy Symposium|February 2-3, 2017
"The Columbia Energy Symposium is the largest student-run energy event in New York City, bringing together more than 300 energy professionals, students, faculty, leaders, and executives representing industry, government, and society, to explore and advance our insights into today’s challenging energy questions. Key topics for discussion will include how new technologies, business models, and innovative financing strategies are disrupting the traditional energy system from the entrance of battery storage, to the rise of LNG trading, to the evolving utility business models."
Learn more here
THIS EVENT HAS PASSED AND REGISTRATION IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
Learn more here
THIS EVENT HAS PASSED AND REGISTRATION IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.