Solar, Wind, Power Illinois
Hydrogen Project
"I'm excited that we'll be the first airport in the world to
demonstrate that renewable solar and wind energies can be successfully
integrated into the transportation sector."
- Rockford Airport Director Bob O'Brien
Chicago, Illinois - May 20, 2004 [SolarAccess.com]
The Illinois Coalition was named the recipient of a US$54,000 grant from the
Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation to develop Illinois' first hydrogen
fueling station powered by renewable sources. The project, powered in part by
solar and wind energy, will be housed at Rockford's Greater Northwest
Chicagoland Regional Airport and represents the Foundation's first investment in
fuel cell technology. The hydrogen generated by the solar and wind array will
provide stationary heat and power for an airport building and transportation
fuel for zero emission airport vehicles.
"The airport of the future will be clean, efficient and fuel
independent," said Rockford Airport Director Bob O'Brien. "I'm excited
that we'll be the first airport in the world to demonstrate that renewable solar
and wind energies can be successfully integrated into the transportation
sector."
Illinois 2 H2, the Illinois Coalition's hydrogen and fuel cell technology
partnership, released in March a plan to develop a corridor of hydrogen powered
fueling stations and education centers located along I-90. The "Hydrogen
Highway" is a long-range plan to move Illinois toward greater use of
hydrogen fuel cells in vehicles and power-generation applications. The project
will demonstrate broad-scale application of fuel-cell products for
transportation, stationary, and portable power. Hydrogen fuel is expected to
eventually replace gasoline as the world's primary fuel source - a more
efficient, clean burning, and plentiful source than oil.
"The Rockford hydrogen fueling station is a critical step in building a
hydrogen highway across Illinois," said Chris Tynan of the Coalition's
Illinois 2 H2 partnership. "We have the industry, resources and skills to
make Illinois a center of hydrogen fuel cell technology - a move that can
stimulate jobs and fuel economic growth for decades to come."
The Rockford airport project is the second hydrogen fueling station to be
proposed along I-90 since the Coalition report was released. The first, at the
Gas Technology Institute's suburban Des Plaines headquarters, should break
ground in late 2004.
"We commend the Coalition's quick progress toward the Hydrogen
Highway," said Dan LeFevers of the Gas Technology Institute. "They are
helping us put Illinois on the map as a leader in hydrogen technology."
The purpose of these projects is to accelerate the development of technology,
increase knowledge, and engage local stakeholders. Two local organizations, Rock
Valley College and Rock River Training Corporation, will work with local
students and workers on the educational goals.
"Rockford must think about where jobs are going to come from," said
Mike Williams, Rock River Training Corporation President. "The jobs of the
future are in fast-growing industries including solar, hydrogen and wind
power."
The grant was matched by over $100,000 in in-kind contributions from partner
organizations including Illinois Institute of Technology, Aerotecture Inc, Rock
Valley College, and global law firm Latham and Watkins. The investment covers a
six to nine month planning and design phase of the project. The expectation is
that the grant period will serve the dual purpose of creating a specific project
at the airport while providing a template for future projects. After the grant
is complete, construction and financing will be the next major hurdles, with
construction expected to begin in early 2005.
"We move fast," O'Brien said.
Copyright © 1999 - 2004 - SolarAccess.com
For more great coverage on the solar renewable energy sector visit: