GOVERNOR CRIST CELEBRATES OPENING OF FLORIDA’S FIRST HYDROGEN DEMONSTRATION STATION
May 23, 2007
Contact:
ERIN ISAAC
(850) 488-5394
ORLANDO – Governor Charlie Crist today joined Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael W. Sole to officially open the state’s first hydrogen energy demonstration station. The station fuels hydrogen-powered shuttle buses and provides a test platform for showcasing the production, storage and dispensing of hydrogen fuel.
“Florida is committed to remaining a leader in both the policies and projects that protect our economy and our environment,” said Governor Crist. “Hydrogen technology is both safe and cost-effective, and we are excited to be a part of this revolutionary advancement on our journey toward alternative energy.”
The Boggy Creek Hydrogen Fueling Station energy station, located in the metro-Orlando area, will provide the foundation for a “hydrogen hub” in Central Florida. The station was formed through a collaboration between the State of Florida, Ford Motor Company, Chevron Technology Ventures (a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation) and Progress Energy. Local officials and executives from the corporate partners joined Governor Crist and Secretary Sole for the announcement.
“I am grateful to the many public and private partners who made this project a reality,” said Governor Crist. “I am confident this project will lead to even more opportunities to explore the potential of hydrogen to meet our growing energy needs.”
The hydrogen demonstration station is one of the first located in the Southern United States and will allow project collaborators to assess the commercial feasibility of hydrogen as a transportation fuel. Florida residents will have the opportunity to experience this new transportation technology as the buses transport customers and employees at the Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center.
“Demonstration projects, such as the fueling station, are vital to grow the hydrogen technology industry and spur investment and economic opportunity while safeguarding Florida’s natural resources,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “Today we are expanding access to hydrogen technology and stimulating the market for cleaner, sustainable sources of energy.”
The hydrogen shuttle buses uses an internal combustion engine designed to run on hydrogen fuel instead of gasoline. Florida became the first domestic customer for Ford’s hydrogen shuttle bus earlier this year. For more information, visit www.FloridaEnergy.org.