1st Chevron Hydrogen Fueling Site Opens

ChevronTexaco Corp. opened a hydrogen fueling station Friday, the first of six pilot stations in a federal program to promote study of the fuel’s potential.

The Chino station will fuel three or more Hyundai Corp. sport utility vehicles designed especially for this test. The research project is part of a five-year Department of Energy cost-sharing program designed to demonstrate safe, practical hydrogen technologies.

Further research into the possibilities for hydrogen will be an important component in developing alternative energy sources, said Donald Paul, vice president and chief technology officer of ChevronTexaco.

“We are entering what is genuinely a new phase in the hydrogen journey. And it is a journey, with lots of unknowns,” Paul said.

The development of hydrogen has been very limited and highly focused on research and development elements, Paul said. But now, with the help of the Department of Energy, the focus is moving toward making pilot plants and starting small-scale test programs.

The efforts may eventually lead to automobile manufacturers deciding they have enough growth to merit the widespread manufacture of hydrogen-fueled vehicles, Paul said.

Experts agree that the widespread development and implementation of hydrogen technology will probably be a long-term effort and may take more than 25 years, said Francis Shields of Accenture Ltd., a consulting firm.

Hydrogen proponents tout the gas’ advantages: hydrogen fuel cells emit no pollutants or greenhouse gases, the gas can be produced from numerous sources, and manufacturing is relatively inexpensive.

“One of the really unique characteristics of hydrogen is that it can be made so many ways, from so many feedstocks,” Paul said.

The Chino center will use natural gas as a feedstock, to use the extensive natural gas infrastructure that is already in place. “Natural gas is an established, very efficient way to make hydrogen,” he said.

ChevronTexaco is based in San Ramon, Calif.