Airport To Launch Test of Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles

01/03/2008

Albany, NY (January 30, 2008) - - - David E. Langdon, chairman of the Albany County Airport today announced the launch of the Airport’s portion of  HyIMPACT, a joint hydrogen vehicle test program which will be undertaken by the Albany International Airport and the Capital District Transportation Authority.  The demonstration project is funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) as part of its Hydrogen Roadmap Program that seeks ways to integrate hydrogen technology into the Empire State’s economy by demonstrating the operational viability of dedicated hydrogen-fueled vehicles.

The Airport will add two hydrogen-powered pickup trucks to its growing fleet of “green” vehicles which currently features compressed natural gas (CNG) powered shuttle buses and pick-up trucks. The project will also include the construction of a hydrogen fueling station that will serve the two Airport vehicles as well as two vehicles being placed into service by the Capital District Transportation Authority.  Under the agreement, the hydrogen fueling station will be installed at the Airport by Air Liquide. 

“We have enthusiastically embraced this demonstration project which will help to focus on our nation’s dependency on foreign oil and address the challenge of creating a reliable, domestic energy source that is also environment friendly,” said David Langdon, chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority.  “Our experience with hydrogen vehicles could pave the way to use hydrogen as a fuel for additional airport ground support equipment and fleet vehicles.

The Airport will use two HICE (Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine) powered, one-ton Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks for the demonstration program.  The four-wheel drive trucks will be equipped with engines that have been retrofitted by eTec Systems of Phoenix, Arizona.  The vehicles are rated at 195 hp and will include two 150-liter storage tanks for hydrogen fuel with an estimated fuel economy of 14mpg city and 20mph highway.

Paul D. Tonko, NYSERDA president and CEO said: “NYSERDA is excited to be part of this project, which builds upon the State’s efforts to reduce our dependence on foreign fuels, cleans up our air and reduces our carbon footprint. We applaud the efforts of the Albany International Airport, CDTA and all of their partners in making this demonstration project a reality, which will showcase the technological advantages of using hydrogen in conventional reciprocating engines.”

As part of the program, Airport employees will undergo a requisite safety training program to ensure proper operation of the fueling station and vehicles.  The vehicles will be assigned to the Airport’s Airfield Maintenance Department and will be dedicated to routine Airport duties including the transportation of workers and equipment to work sites and Airport inspections.

The project is being underwritten with the aid of a $1.2 million NYSERDA contract.  The total cost of the demonstration project, including Airport and CDTA vehicles, fuel, fueling station, labor and maintenance is estimated at $2 million.