Renewable Hydrogen Fuel Cell Collaborative
1600 Gateway Blvd SE , Canton, Ohio, United States

The Renewable Hydrogen Fuel Cell Collaborative (RHFCC) was established in 2016 through a collaboration with the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) and  The Ohio State University Center for Automotive Research. Currently, the RHFCC operates out of SARTA and Cleveland State University.

Why We Exist

Our goal is to establish the Midwest as a national leader in the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles through education, advocacy and research to take our region and world closer to a sustainable, zero-emission future.

Who We Are

The Renewable Hydrogen Fuel Cell Collaborative is a regional ambassador for the advancement and adoption of hydrogen-powered, zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure in the Midwest.

What We Do

• Educate and inform about hydrogen fuel cell technology and its benefits
• Support and encourage the deployment of vehicles and refueling stations throughout the Midwest. A roadmap released in conjunction with the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority lays out a plan of action to deploy 135,000 fuel cell electric vehicles, build 250 hydrogen stations and create 65,000 new jobs over next 15 years.
• Educate legislators about the significant advantages in economic development and job creation by encouraging the growth of the hydrogen fuel cell supply chain in the region
• Aid in R&D to remove barriers to adoption and make hydrogen-powered vehicles a viable option in the Midwest region

Sustainable

Hydrogen is a sustainable, long-term fueling option for vehicles and equipment. We can use it forever without harming the environment. Not only can it be produced domestically and even locally through renewable resources, but its use promotes energy security and protects our environment. As a zero-emission technology, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) will not damage our environment – in fact, their continued use may even improve our surroundings.

Renewable

Unlike coal and petroleum, hydrogen is abundant and naturally replenished, making it a perfect renewable energy source with the potential to transform the transportation landscape.  Despite its abundance, hydrogen does not naturally occur as a gas. To be used as a fuel, hydrogen must be isolated from compound sources such as water and natural gas, a process that can be easily performed using renewable energy from either wind, solar or both. By using renewable sources of power to make hydrogen fuel, we can create a completely clean cycle – from fuel production, to fuel use – as hydrogen powered vehicles release zero emissions.  Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) can successfully help us preserve our environment, while conserving natural resources. By reducing our dependency on fossil fuels, hydrogen can help us achieve energy security and make renewably driven transportation a reality.

Domestic

The United States depends heavily on foreign oil, making our widespread transportation infrastructure vulnerable to political and economic disruptions that may be out of our control.  Hydrogen, on the other hand, can be produced domestically and even locally from a diverse array of resources. The use of hydrogen has the potential to greatly reduce and eventually eliminate our reliance on foreign energy sources when used to power fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The majority of hydrogen is produced by natural gas reforming, a cost-effective process that most commonly employs methane-driven steam reforming to isolate hydrogen. Renewable energy sources like biogas, wind and solar offer green, sustainable options for production.  Today, hydrogen is produced throughout the United States and can be easily scaled to meet specific application needs – from large central plants to small units located at or near the location where it is being used.