The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Fuel Cell Technologies Office has issued a request for information (RFI) seeking feedback from interested stakeholders on existing and potential hydrogen contamination detectors (HCDs) and related factors such as performance characteristics, system integration requirements, costs, deployment guidance, and R&D needs. With several plans announced for the introduction of fuel cell vehicles in the 2015 to 2020 timeframe and several new hydrogen stations currently breaking ground, it is important to manage the risk associated with contaminated hydrogen. DOE is considering proactive strategies to mitigate the risk of fuel contamination. Specifically, DOE is exploring the use of HCDs at fueling stations to halt fuel dispensing if hydrogen quality is compromised to protect fuel cell vehicles from damage while the source of contamination is identified and eradicated.

For details, see the RFI announcement DE-FOA-0001116 or email questions about the RFI to H2ContaminationRFI@ee.doe.gov with "question" in the subject line. RFI responses must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on May 19, 2014. This RFI is not a funding opportunity announcement; therefore, DOE is not accepting applications for funding regarding this topic at this time.