CX-100789 Categorical Exclusion Determination

Electrolyte Assisted Hydrogen Storage Reactions
Award Number: DE-EE0007849
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6
Fuel Cell Technologies Office
Date: 12/22/2016
Location(s): CA
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to Liox Power, Inc. to develop reversible hydrogen storage materials suitable for widespread transportation applications. During Budget Period 1 (BP1), experimentation and evaluation of multiple component complex and destabilized hydride materials would be completed. If the results of BP1 warrant it, a second budget period to work on practical hydrogen storage material development using electrolyte (but not excluding electrochemical) assisted reactions may be performed. Only BP1 is being negotiated at this time so this NEPA review is for BP1 activities only. Future budget periods would be negotiated after the first Go/No-Go milestone is met. Additional NEPA review will be required if DOE proposes to continue funding the project into subsequent budget periods. Project work would occur in existing laboratory facilities of Liox and HRL Laboratories in Pasadena and Malibu, California.

Project activities in BP1 include analysis of single or multi component electrolytes possibly with additives, electrochemical proof-of-concept studies of both hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions, and proof-of mechanism studies to demonstrate the efficacy of the electrolyte assist concept on complex hydrides and/or destabilization reactions. All project activities would occur in existing laboratories designed for this type of work; therefore no modifications, new permits, additional licenses and/or authorizations would be necessary. No ground disturbing activities, no changes in operation of existing facilities, and no installation of equipment outdoors would occur at either of the facilities involved in the project. Project activities require the use and handling of various hazardous materials, including metals, solvents, and electrolytes. All such handling would occur in-lab with dedicated proper hazardous material handling and disposal practices in place to ensure there would be no risk to the public. All hazardous materials would be managed in accordance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Only sub-kg or sub-liter quantities of materials and chemicals would be produced during the project. Small quantities of waste material such as solvents or electrolytes would be collected for pickup for all chemical disposal. Waste material is expected to be sub-liter quantities. DOE does not anticipate any impacts to resources of concern due to the proposed activities of the project.