HyGen Industries files lawsuits against automakers and California Energy Commission > Fuel Cell Dispatch

HyGen Industries files lawsuits against automakers and California Energy Commission

As automakers work toward building infrastructure, HyGen seeks fairness

As hydrogen transportation becomes more realistic, infrastructure is being targeted as a serious issue. In the U.S., the progress of hydrogen fuel cells is expected to be stymied because of the lack of an infrastructure capable of supporting fuel cells used in vehicles. Many automakers are working to build hydrogen fuel stations throughout the country in the hopes of preparing the way for their hydrogen-powered vehicles. Because of these efforts, some automakers have been attaining awards that recognize the work they have done in building up the hydrogen infrastructure. This trend has run afoul of HyGen Industries, a company specializing in the building of hydrogen fuel stations.

Lawsuits accuse automakers and state agencies of foul play

HyGen Industries has filed lawsuits against some divisions of major automakers Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, and Kia. The company has also filed suits against the California Fuel Cell Partnership and the California Energy Commission. These suits claim that these companies and organizations are purposefully eliminating competition from the hydrogen fuel infrastructure business, which has resulted in a phenomenon where only large car manufacturers are able to win awards for their work in the field.

Awards bring grant money to fuel cell projects and stations

The awards granted by the California Energy Commission and the Fuel Cell Partnership are not simply titles, trophies, and placards. These awards come with grants that are meant to help in the establishment of alternative energy projects. HyGen Industries believes that these awards are purposefully being granted to large companies like Toyota and Mercedes-Benz. The company claims that the California Energy Commission pushed its awarding of grants ahead by three weeks in order avoid litigation.

Litigation not expected to have negative impact on development of infrastructure

The lawsuits were filed in the Santa Clara County Court in California. How litigation will affect the awarding of new grants is currently unknown. As of now, grants will be awarded as scheduled unless otherwise noted by the California Energy Commission. The lawsuits are not expected to negatively impact the development of a hydrogen fuel infrastructure in California, though they may produce modest delays in some projects.

Source: Stephen Vagus, HydrogenFuelNews.com