Hawaii governor signs bill to expand hydrogen refueling options

Gov. David Ige has signed into law a package of measures that includes SB2570 (Act 241) – Relating to Zero Emission Vehicle Fueling Rebates, which intends to establish a state rebate program for renewable hydrogen refueling systems.

According to the bill, developers of new hydrogen refueling infrastructure are entitled for reimbursements of up to $200,000 if the equipment stores and dispenses hydrogen that is considered “renewable.” This is defined by the bill as fuel “generated exclusively from renewable sources with life cycle emissions of no more than 50 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour.”

Existing hydrogen refueling stations are eligible for up to $200,000 in refunds for improvements that increase their facilities’ capacity, but only if the hydrogen is renewable.

The measure specifies that preference for rebates will be given to initiatives that are “publicly accessible, serve many tenants, employees, or consumers, or service electric vehicle fleets.”

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission is responsible for program administration or contracting the work to a qualified third party. Eligible refueling infrastructure will be constructed or updated on or after January 1, 2023.