CaFCP Headquarters Facility

Background
On April 18, 2000, the California Fuel Cell Partnership broke ground on construction for a fuel cell vehicle demonstration center in West Sacramento. The event attracted more than 150 people, from neighbors and investors to government officials and CaFCP member staff.

The 55,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility was completed and formally opened on November 1, 2000. The grand opening ceremony drew more than 600 people. The facility now houses fuel cell electric vehicles and a hydrogen refueling station. It also serves as an operations base for executing the CaFCP’s goals of demonstrating fuel cell vehicle technology and a refueling infrastructure. The facility features a public gallery with exhibits, models, video kiosks, and literature. Monthly tours are offered to introduce visitors to fuel cell technology (see below).

Automotive members DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen occupy indoor garage work-bays designed to house vehicles for routine servicing, repairs, and diagnostic purposes. Ballard Power Systems, of Vancouver, Canada, occupies space at the facility for administrative and technical purposes.

Energy members BP, ExxonMobil, Shell Hydrogen and ChevronTexaco along with associate members Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and Praxair constructed an on-site hydrogen fueling facility that dispenses compressed and liquid hydrogen fuel for the vehicles. Associate member Methanex, along with the energy members, constructed a methanol fuel station onsite, which was operational during 2002 for members testing methanol-fueled vehicles.

Special Features
As with all fuels, hydrogen has energy and must be treated with respect. CaFCP and its members are committed to the safe and responsible use of hydrogen as a vehicle fuel. Additional safety information for all visitors is available at the facility.

The CaFCP headquarters facility is designed and constructed with specialized safety features that will accommodate vehicles fueled with hydrogen. For example, ventilation systems prevent any possible build-up of hydrogen inside the workbays, and hydrogen detection systems notify occupants and the local fire department in the unlikely event of a significant hydrogen release. Electrical systems are specially designed to use explosion-proof features where necessary. Two-hour firewalls separate the workbays from the office areas, and the roof is constructed of non-combustible materials.

The hydrogen fueling station is designed and constructed with similar attention to safety. Passive pressure relief systems, remote monitoring, and infrared fire detection are just a few examples of the multiple systems in place. For more information regarding this station, please see the CaFCP Headquarters Hydrogen Fueling Station fact sheet.

The main public gallery area of the facility is open daily to the public. Tours are conducted every 4th Friday of the month – reservations can be made by calling the CaFCP’s main office at (916) 371-2870, or sending an email to: info@cafcp.org.

Updated August 2004