8/25/23 - Part 4 - Santa Cruz Metro Board of Directors Meeting

Board member questions and comments on Mr Levin and Mr Brandt's presentation.Jamie Levin of CTE and Scott Brandt of ARCHES, several topics related to hydrogen buses and fuel cells are discussed. Key points include:Tier One Initiative & Involvement of Santa Cruz: Jamie Levin clarifies that Santa Cruz's participation in the thousand bus initiative (Tier One) was due to their general manager's interest, not Scott Brandt's influence.Safety of Hydrogen Fuel: Levin addresses concerns about hydrogen's safety, referencing the Hindenburg incident and explaining that hydrogen is safer than commonly perceived. He compares hydrogen with other fuels like CNG and diesel, emphasizing its relative safety and the successful deployment of hydrogen buses by AC Transit.Hydrogen Production and Cost: Discussions revolve around the production of hydrogen, including biohydrogen, and the goal to reduce fuel costs. Scott Brandt mentions their target for hydrogen pricing and the importance of operational costs in expanding the fleet.Environmental Impact and Technology Development: Levin emphasizes the importance of moving towards greener fuel sources and the adaptability of fuel cell technology to these sources. Brandt highlights ongoing research to improve fuel cell efficiency.Role of ARCHES and University Involvement: Brandt explains ARCHES's focus on practical, low-risk solutions for hydrogen deployment and their alignment with the Department of Energy's objectives. He also discusses the non-profit nature of their organization and its focus on effectiveness over profit.Maintenance Costs and Vehicle Design: The discussion includes the potential for reduced maintenance costs with fuel cell or battery-powered vehicles, and the challenges in achieving this. Levin also touches on the evolution of vehicle design for easier maintenance.Utilization of Biogas and Biohydrogen: The potential of using biogas from sources like feedlots for hydrogen production is considered, with an emphasis on the environmental benefits of such practices.Comments by Board Members: Board members express their impressions and raise questions about various aspects of hydrogen fuel technology, its safety, environmental impact, and the practicality of its implementation.Appreciation for Santa Cruz Staff and Partnership: Levin concludes by thanking the Santa Cruz staff for their cooperation and expresses enthusiasm for future collaborations.Overall, the meeting covers detailed aspects of hydrogen fuel technology, focusing on safety, environmental impact, cost, and the future of transportation.The SC Metro meeting packet with all presentation graphics is here: https://scmtd.com/images/department/board/archive/minutes/2023/2023.08.25-Regular-Board-Minutes.pdf