World's First Fuel Cell-powered Ice Refinisher Takes the Ice
NHA Home • NHA News Index

By Rolf Nordstrom
Upper Midwest Hydrogen Initiative

Three members of the Minneapolis-based Upper Midwest Hydrogen Initiative (UMHI) unveiled the first hydrogen-powered ice re-surfacer on Monday at the University of North Dakota's Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC). The unveiling was part of a Hydrogen Energy Summit sponsored by U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan, who led development of the hydrogen and fuel cell portions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 recently-passed by Congress.

UMHI members involved in the "eP-Ice Bear" project include ePower Synergies, Inc., a Cordova, Illinois-based company that develops transportation systems for communities, utilizing clean, sustainable energy systems; Kraus Global, Inc. of Winnipeg, MB, manufacturer of refueling dispensers; and the University of North Dakota Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) in Grand Forks, ND.

The EERC's National Center for Hydrogen Technologies is leading the demonstration and providing technical and logistical services in addition to some funding. EERC is currently leveraging $8 million in federal funds with private sector partners to develop technologies for hydrogen production and fuel cells. Resurfice Corporation of Elmira, ON, manufactured the "Ice Bear" ice refinisher that the project team converted to run on a hydrogen fuel cell.

"We think it is very appropriate that we introduced the eP-Ice Bear at Senator Dorgan's event because the vehicle demonstrates what he has been saying for some time, that the hydrogen revolution is underway" said Bruce Wood, president of ePower. "This development of a near commercial ice refinisher, underscores the fact that the technology is ready, the hydrogen is available and companies are developing products for commercialization," Wood continued. After demonstrating the eP-Ice Bear in North Dakota, ePower Synergies will exhibit the vehicle at the 2005 Electric Drive Transportation Association Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia from December 6th through the 8th.

Wanting to capitalize on its members' success with this project, the Upper Midwest Hydrogen Initiative is launching a search for sponsors interested in building their brand by supporting the development of 4-5 additional hydrogen-powered ice refinishers and seeing them travel in pairs on an international tour of ice arenas across the continent.

"This opportunity is perfect for any company interested in demonstrating its commitment to greater energy security for this country. We're showing the world a hydrogen fuel cell ice refinisher today, but it's really a glimpse of our transportation future. What company wouldn't want to be associated with technology that is clean, competitive and superior?" queries Wood.

"The experience of energy and auto companies demonstrating hydrogen vehicles around the world is that the public needs to see this technology in action before they will accept it, and then demand it," says Rolf Nordstrom, UMHI's director. "Our members endorsed this project because it promised a relatively low-cost opportunity to show people what hydrogen, fuel cells and related technologies can do as part of a secure domestic energy mix."

The Upper Midwest Hydrogen Initiative (UMHI) is a regional public-private venture of the nonprofit Great Plains Institute: www.gpisd.net. It is based in Minneapolis, but serves a large region that includes Manitoba, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. UMHI is dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of renewable and climate-friendly hydrogen, fuel cells and related technologies as part of a secure, domestic and affordable energy system.

Its members include Fortune 500 firms, research universities, and leaders from agriculture, government and the non-profit sector.
Other partners in the Ice Bear project include Ontario-based; HyMotion, Alberta-based Dynetek Corporation, and Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Nuvera Fuels Cells.


© 2006. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of the National Hydrogen Association.
This material may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

NHA Home • Return to NHA News Index