David Blekhman, Professor in the Sustainable Energy and Transportation at California State University Los Angeles

Title

Beyond Three Revolutions: Hydrogen Economy

Time

1:40pm - 3:00pm

Location

1605 Tilia, Room 1103, West Village

Abstract

The revolutions started by electric cars have created a chain reaction through the synergy of the energy and transportation sectors. While in their early stages, these revolutions are taking the shape of Hydrogen Hubs (aka Valleys). President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will appropriate $9.5 billion to grow the hydrogen-economy over five years. The bill includes $8 billion to create a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub program, which will support integrated hydrogen production, transport, storage, and end-use activities that will lay the foundation for a clean hydrogen economy.

The presentation will discuss the hydrogen hub concept, several exciting hydrogen projects and deployments. Cal State LA also boasts its own Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility that has been producing its own green hydrogen via electrolysis while fueling cars and enabling special projects. This affords an in-depth look into the challenges of hydrogen infrastructure and workforce development as California invests millions into building 200 stations by 2025.

Biographical Sketch

Dr. David Blekhman is a Professor in the Sustainable Energy and Transportation at California State University Los Angeles. He is 2021-2022 recipient of the Outstanding Professor Award at Cal State LA and the 2019-2020 Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Alternative Energy Technology at Chalmers University. Dr. Blekhman is the Technical Director and the founding member for the Cal State LA Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility. Bringing emerging green jobs opportunities to his students, Dr. Blekhman is actively developing his program by offering cutting-edge courses such as Electric and Hybrid Vehicles, Fuel Cell Applications, Photovoltaics, Advanced Engine Design, etc. Dr. Blekhman received his B.S.-M.S. in Thermal Physics and Engineering from St. Petersburg State Technical University, Russia, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from SUNY Buffalo.