H2B2 Electrolysis Technologies has unveiled the “largest” operational green hydrogen production plant powered entirely by renewable energy in North America.
The heart of this groundbreaking endeavor is the SoHyCal initiative, a project that embodies California’s dedication to developing and promoting clean and sustainable hydrogen fuel technologies. SoHyCal, short for Southern California Green Hydrogen via Electrolysis, sets a high bar for green hydrogen production, both in scale and environmental sustainability.
The project’s primary goal is the construction, financing, and operation of a 100% renewable hydrogen production plant. This plant employs Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology, a cutting-edge method that’s ideal for producing green hydrogen. The ultimate capacity of this facility is three tonnes of hydrogen per day, and it achieves this through a photovoltaic (PV) plant.
SoHyCal’s innovation doesn’t stop at its impressive capacity. What makes this project particularly compelling is its two-phase approach to renewable energy. In its initial phase, SoHyCal harnesses the power of renewable energy and electrolysis technology to produce up to one tonne of green hydrogen per day, all powered by dairy biogas. This approach alone represents a significant reduction in emissions and a clear step toward decarbonization in mobility.
The second phase of the project, set to be operational by Q2, 2024, takes the renewable energy transition even further. SoHyCal will pivot to solar energy, a crucial step in the journey to cleaner energy production. In this phase, the plant is expected to produce a total of three tonnes of green hydrogen per day using PV technology. This level of output can fuel up to 210,000 cars annually, marking a substantial contribution to the region’s transportation needs.
The success of SoHyCal has been facilitated by collaboration with essential partners. H2B2 Electrolysis Technologies secured a grant of $3.96 million from the California Energy Commission (CEC) Clean Transportation Programme. This financial support has been instrumental in achieving the project’s goals, including the production of up to one tonne of hydrogen per day for Californian hydrogen refueling stations, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley and San Francisco Bay area.
The Fresno County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has played a significant role in this endeavor as a key partner. Moreover, H2B2 is actively involved in supporting The Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES), which has recently become a successful applicant of the US Department of Energy’s H2Hubs program.
SoHyCal’s impact has reached far beyond the state of California. The project has garnered recognition from the Hydrogen Valley Platform (H2V), an initiative dedicated to facilitating a clean energy transition through the promotion of integrated hydrogen projects and raising awareness among policymakers. This recognition reflects the project’s broader significance in advancing clean and sustainable energy solutions.
