Chevron New Energies, a branch of Chevron, has recently disclosed plans to initiate a 5-megawatt hydrogen production initiative in California’s Central Valley.

This project aspires to pioneer the creation of lower-carbon energy solutions by harnessing solar power, available land, and non-potable produced water sourced from Chevron’s existing assets at the Lost Hills Oil Field in Kern County. The heart of this endeavor lies in the production of low carbon intensity (LCI) electrolytic hydrogen through the process of electrolysis, which involves utilizing electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Chevron’s overarching strategy is rooted in leveraging its core competencies to steadfastly provide lower carbon energy alternatives to an ever-expanding global populace. With an unwavering belief in the significance of deploying large-scale hydrogen innovations that advocate for a greener world, the envisioned facility is meticulously crafted to churn out two tons of LCI hydrogen per day, with the ultimate ambition of bolstering a burgeoning hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

The developmental timeline of the project is anticipated to span across several years, with the commencement of commercial operations contingent on a confluence of factors including the enactment of flexible and supportive legislative and regulatory energy policies, meticulous finalization of engineering designs, timely acquisition of permits, and the procurement of requisite materials.