Kaizen Clean Energy (KCE) has secured a significant contract from the Golden Empire Transit District (GETBus) in Bakersfield, CA. The agreement outlines the development of an off-grid hydrogen fueling station and a hydrogen-based microgrid, catering to GETBus’s expanding Zero-Emission fleet.
The primary objective of this collaboration is to enhance the infrastructure supporting Zero-Emission public transportation. KCE aims to deliver a cutting-edge KCE-150 microgrid, generating up to 150kW of power, alongside a hydrogen fueling station with a capacity of up to 460kg of hydrogen per day. This integrated solution will play a pivotal role in powering hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, facilitating convenient refueling, and supporting electric vehicle (EV) DC fast charging.
KCE’s approach involves on-site hydrogen production, providing GETBus with greater control over their hydrogen fuel supply chain. The KCE-150 microgrid will utilize advanced hydrogen reformers that rely on methanol as a hydrogen carrier. This innovative method allows hydrogen to be transported to the site in the form of methanol, enhancing safety and cost-effectiveness in comparison to traditional hydrogen transport methods.
The adoption of KCE’s technology is anticipated to yield substantial reductions in harmful emissions, contributing to GETBus’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Moreover, the microgrid’s capability to function off-grid ensures resilience in electrical grid services, a crucial aspect for uninterrupted public transportation operations.
Eric Smith, Chief Commercial Officer at Kaizen Clean Energy, emphasized the cost-effectiveness of KCE’s hydrogen fueling stations. He highlighted that these systems provide customers with delivered hydrogen costs significantly lower than conventional compressed or liquid hydrogen technologies. The use of methanol as a hydrogen carrier further contributes to the economic feasibility of the solution.
