Lone Cypress Energy Services has completed the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study for the Lone Cypress Hydrogen Project.
This ambitious venture is set to take shape at the Elk Hills Field, nestled within the picturesque landscape of Kern County, California. The study, a meticulously conducted exploration of possibilities, covers a steam methane reformation plant with a capacity to produce 65 metric tonnes of hydrogen per day. What truly sets this project apart is its holistic approach, encompassing everything from carbon capture to hydrogen liquefaction, storage, dispensing, and the intricate web of supporting infrastructure.
Executed under the keen eye of Lone Cypress as the project developer and project management office, and fortified by the expertise of strategic technical partners, the FEED study stands as a testament to the fusion of innovation and practicality. It has not only bolstered the technical and commercial viability of the project but has also infused it with a renewed sense of purpose. Greg Brooks, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Lone Cypress, asserts the study’s role in substantiating cost assumptions and fortifying their determination to usher the project into the realm of reality. He passionately states, “The completion of the FEED study is a critical step in substantiating our assumptions around project costs and has given us the confidence to move forward with project development. Based on this analysis, we feel very confident this facility will generate the most cost-competitive low-carbon liquid hydrogen in the Western United States.”
At its core, the Lone Cypress Hydrogen Project is a harmonious collaboration between Lone Cypress and Carbon TerraVault JV Holdco, LLC (CTV), which is a formidable joint venture uniting California Resources Corporation (CRC) and Brookfield Renewable. This collective effort taps into the emerging carbon sequestration capabilities currently being harnessed by CTV. Anchored strategically within the Elk Hills Field, the project not only stands as a beacon of innovation but also becomes a vital nexus for propelling the energy transition, not just in California but far beyond its borders.
Francisco Leon, President, and Chief Executive Officer of CRC, highlights the significance of this venture. He affirms, “CTV is pleased to be working with Lone Cypress to develop its blue hydrogen facility at our Elk Hills Field. The completion of the FEED study brings us one important step closer to enabling the net-zero energy economy and advancing the energy transition in California and beyond.”
As the curtain lifts on the technical marvel that is the Lone Cypress Hydrogen Project, the stage is set for tangible action. Alongside the meticulous engineering efforts, Lone Cypress has deftly navigated through the procedural maze, having submitted the Conditional Use Permit application for the project to the Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department in May. The journey ahead also involves crucial agreements for hydrogen off-take from the facility, solidifying the project’s role in shaping the hydrogen landscape.
The horizon appears promising as Lone Cypress sets its sights on a definitive timeline. With a final investment decision projected before the year’s end, the 4th quarter of 2025 could witness the resounding commencement of this visionary project. A project that not only demonstrates the convergence of engineering excellence and sustainability aspirations but also serves as a powerful testament to the industry’s commitment to a greener, more vibrant tomorrow.
