Two projects funded by the Department of Energy will examine the use of hydrogen fuels to minimize greenhouse gas emissions by the Port of Seattle and Seattle City Light.

When it comes to forklifts, trucks, cranes, and other heavy machinery, the initial study focuses on putting up a hydrogen refueling station. The second research explores the risks and benefits of creating a hydrogen infrastructure in the port, which might power cruise and freight ships, as well as land-based cars and machinery.

The investigations will be supported by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories. “The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) and Paccar are working together on the study,” Port of Seattle Commission President Fred Felleman said in a written statement, according to a press release.

Because fossil fuels are used to make most hydrogen, this process results in the emission of greenhouse gases. However, in the future, additional hydrogen is expected to be created via a technique that utilizes renewable energy.