North America's largest green hydrogen plant now operational

Phased production

In its initial phase, SoHyCal is fully operational, utilising the power of renewable energy and cutting-edge electrolysis technology to produce up to one tonne per day of green hydrogen fueled by biogas.

In phase two, it will shift to solar energy, with a total capacity of three tonnes per day of green hydrogen driven by PV by Q2 2024. According to the firm, this quantity of hydrogen can power up to 210,000 automobiles or 30,000 city buses each year.

"In the quest for a greener energy transition, SoHyCal represents a cornerstone in California's commitment to developing and promoting clean and sustainable hydrogen fuel technologies. The project is poised to significantly contribute to the surging demand for hydrogen, particularly for transportation applications, the reduction of emissions, and the decarbonization in mobility," said Pedro Pajares, CEO of H2B2 USA, in a statement.

The project also envisges the storage of hydrogen in compressed gas, dispensing into tube-trailers up to 520 bar, and capability of injection of hydrogen blended with natural gas.

Hydrogen as fuel

Renewables are now cost-competitive with traditional energy sources. However, issues occur in terms of management and storage. Electrolysis-produced hydrogen might be the solution to these issues, making it more dispatchable and allowing for big capacity, long-duration energy storage.

According to the firm, hydrogen, by means of electrolysis, provides a sustainable solution for energy storage, transportation fuel and industrial applications.

In the transport sector, hydrogen fuel cell technology can provide an alternative that offers zero emissions, while maintaining the range and refueling time comparable to conventional vehicles. For industrial uses, hydrogen-enabled energy genration can provide cost-effective on-site production, enhancing availability. It also helps to meets critical hydrogen purity requirements and strict environmental regulations.

Hydrogen-enabled energy production can also act as a versatile solution that meets grid ancillary services needs with fast discharge and response times, effectively manages surplus renewable energy, helping such installations to future-proof energy requirements for seasonal and large storage capacities, according to H2B2. Furthermore, it enhances energy security for countries reliant on natural gas imports, shields against natural gas price fluctuations.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) Clean Transportation Programme awarded H2B2 a $3.96M grant for the SoHyCal project. This funding has been critical in assisting with the production of up to one tonne of 100% emission-free hydrogen per day to service Hydrogen Refuelling Stations in the San Joaquin Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area, according to the firm.