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Element Resources will use solar power and battery storage to ensure 24-hour production. By Michael Puttré . Element Resources is investing $1.85 billion in what is planned to be the largest hydrogen production facility in North America. Construction of the Lancaster Clean Energy Center (LCEC), located in the city about 110 km north of Los Angeles, is scheduled to begin later this year. Element CEO Steve Meheen told pv magazine that the LCEC will be a fully integrated green hydrogen power plant that does not rely on external grid electricity or any external water sources. “The LCEC will be fully solar-powered on-site and will utilize groundwater from the aquifer beneath the land,” Meheen said. “The facility will only use 15 to 20 percent of the water previously used to irrigate carrots, onions, and potatoes on the land, significantly minimizing water usage. A long-life battery energy storage system will ensure hydrogen production 24 hours a day.” Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that the company would be among the recipients of $30.5 million in tax credits as part of the states California Jobs First initiative. When operational in mid-2027, the 850-acre facility will deliver carbon-free hydrogen fuel to the heavy- and medium-duty trucking sectors, public transit authorities, rail operations, and port operations. The facility is expected to produce 22,000 tons of green hydrogen in gaseous and liquid form per year (60,000 kg per day). The distribution plant will use zero-emission trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Element Resources will own and operate the plant, serving as a supplier to the First Public Hydrogen Authority, a utility founded by the City of Lancaster and including the City of Industry. The utility will sell the hydrogen for use in city buses, heavy-duty port vehicles, power plants (as blended fuel), and aviation. Its partners in the project include the City of Lancaster, the state hydrogen partnership ARCHES, the Center for Hydrogen Safety, the California Transit Association, and the California Hydrogen Business Council. Meheen said the LCEC will help end-users of its green hydrogen meet Californias ambitious clean energy goals. Element is exploring the possibility of developing another hydrogen facility in Boron, California. California is moving aggressively to develop hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure. Last year, Avina Clean Hydrogen began construction of a green hydrogen facility in Vernon, California, which will serve the Port of Long Beachs heavy- and medium-duty transportation needs. |
