California’s Lancaster and City of Industry launch green hydrogen utility

California’s City of Lancaster has launched a public utility focused on linking green hydrogen production and use.

First Public Hydrogen (FPH2) is a joint powers authority (JPA) between Lancaster and the City of Industry and looks to bridge the gap between green hydrogen producers and prospective offtakers.

Looking to connect producers with “confirmed and reliable” buyers, the utility hopes to drive hydrogen market development and growth.

Day-to-day operations of FPH2 will be led by CEO Jason Caudle, General Counsel Allison Burns and Assistant Director Alexus Merina, while its Board of Directors will be chaired by City of Lancaster Mayor, Rex Parris.

Having headed up much of Lancaster’s hydrogen developments, Parris said FPH2 was the next step in building a hydrogen economy.

“I am honoured to serve as chair of the FPH2 board, and alongside leading experts from across government, industry, academia, and labour unions,” he said.

City of Industry Mayor, Cory Moss, added, “This groundbreaking initiative reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability while fostering economic growth. By creating a transparent and scalable hydrogen utility, FPH2 positions our region and California as leaders in the clean energy revolution.”

Earlier this year, Lancaster approved planning for a 400MW green hydrogen plant with onsite solar capacity and storage.

Read more:City of Lancaster approves planning for 400MW green hydrogen plant

Set to be built by Element Resources, the Lancaster Clean Energy Center (LCEC) will use 650 solar arrays to fill 330MWh of battery energy storage for use in 20, 20MW modular electrolyser skids.