In this episode of Capital Rivers Connect: California Edition, Capital Rivers CEO Greg Aguirre sits down with Bill Elrick, Executive Director of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership (H2FCP). They explore how hydrogen is shaping California’s clean energy future. The conversation covers hydrogen production, infrastructure, private investment, economic development, and how cities and counties can help accelerate adoption.
Hydrogen as a Scalable Clean Energy Solution
While battery-electric vehicles have dominated the clean energy conversation, hydrogen fuel is emerging as a complementary solution, especially for long-haul transportation and large-scale energy storage. Hydrogen offers fast refueling, long range, and the ability to be produced from a variety of sources including natural gas, nuclear, hydro, and renewables. It also plays a vital role in grid resilience, offering storage capabilities that electricity alone cannot match.
California’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership has been at the forefront of this effort for over two decades, bringing together automakers, utilities, policymakers, and infrastructure developers. The goal: build a robust, zero-emission hydrogen ecosystem that spans passenger vehicles, freight, transit, and more.
The Turning Point for Infrastructure and Investment
One of the biggest hurdles to hydrogen adoption is infrastructure. Unlike EVs, which can tap into existing power grids, hydrogen requires new fueling stations, distribution channels, and production facilities. However, momentum is building. Private companies are actively seeking large freeway-adjacent sites—often 20 to 30 acres—for multi-fuel stations that combine hydrogen, EV charging, and even solar power.
California’s Central Valley is becoming a key area of focus, with cities along I-5 and Highway 99 beginning to receive inquiries from hydrogen developers. These locations are critical for fueling corridors, especially for long-haul trucks, and are ideal spots for early infrastructure investment.
A Diverse Approach to Hydrogen Development
The federal government recently designated seven hydrogen hubs across the U.S., each taking a different approach to development. Texas is leveraging its oil and gas infrastructure to produce and export hydrogen. California is prioritizing clean energy integration and zero-emission mobility. The Pacific Northwest is focusing on using hydropower, while other regions are exploring nuclear and other renewable inputs.
This regional diversity strengthens the overall hydrogen economy and offers different models for success. In California, the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership is working with the Air Resources Board to develop a statewide strategy that cities and businesses can align with.
How Cities Can Get Involved
For cities and counties, the time to act is now. Agencies with large land holdings or access to water and renewable energy have a real opportunity to participate in hydrogen infrastructure development. By streamlining permitting, offering creative land deals, and engaging with stakeholders, local governments can help accelerate adoption and attract private investment.
The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership welcomes outreach from municipalities and developers and serves as a connector to industry experts, operators, and investors.
The Road Ahead
With the right policies, infrastructure, and market conditions, California could achieve self-sufficiency in hydrogen-powered transportation within the next decade. The next five to ten years will be critical as clean energy stakeholders work together to build the foundation for a hydrogen economy.
Listen to the full episode of Capital Rivers Connect to learn more about hydrogen’s role in the future of transportation, infrastructure, and energy across California.
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